Matthew 2:11 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

We have all heard the story about the three wise men travelling from afar to meet the newborn baby Jesus. When they arrived, they gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Since the early days of Christianity, Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying interpretations of the meaning and significance of these particular gifts. Often it is assumed that these gifts were given because of their value, to honour a king or deity in the ancient world: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil.

These three gifts have also been referenced elsewhere in history as gifts given to new kings or given as gifts to the gods, but could these gifts also represent something more than just value?

Some believe they were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his everlasting kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role and connection to God, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming.

Still, others have suggested that the gifts of the magi were a bit more practical—even medicinal in nature. These items, particularly frankincense and myrrh weren’t just ornamental liquids; they were used as medicines. There are numerous references not only in the Bible but also in ancient medical texts that describe their benefits.

Essential oils are known as the first medicines of man, even long before Jesus! The historical accuracy is based on ancient Egyptian heliographs over 5,000 years ago and ancient medical texts from Hippocrates, the father of medicine, in 400BC.

In the Bible alone, frankincense is directly named 22 times. And its most commonly referred to practice involves promoting spiritual awareness by burning it as incense in temples, churches, and in homes. In fact, churches still burn incense to this day for that exact reason!

It is true that when used in aromatherapy, frankincense has very calming and grounding effects, so the ancients were definitely on to something! Today, apart from religious ceremonies, frankincense- is used in yoga and other meditation activities to promote meditation, improve attitude and uplift the spirits.

But apart from its spiritual benefit, frankincense also provides certain health benefits. It’s great for healing the skin, especially aging skin, it can help reduce headaches and body aches, it can support the endocrine system, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frankincense has also been seen to help boost immunity. Boswellic Acids within frankincense have been shown to increase immunoglobins (antibodies for illness) and improve t-cell interactions (fighter cells to fight infection).

The benefits of frankincense can be magnified in the presence of another resin called Myrrh. This may explain why so often the two are presented together. Historical texts pair these two oils together even before Jesus and date their use back to 1500BC.

Above frankincense, myrrh is the most popular and most mentioned oil in the Bible! It is mentioned 157 times! It too is usually referenced with uses in spiritual anointing and burial processes. However, there are some mentions that allude to the oil being used in a more medicinal way.

During this period of time, Myrrh was often used after birth; myrrh was also often used on the newborn’s umbilical cord to prevent infection.

Myrrh has naturally occurring antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antiviral properties, so it makes sense that this oil would be used in wound healing back in the time of Jesus. In fact, in the modern day, we encourage the use of Myrrh oil for these very same benefits!

But the biggest health benefit of Myrrh is that it’s a potent antioxidant! This could also explain why it was used in mummification. Myrrh has Eugenol and Terpenoids, which are chemicals (antioxidants) produced by the plant to preserve itself from oxidative stress.

A substance’s antioxidant affect is measured on what is called the ORAC Scale. Myrrh has an ORAC rating of 379,800. Compared that to say a carrot, which has a rating of 210 and you can see just how powerful Myrrh really is as an antioxidant!

This antioxidant effect is what preserves the plant; hence why it’s such a useful oil for burial. But it also means, it’s a potent antioxidant while alive to help slow down disease and organ damage…even slowing down cellular aging! Could it be that the ancients knew about this effect and gave Jesus Myrrh to symbolize eternal life?

So why gold? Some say that the gold was brought to preserve the oils. One belief is that when the oils were given to Jesus, they may have had gold flakes in the containers, which was used in the past to preserve the essential oil.

Or was it not gold at all? Some theorists believe that the Bible could be referencing a golden spice such as Turmeric.

This wouldn’t be a far stretch as, during that time, Turmeric was seen to be just as valuable as gold and perhaps more so, as it was often used to anoint the kings of Israel!

If this is true, then Turmeric also has many health benefits. It is an antiallergenic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral and anti-worm compound. It also can help reduce pain in joints and support the liver.

By learning about the different functions of these oils, you can see how these gifts were fit for a king! But they were more than just valuable commodities, they were purposeful items used for spiritual and physical health.

So as we start to think about our own Christmas gift giving, be like the wise men, look beyond beautiful objects. Give gifts that will enhance the life of your loved ones in mind, body, and spirit.

Sylvia Provenski, www.canadianmoms.ca

Walking is a low-impact and high results activity that is one of the most popular ways for everyone to improve their wellness.

