Balsam essential oil inhibits aggressive breast cancer
The researchers believe it was balsam fir (Albies balsam) that was the “Balm of Gilead” and that it was one of the royal gifts given to baby Jesus. Known as “liquid gold”, it was one of three oils found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun and therefore considered royal in nature. It makes sense that the wise men who represented the East in recognizing Jesus as the “new King” would bring the “royal oils”. How exactly did ancient people use this oil? That’s a bit mysterious. We know that they liked to breathe its aroma because they covered their temples and houses with the wood of the balsam fir trees. Fir or balsam is mentioned 18 times in the Bible in 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, the Psalms, the Song of Songs, and in the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Nahum, and Zechariah. Balsam fir has been used for thousands of years for ailments of the respiratory and muscular systems. Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century referred to the balm and said that it was royal in nature and advised that it should be used as a medicine with great caution because it was very powerful. In more modern times, balsam fir has been shown to be anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory. It is used by many massage therapists because it relaxes the nervous system and relieves muscle spasms.
In North America, where balsam trees abound, the Chippewas used the gum resin as a pain reliever; the Menominees used gum resin for colds, cuts, lungs, and sores; Montagnais applied gum resin for chest or heart pain; Ojibwa used gum resin for colds, sores, sore eyes, venereal disease; the Penobscots used gum resin for cuts and sores; Reavers used needles in sweat baths; the Pottawatomies used gum resin for colds and sores; and the Caughnawagas used gum resin for cancer. Here is one such clue found on our own continent to the healing power of balsam fir.
The primary action of the balm
The balm is a powerful anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory. Its chemistry shows that it has more than 90% monoterpenes, which makes it highly anti-inflammatory. It relaxes the nervous system and relaxes muscle spasms, can reduce cortisol levels, and has been shown to inhibit MCF-7 (aggressive breast cancer cells). A combination of balsam fir and frankincense together show great ability to inhibit breast cancers. How is it being used? By daily topical application in a 50-50 dilution in situ. If it were a pharmaceutical drug app, it would be hailed as a medical breakthrough. Women who are learning about this and who have a family history of aggressive breast cancer are opting for the prophylactic application of balm and incense to their breasts. I have also heard many personal testimonials from women who experience frequent cyst formations that prove this and find that these cysts go away without further medical intervention.
Where is the research on this? Since no money can be made studying the medicines of the earth, most research findings are anecdotal, either by small clinics, individual doctors or naturopaths, or through individual personal testimonials from those who have turned to complementary methods of healing. As is often the case, people who have gone the traditional medical model route have “tried everything” and still have their cancer. Having “nothing to lose,” they try complementary healthcare solutions and are surprised to find that the tumors shrink or disappear. I believe that as more people educate themselves about their options, the more they will make informed decisions about their personal health care options. Keep in mind that complementary healthcare, including essential oils, doesn’t work for everyone, just like chemotherapy doesn’t work for everyone. It’s an option, but it doesn’t cause cell damage like chemotherapy does.