Extracted from the bark, leaves and flowers of the tree, frankincense essential oil is produced by collecting the milky liquid which is excreted when incisions are made in the bark, drying it into a resin, and steam distilling it. The resin develops into pale yellow or pale amber coloured tear-shaped drops, through to almost round lumps, ranging from pea to walnut size. Other grades of resin may be darker in colour, and they may be stuck together in large lumps. There are a number of different varieties of frankincense, about which there has been much confusion, and very little clarity. The most commonly used species are Boswellia carterii, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia papyrifera and Boswellia serrata.
Frankincense is also known as olibanum, which is thought to be derived from Latin olium libanum, meaning oil from Lebanon. The name frankincense is derived from the Old French word franc, meaning free, pure or abundant, and Latin incensum, meaning to smoke. Frankincense played a very important role in the religious and domestic lives of Ancient Egypt, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilisations. It has always been considered an important ingredient in cosmetices, as an aromatic incense and in religious rituals of these ancient civilisations. Its most famous mention is as a gift for baby Jesus from the Three Wise Men, along with gold and myrrh. In history, it has been recommended as an antidote for hemlock and to treat tumours, ulcers, vomiting, dysentery and fever. While Boswellic acids (the component which is needed to treat cancer) do exist in the essential oil, it is in relatively low concentrations. These are more abundant in the resin, and only some species (serrata and sacra) contain them. Check out this informative read at Tisserand Institute, and this one.
The main actions of frankincense are as an anti-catarrhal, astringent, cicatrisant, emollient, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary. * See below for meanings.
For the nervous system, frankincense essential oil calms, cools, aids grounding, relieves fears, anxieties and tension. It dispels nightmares, breaks links with the past, helps to slow the mind, making it very helpful for over-thinking, mental distraction, meditation and insomnia related to a busy mind. It is also useful for panic attacks and other stress-related conditions.
Frankincense has a special affinity with the respiratory system, especially where there is a connection the the nervous system, as seen with asthma. It slows and deepens the breathing, and helps to clear mucous - again making it a great choice for asthma sufferers, and it is also helpful for use with bronchitis. *Always stick to your prescribed medications, and use aromatherapy alongside these.
It also has a special relationship with the skin, and is recommended for oily and mature skin types, and is beneficial for scars, wounds, wrinkles, stretch marks, boils, and cell regeneration in general.
For the reproductive system, frankincense is safe for use during pregnancy after the first trimester, and during delivery, and is helpful as a uterine tonic for heavy bleeding, fibroids and cysts.
Frankincense is recommended when accumulated stress leads to irritability, restlessness and insomnia. It encourages maturity, confidence and efficiency, and helps to bring and understanding of the nature of the universe, good communication, friendliness, warmth and love. It is recommended by Gabrielle Mojay for aiding meditation, comtemplation and prayer, helping to cease mental chatter, and stilling the mind. It ias also helpful for cutting ties with the past, especially where these may block personal growth.
Non-toxic, non irritating and non-sensitising. Safe for use during pregnancy.
Blends well with citrus and floral oils, and other base notes.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com.
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
astringent - contracts, tightens and binds tissue
emollient
expectorant - loosen and aids expelling of mucous in the respiratory system
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