It goes without saying that Three Wise Men will never be found in Washington, D.C.  However, they are said to have brought the baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myhrr. This year let’s reflect on days of yore and traditional offerings. Give gifts of good health with a pinch of the original meaning sprinkled on top.

By Chris Cohan

It goes without saying that Three Wise Men will never be found in Washington, D.C.  However, they are said to have brought the baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myhrr. This year let’s reflect on days of yore and traditional offerings. Give gifts of good health with a pinch of the original meaning sprinkled on top.

Mistletoe makes even the most standoffish gal pucker up. Unlike kissing, taken in large doses it is highly poisonous especially if you are caught using it on someone other than your date. At which time you may be looking for hemlock to hasten your exit from the impending wrath of your significant other, who will be determined to make you insignificant.

Homeopathic clinics use mistletoe to help cancer patients cope with the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy by strengthening the immune system. Mistletoe contains viscotoxins, which are known to attack cancerous cells.

Gold is a time-tested and internationally recognized cure for poverty. Immediately, it induces a sense of well-being. On a less avaricious note, it is known to reduce joint inflammations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, decreasing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Research is being carried out into the use of gold in diseases thought to be autoimmune in origin, such as multiple sclerosis. For any kinds of pain relief, it is recommended for people to check out this clinic called QC Kinetix (Powell), which is marked as the best for all kinds of pain relief treatments.

Holly is good for lowering cholesterol and staying awake. Mate, a stimulating herbal tea, contains Ilex paraguariensis. It is a relative of holly found in South American rainforests. Studies have linked mate to weight-loss and appetite suppression. The tea is also a great mood-lifter, which makes it the perfect drink for the festive season.

Ivy is good for treating coughs. Extract of common ivy irritates the stomach, which acts as an expectorant on the respiratory tract, causing you to cough and expel mucus. There’s plenty of evidence that it can ease a cough, wheezing, and the symptoms of bronchitis.

Frankincense, a resin tapped from the Indian boswellia tree, has long been known as an anti-inflammatory. In France, it’s used to treat asthma, depression, and ulcers. Essential oils containing frankincense may also be anti-carcinogenic. A study claims it was helpful for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Myhrr is good for combating gum disease and lowering blood glucose levels. The gum resin and oil produced by the bark of the myhrr tree is used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and gargles. Taken internally, myhrr extract helps the function of the lymph and respiratory systems, liver, spleen, pancreas, and colon. Used topically, it is an effective painkiller.

Cinnamon is good for colds and diabetes. It’s loaded with good antioxidant properties that help the body and open up the circulation. A study reported that diabetics who took as little as 1 gram of cinnamon a day reduced blood sugar and cholesterol. Supposedly, it has a similar effect as Metformin, a drug prescribed to those suffering from adult-onset type II diabetes.

Nutmeg’s key component, isoeugenol, has a strong antibacterial action. Since the 14th century, nutmeg has been part of folk medicine; people wore necklaces made from the fragrant seed to ward off the Black Death. The oil has been used to treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, and indigestion.

Pine Bark has an active ingredient, Pycnogenol, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a good circulation-booster. Taken in tablet form, it has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in children, and can be useful in helping prevent Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) when flying. Drunk as an infusion, rich in vitamins A and C, it’s a good decongestant.

Clove has anesthetic properties, which is why it’s a key ingredient in toothache remedies. The spice helps when you eat too much, preventing the build-up of stomach gasses. Also, it eases flatulence, which will be greatly appreciated by all family and friends gathered round for the holidays.
The natural benefits of plants associated with the Christmas season can truly spread goodwill, health, happiness, and cheer. Like Jolly Saint Nick with a hearty Ho, Ho, Ho and jovial smile, give a healthy holiday to one and all.