Join me, Dr Julia Martins, this festive season for a special Christmas episode where we delve into the intriguing history of myrrh and frankincense. These gifts, famously presented by the wise men to baby Jesus, hold a rich and multifaceted history in medicine and culture.

In this Christmas Special, we explore the medicinal and spiritual significance of these ancient resins, tracing their journey from Biblical times to their enduring relevance in today's world. Learn about the various uses of myrrh and frankincense throughout the centuries, from their roles in ancient rituals to their application in treating ailments and diseases.

Discover the fascinating overlap between the realms of medicine, spirituality, and cosmetics, and how these aromatic resins were a symbol of wealth, health, and divine connection. This video is not just a historical exploration but also a tribute to the timeless value of myrrh and frankincense, inspiring a deeper appreciation for these traditional gifts.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of natural remedies, or simply curious about the historical context of Christmas traditions, this video offers a unique and engaging perspective. Join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more historical journeys with 'Living History'. Let's unwrap the story of these mystical gifts together this Christmas!

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:44 - Biblical Botanicals
04:24 - Ancient Medicine
08:28 - Final Thoughts

Primary Sources:
Dioscorides, De materia medica, trans. L.Y. Beck (2005).
Herodotus, Book 3, Logos 107 - [ Ссылка ]
Isidore of Seville, The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville, trans. S.A. Barney, W.J. Lewis, J.A. Beach, et al. (2006).
Pliny the Elder, Historia naturalis/The Natural History, trans. by J. Bostock (1855).
C. Opsomer, Index de la pharmacopée du Ier au Xe siècle (1989).

Further Reading:
C. Burridge, 'Healing Body and Soul in Early Medieval Europe: Medical Remedies with Christian Elements', Studies in Church History, 2022 (58), pp. 46-67.
C. Burridge, Holy smoke! Incense as an ingredient in early medieval medical recipes, Herbal History Research Network Blog, 18th June 2022. [ Ссылка ]
C. Burridge, 'Incense in medicine: an early medieval perspective', Early Medieval Europe, 2020 (28), pp. 219-55.
A. Dalby, Dangerous Tastes: The Story of Spices (2000).
A. Dalby, Food in the Ancient World from A to Z (2003).
N. Everett, The Alphabet of Galen: Pharmacy from Antiquity to the Middle Ages (2012).
N. Everett, 'The Manuscript Evidence for Pharmacy in the Early Middle Ages', in E. Screen and C. West (eds.) Writing the History of the Early Medieval West (2018).
M. Thurlkill, Sacred scents in early Christianity and Islam (2016).
M. Watt and W. Sellar, Frankincense and Myrrh: Through the Ages, and a Complete Guide to Their Use in Herbalism and Aromatherapy Today (2012).

Intro Music:
Folk Round by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. [ Ссылка ]
Source: [ Ссылка ]

Artist: [ Ссылка ]

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