Gifts of the Magi, Other Christmas Symbols Show Health Benefits
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| Gifts of the Magi, Other Christmas Symbols Show Health Benefits |
Specials :
Myrrh:
Derived from the same family of plants as frankincense, myrrh has also long been used medicinally and for spiritual practices. But more recently, myrrh — extracted from the Commiphora Mukul tree — has been found to have potent anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it has been added to commercial and natural skin creams, toothpaste, and other cosmetic products.
Researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University found tinctures made from myrrh, as well as thyme and marigold, killed the bacterium that causes acne after five minutes exposure. That’s about the same effectiveness as benzoyl peroxide, the active ingredient in most anti-acne creams and washes.
Other studies have suggested myrrh may be beneficial in healing wounds and preventing skin infections, eczema, and gum and mouth ulcers.
Mistletoe:
Scientists at the University of Adelaide in Australia have found mistletoe contains a natural anti-cancer compound that might be used to complement chemotherapy or act as an alternative to drugs to treat colon cancer.
The research found that a mistletoe extract from a species known as Fraxini was more effective than chemotherapy against colon cancer cells and not as harmful to healthy intestinal cells as conventional chemo.
Holly:
English and American holly varieties are commonly used in Christmas decorations. But other members of the holly family — including the species known scientifically as Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex aquifolium — have been used to make medicines to treat everything from digestive disorders to chest congestion to heart conditions.
According to WebMD, tea made from Ilex opaca holly leaves was used as a heart treatment by Native American Indians, Ilex vomitoria was used to induce vomiting (hence its scientific name), and a drink made from holly plants was used as a ceremonial “cleanser” in South America.
Christmas trees:
Pine, spruce, and other evergreen trees contain compounds that have been used in number of natural health remedies, potions, and treatments. Dr. Mehmet Oz has suggested that pinolenic acid in pine nuts — used in snacks, salads, and pesto — reduces food cravings and may offer weight-loss benefits.
Research from Finland's University of Turku has also found a compound in the bark of spruce trees and other evergreens is a powerful prebiotic that feeds healthy gut bacteria and may boost digestive health.
In addition,
spruce bark contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, and tree shoots are also rich in vitamin C. This may explain why pirates brewed “spruce beer” to help prevent scurvy, according to the Finnish researchers.
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