Eugenia Essentials

Journey of the Magi by James Tissot (1902)

The story of the Magi has always fascinated me. Who were they and where did they really come from? There is much controversy about the origins of the Magi, whose names we have commonly accepted today as Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the generalization is that they came from the east. It has been speculated Yemen is one of the regions of origin. This would ring true, given the fact that myrrh, one of the three gifts mentioned as being presented to Jesus, (Matthew 2:11) comes from the resin of trees that are native to Yemen, Somalia and eastern Ethiopia.

I recently heard the offering of myrrh would have symbolized Jesus’ ability as a great healer. Myrrh was (and still is) used in anointing oils and in ancient times for embalming, perfumes and incense.  It was traded for more than gold! Today Catholics still receive myrrh during the sacraments of “confirmation” and “extreme unction.”

Myrrh is a dark reddish-brown resin which comes primarily from the Commiphora  myrrha tree. High quality myrrh is determined by its stickiness, clarity and dark color. The essential oil is obtained through distillation. Although a base note, its odor is very high in intensity, warm, balsamic and smoky with a slight sweetness. When used in a blend, it provides an earthiness.

Today myrrh is used in general applications as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, toothpastes, salves and liniments. It is particularly useful in combating gum infection. Some other physical benefits it can assist with are  cuts, skin ulcers, wounds, cracked skin, athlete’s foot, ringworm, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis and hemorrhoids. Spiritual and psychological, emotional benefits include help with extreme emotional states, confusion, hysteria, fears and panic states, emotional coldness and apathy. Myrrh should be used in moderation and avoided in pregnancy.

Commiphora myrrh resin