HERBALIST AND HERBS
The term “give ease” was coined by the famous Appalachian herbalist Tommy Bass. It is a term that says a lot about a healer’s intention.
Three tree gum resins that I use a lot in my practice are MYRRH, MASTIC AND FRANKINCENSE (BOSWELLIA). I use them in multiple forms and for multiple purposes.
In Chinese herbal medicine they have a class of herbs known as blood vitilizers. They are used to reduce the viscosity of thickened blood (Diabetes and Cancer) congested blood (bruises, hematoma, varicosity, clots) and for pain due to fluid congestion. What might be considered a contrary effect is that some of them help stop bleeding as well. Myrrh is a premier blood vitalizing agent. One of the interesting things about herbs is there multiplicity of application. There are dozens or even hundreds of constituents in each herb; opening it up to a broad range of actions. In the case of Myrrh, it will move blood as well as stop bleeding. I use Myrrh in all cases of internal blood congestion, which often produces a blue hue on the tongue. It is also good for menstrual cramping (acute) and in between periods to help prevent cramping and clotting. In a similar way it is good for chronic nosebleeds. All three of these resins are strongly anti-microbial and strongly anti-inflammatory. Myrrh will help stop internal bleeding as well.
Mastic is another amazing gum resin herb. This herb is an excellent way to assist someone with upper gastro-intestinal problem associated with pain, burning, nausea, bloating and a red tipped tongue. The Greeks use it for a wide variety of problems as it has been part of their folk medicine for ages. Mastic will kill the H.pylori virus, which is cited as the primary cause of upper G.I ulcers.
If Myrrh is the queen of gum resins than Frankincense would have to be king. In the area of cancer, this gum resin is a very powerful tool.
Glioblastoma is a very deadly form of brain cancer. AKBA extracts of frankincense have a direct effect upon the extremely dangerous swelling and inflammation on the brain that occurs in this disease. The primary pathway that produces swelling is called Lox. AKBA normalizes this pathway and has a normalizing effect on multiple cancer lines in a variety of cancer. When you can implement an herb that hits multiple targets, that’s where you want to go. Frankincense is one of those herbs. Frankincense is a mainstay in dealing with chronic or acute inflammation.
Resins and gums are a bit unusual when we think about herbs, but they are excellent medicines that have served to help give ease.
Harry Chrissakis Herbalist, M.H. Natural Healing
530-933-8244 • HerbalistandHerbs.com