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Health See other Health Articles Title: Gifts of the Magi, Other Christmas Symbols Show Health Benefits Gifts of the Magi, Other Christmas Symbols Show Health Benefits Image: Gifts of the Magi, Other Christmas Symbols Show Health Benefits (Copyright DPC) By Nick Tate | Wednesday, 23 Dec 2015 03:15 PM Frankincense. Myrrh. Holly. Mistletoe. Evergreen trees. These traditional Christmas symbols have long been associated with the Christian holiday. But new scientific research has found these old-world herbs and plants may also have surprising health benefits. Two gifts of the Magi, for instance, contain compounds with healing potential: Frankincense extract has been shown to ease arthritis, while myrrh contains an anti-bacterial substance that clears acne. Leaves of holly plants have been used by natural healers to treat digestive disorders, a compound in mistletoe has been shown to combat hypertension and cancer, and pine nuts from evergreen trees — as well as needles and bark — boost digestive health and promote weight loss. Dr. Kevin Woolf, a cardiology fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center, says many natural substance hold promise in treating high blood pressure and other health conditions. His research has included a comprehensive review of the evidence that non-drug treatments are effective against hypertension, including mistletoe extract. His study, published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, found a compound in the kiss-inducing plant reduces blood pressure in animal studies, but Dr. Woolf cautions that it may be toxic at high doses. His work is part of a growing body of scientific research that is examining the health-boosting properties of natural substances, including some common symbols of Christmas. Here’s a primer. Frankincense: This herb — derived from the resin of Boswellia trees — has been burned in incense as part of religious ceremonies for centuries, including those conducted by the Catholic Church. But it is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional healing practices as a pain remedy. Cardiff University scientists in the U.K. recently published a study showing frankincense contains a natural anti-inflammatory compound and may prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue, which causes arthritis. "What our research has managed to achieve is to use innovative chemical extraction techniques to determine the active ingredient in frankincense,” says researcher Dr. Ahmed Ali. “Having done this we are now able to further characterize the chemical entity and compare its success against other anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating the condition." German scientists with the Friedrich Schiller University Jena have have also suggested the anti-inflammatory substances in Boswellia resin may prove beneficial in treating other immune disorders, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. Researchers with Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have also reported frankincense smoke contains psychoactive substances that can relieves depression and anxiety, based on studies in mice. 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. Read more: Holly, Mistletoe, Other Christmas Plants Show Health Benefits Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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