These three treasures have inspired merchants of ancient times to travel great distances to trade; for the three wise men it was simply to bestow their gifts on a small child beneath the brightest star.It is from the Frankincense trees that grow on the coasts of Arabia and Somalia that a milk-like substance is used today. Frankincense can be found in moisturising creams as it helps keep skin looking fresh and reduce fine lines. As an essential oil or facial mist it is ideal for meditation as it helps to calm the mind and encourage slow deep breathing. Charred frankincense is still used to make kohl, the black powder that women in the Middle East use to paint their eyelids.
Myrrh comes from the stems of bushy shrubs, also found in Arabia and Somalia. It has antiseptic, astringent, and stimulant properties and can be used to disinfect wounds. Though it has a bitter taste it can be diffused in tea and drunk to reduce inflammation in the body. For similar healing properties Myrrh is also used in cosmetics, particularly in natal creams for women. In Arabia today, it is still used by new mothers who soak their weary bodies in a myrrh and salt water baths after giving birth.
Gold that is found in natural products is found in the form of nail varnish and eyeshadows. Sante do a nail varnish in Shiny Gold which contains no phthalates, formaldehyde, toluene, colour lakes (colour bases that do not break down in nature) preservatives or Carmine (Cochineal). NVEY do organic gold eyeshadows (Bronzed Marigold and Copper Bronze) is enriched with jojoba oil, corn silk, chamomile, and Vitamins A,C & E.