Not only is it one of the first things that you learn how to do as a child, walking remains one of the easiest exercises for most people to do. Aside from a good pair of shoes and some comfortable clothing, walking requires absolutely no special equipment, you don’t need a coach or rely on teammates, and you’ll never be forced into someone else’s schedule. Yet walking has some of the biggest benefits of any activity.

Simply putting one foot in front of the other at a moderate pace can help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your balance, coordination, and mood, and help prevent or manage conditions like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.

Walking just a few minutes every day can pay dividends almost immediately. Studies show that a few minutes of brisk walking can quickly put you in a happier mood, especially if you remember to walk with proper posture.

A good fitness stride is purposeful, with your head up and looking forward, not at the ground. Relax your neck, shoulders, and spine, but tighten your tummy muscles to engage your core. The goal is to feel as if you are standing straight and tall, but not stiffly at attention. For best balance, make sure you are not hunched forward or arched back.

It is good to swing your arms as you walk, with your elbows bent slightly, and even to pump with your arms as you go. Roll your feet from heel to toe as you take each stride, and feel your hips and shoulders swing smoothly. Walking is fun!

When you first go out for a walk, take a few minutes to warm up before pushing yourself. Walk slowly for a little while to get your muscles ready for exercise. A cool-down period at the end of your walk will help as well. Light stretching feels great after a walk and can improve your flexibility also.

Comfortable clothes and shoes will help you to get the most out of your walk. A good pair of walking shoes will last a long time. When it’s time for new shoes, make sure they fit well, give you good arch support, and have a firm heel with a flexible, shock-absorbing sole. A good grip is essential as well.

If you are walking outdoors, make sure you have dressed appropriately for the weather and pick a path that is smooth and well-maintained. You should also wear high-visibility clothing, including bright or reflective colours if you are walking at night.

Don’t let wellness slip away during winter! If cold, dark weather or slippery surfaces are an obstacle, there are plenty of places to get your walk on! Consider finding an indoor track to stay on pace for the colder months.

Maureen Bonar, www.gobobcats.ca

Most Canadians suffer from some sort of digestive complaint on a regular basis. These digestive issues include gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn and tiredness after eating. These symptoms can all be related to other health issues however if they occur after eating, then chances are they are digestion related and enzymes can help! Renew Life offers 3 main digestive enzyme formulas for varying degrees of digestive distress. •          DigestMORE is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a daily digestive enzyme to manage occasional digestive issues. •   DigestMORE ULTRA is the ideal choice for anyone who has chronic digestive problems that may include gas, bloating, regurgitation, and tiredness after eating. • DigestMORE HCl is the ideal choice to help combat heartburn and acid reflux caused by low stomach acid. Taking digestive enzymes is one of the most effective ways to change the way your body responds to the foods you eat. Whether you take them every day or just when you need them, digestive enzymes should be part of your digestive care toolkit! Cory Calverley, Hedley’s Health Hut,  www.healthfirstnetwork.ca/hedleyshealthhut

Nature’s Defense: Using Essential Oils During Flu Season

As winter approaches we all gather indoors which makes it easier for germs to be spread from person to person. Rather than waiting until I have the flu or a cold and then treating the symptoms I prefer to support my body’s natural defences to reduce the chance of getting sick. In addition to staying hydrated, getting a good sleep, eating well and exercising, I also use some natural flu remedies such as essential oils to boost my immune system, and if I do get sick, to speed my recovery and decrease my symptoms. Modern medicine should not be discounted, but I like to integrate more natural remedies with modern medicine when I can.

It is a common misconception that antibiotics will cure all. Antibiotics don’t work against infections caused by viruses. Influenza or what we commonly call “the flu” is a virus and not bacterial so antibiotics won’t work to get rid of it. In my experience when I have gone to the clinic to get relief from my flu symptoms the doctor has sent me home saying I have influenza and there isn’t anything to do but get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

So what are some ways we can support our health NATURALLY to help us through this flu season, or to relieve the symptoms if we get the flu?

There are many naturally occurring essential oils derived from plants such as Clove, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark/leaf, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint and Thyme that have the ability to fight unwanted germs.

There is a story about four thieves or grave robbers who lived in Europe around the 15th century when the bubonic plague was at its worst. They would rob the bodies of all their possessions, yet never contracted this deadly illness!

It was said that when they were finally caught the magistrate offered them a deal. If they shared their secret he would give them a reduced sentence. They took the deal and explained that through their knowledge of herbal medicine and essential oils they were able to create a powerful combination that was highly effective in preventing them from becoming ill. The herbs they were said to have used were: Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary.

