Incense in medicine: an early medieval perspective

[DudleySmith]

"
Incense and medicine – incense as medicine?

The possibility that incense was a multipurpose substance has received relatively little attention with regard to a Christianized, medieval setting, though many of the individual ingredients involved in incense have been noted for their potential uses in other types of preparations, ranging from paints to medicines. 4 Writing on early medieval pharmacy, Nicholas Everett has highlighted that the ingredients involved in remedies represent multipurpose substances and could also have had cosmetic, industrial, or artisanal applications. 5 Although Everett did not comment on incense, Mary Thurlkill has noted that incense recipes ‘include the same basic components as those found in most medicines’. 6 Furthermore, focusing specifically on camphor, Robert Donkin has highlighted the ingredient’s role in both medical and incense preparations. 7"

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Incense: Not just for making mummies and medieval churches smell better!

 

[fncceo]

A widely accepted theory of the time (in Europe and China), the Miasma Theory, was that disease was spread by bad smells and polluted air. Malaria, for example, literally mans "bad air".

Incense and perfume were widely regarded as a prophylaxis against disease

 

[Moonglow]

The use of incense during prayer meant that the prayers were lifted to heaven by the smoke trails..

 

[whitehall]

Frankinscence was allegedly carried by the three Wise Men as an offering to the baby Jesus. It is still being used today as a medicinal herb that is rubbed on or inhaled.

 

[harmonica]

The use of incense during prayer meant that the prayers were lifted to heaven by the smoke trails..

was that the main/original reason?