A ruffing long time ago, three very smart humans supposedly brought some very special stuff to a certain special someone. That kid was the lucky recipient of the most valuable goods of the times: gold, frankincence, and myrrh.
Photo Credit: sonya
Ancient Ingredient

Gold was obvious, since a kids need more than just a wooden-leg up in the world – they wanted to give him every opportunity to make it! Frankincense makes sense too, to ward off evil spirits and bad energies – c’mon, you’ve all seen Frankenstein, right? And Myrrh, well this cure-all healing herb was the best anti-inflammatory around – perfect for a newborn’s allergies, of course! That poor babe was brought into the world surrounded by animals and hay – prime breeding ground for asthmatic conditions and respiratory ailments. Of course those wise men brought that kid some immune-enhancing stuff! It just so happens that we animals are affected by allergies too – and when we have a reaction, we need help.

Allergic Symptoms In Animals

Animals get allergies just like humans – we just don’t always show ours the same way.
Some symptoms that show we are allergic are:

• Allergic rhinitis (nasal cavity reaction to dust, mold, cigarette smoke, litter dust etc.)
• Allergic pneumonia in dogs (lung reaction from Aspergillus fungus, pollen, heartworm microfilariae etc.)
• Allergic dermatitis (skin reaction due to food allergy, contact allergy, cutaneous drug eruptions, atopy-allergic inhalant dermatitis etc.)
• Allergic gastroenteritis (reaction of stomach and intestines – vomiting, diarrhea due to food allergy)
• Allergic blepharitis (eyelid reaction to molds, dust, pollen, topic medications etc.)

Myrrh To The Rescue

Most important to humans – and now animals! – is Myrrh’s use in medicine. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and can help move the blood – so it is great for circulatory and nervous problems, as well as cleaning wounds. It can help strengthen the immune system, by reducing inflammation – and allergic reactions.

Myrrh Makes Me Purr

Myrrh is a reddish-brown tree sap (similar to the one that sticks to my fur like gum), that comes from a number of different trees: all native to parts of Africa and the Middle East. This sap is really earthy smelling – not stinky like I like it – and has been used by humans for thousands of years to make incense, perfume wine, and preserve bodies. It has also been used as a haling ointment and drink, to stimulate immunity, heal wounds and reduce inflammation. It is also mildly analgesic (yapyap: a pain reliever) so it is especially good in tinctures, healing ointments and on skin irritations – which is why my human Sage uses it on my flea bites (I am pawticularly sensitive to these critters). I feel so doggone ancient when she “annoints” me with her precious salve!

I really am a Holy Dog.I may be a forward thinking dawg, but I sure like my paws steeped in ancient wisdom. Especially when they help stop my allergic reactions!

High-five At-choooooo (excuse me!), Buster

Photo Credit: glenmaclarty