Overview of the efficacy and functions of frankincense and myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are two valuable resins in traditional Chinese medicine. Both of them have the main functions of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain. They are widely used in the fields of orthopedics, gynecology, rheumatic paralysis and other fields. Frankincense focuses on promoting qi and blood circulation, relaxing muscles and activating collaterals, and is often used for bruises and joint pain; myrrh is good at dispersing blood stasis and stopping bleeding, promoting muscle growth and astringing sores, and is often used for ulcers and postoperative recovery. The two are often used together to synergistically enhance the efficacy. Secondary effects include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune regulation, and modern research has also verified the pharmacological effects of its active ingredients. The following will elaborate on traditional applications, modern research and compatibility advantages.

Frankincense functions and applications

Frankincense is the resin of the frankincense tree of the olive family. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and it belongs to the liver and heart meridian.Promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, reduces swelling and promotes muscle growthrole. In traditional prescriptions, such as "Qili San" in "Heji Bureau Prescription", frankincense is often combined with myrrh to treat bruises, bruises, blood stasis, swelling and pain. Modern research has found that the boswellic acids in frankincense have anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and relieve arthritis symptoms. In addition, its volatile oil component has an inhibitory effect on common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and external application can promote wound healing.

The efficacy and application of myrrh

Myrrh is the resin of the myrrh tree, an olive plant. It is mild in nature and bitter in taste. It belongs to the liver and spleen meridians. Its core functions are:Dissipate blood stasis and stop bleeding, reduce sores and promote muscle growth. It is recorded in "Compendium of Materia Medica" that myrrh "mainly breaks blood, relieves pain and promotes muscle growth", and is especially suitable for sores that have not healed for a long time. Modern pharmacology shows that the sesquiterpenoids in myrrh can promote platelet aggregation and accelerate hemostasis; its ethanol extract can also inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and reduce inflammatory reactions. In clinical practice, myrrh is often used for postoperative wound care and chronic ulcers. If it is combined with frankincense to make a plaster, the effect will be better.

The synergy of frankincense and myrrh

The compatibility of the two is a classic case of "matching each other" in traditional Chinese medicine. Frankincense promotes qi and blood circulation, while myrrh disperses blood stasis and relieves pain. When used together, it can significantly enhance the ability to relieve pain and repair tissues. For example, the "Huoluo Xiaoling Dan" in "Yi Zhong Shen Xi Lu" uses the two as main medicines to treat paralysis caused by stagnation of qi and blood. Research shows that combined use can reduce the level of the inflammatory factor IL-6, and the effect is more than 30% higher than that of single use (see table below). In addition, both have certain immunomodulatory effects and have auxiliary effects on autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Summary and Notes

As traditional medicinal materials, frankincense and myrrh have both clinical value and modern scientific verification. However, it should be noted that they are pungent in nature and taste, and should be used with caution by pregnant women and those with yin deficiency and blood heat. It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician and avoid taking large amounts for a long time. Its compatibility advantages reflect the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine in formulating "monarch, minister and envoy". In the future, new anti-inflammatory drugs may be developed by purifying the active ingredients. The rational application of these two medicinal materials can provide natural treatment options for patients with orthopedic injuries, surgery and chronic inflammation.

Citing sources: 1. "Compendium of Materia Medica"·Li Shizhen 2. "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China" 2020 edition 3. CNKI·"Chinese Herbal Medicine" journal (2018 data)