I like to make my own immune support blend using the same oils to what the thieves used, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary as well as Lemon and Oregano. Lemon is a great supporter of the immune system and Oregano has natural anti-viral properties, which is important when faced with viral infections like the flu.

Please note that some oils like clove and cinnamon are considered ‘hot’ oils. Using them without a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive, or almond oil may cause a slight burning sensation and rash. When using hot oils on the skin, always test a small area on your arm first. Be sure to dilute the essential oil with carrier oil. If you have no reaction within 30 minutes you can apply to other areas of the body.

So what to do if the dreaded ‘bug’ has already hit your house?

I recommend diffusing the oils mentioned above. You can diffuse a combination of oils or one at a time, just add a few drops of your favourite essential oil in an average size diffuser for a small room and up to 10 drops for a larger room.

I like to apply my essential oils immediately when I feel something coming on. It typically starts in my throat. So I rub the immune support blend around my neck (heavily diluted) before I go to bed and often I wake up feeling great with no more sore throat! I also like to supplement this by applying Oregano (diluted) to the soles of my feet, especially when I’m already sick. At night, just before bed, I rub the oil on the soles my feet and then put socks over top.

The key to success with oils is ‘early and often’. It takes very little time for oils to move through every cell in the body, so if you are determined to rid your body of a bug, apply oils topically several times per day until the illness passes.

To help tackle specific symptoms here are a few other ideas for some natural alternatives:

Feeling Hot?

For older children (10+) and adults, apply oils like Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint (diluted with a carrier oil) to back of the neck and feet every 10-20 minutes for a cooling sensation until you feel better.

* Be very careful that you do not get any Peppermint in your eyes. If you do get it in your eyes dilute it with a drop of carrier oil.

Vegetable oils will dilute essential oils if the essential oil causes discomfort or irritation.

Stuffy Nose?

For older children/adults

Essential Oils: 5 drops Lavender, 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Peppermint, 2 drops Myrtle and 2 drops Pine. Add these to 2 Tablespoons or 30 ml of carrier oil and put into an empty roller-ball bottle to rub on outside of nostrils throughout the day. *Do not apply the oils close to your eyes.

Need a quick fix? Put 2-3 drops of your chosen oil in the palm of your hands, rub them together, cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply. You can easily repeat this throughout the day.

Coughing?

DIY Chest Rub

5 TB coconut oil

2 TB shea butter

1 1/2 TB beeswax pellets (or grated from a bar)

30 drops Eucalyptus. I like to use either Radiata or Globulus. NOTE: for children use Eucalyptus Radiata or Citriodora)

10 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary.

5   drops Tea Tree,

For older children and adults:

Mix coconut oil and shea butter and beeswax in double boiler or in a glass measuring cup placed in boiled water. Stir until melted. Remove from heat, let sit 3-5 min to cool slightly and then add the essential oils. Mix and pour into a small glass Mason jar with lid. Store in a cool dark place.This recipe will make one 4 oz. jar.

When needed, I apply the mix to the chest and back. Then place a hot, wet cloth over top with a dry towel over top that. Let it sit for 20 min. Do this twice per day, especially before bed, for respiratory support and to relieve a cough.

Don’t have a diffuser? You can easily make a small diffuser with a cup of boiling water and a couple of drops of essential oil!

Always follow the recommended amount on the bottle and always keep oils out of the reach of small children.

For more DIY essential oil recipes and information on using essential oils with children under 2 years go to my website: www.CanadianMoms.ca

Sylvia Provenski

204-720-5348

Young Living Member #1740823

Have you ever wondered what is “normal” for your body after you’ve given birth? Here is an extensive list of symptoms to watch for post-partum: ongoing back, pelvis, groin, or abdominal pain. Leaking urine and gas or stool from laughing, coughing, jumping, sneezing, lifting, walking, or running is also problematic. Leaking urine or stool when you feel a strong urge to go and pressure or bulging in your vagina or rectum are indicators of abnormal healing. Bulging of your abdomen during any exercise is a red flag. Difficulty doing any of your everyday activities because of pain, leakage, pressure, or any other symptom that concerns you needs to be taken seriously. What you should do if you have any of these symptoms: if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should get advice and help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist. These symptoms usually do not go away on their own!

Marita Dowsett B.P.T., Physio 4U