Plant description
A small tree or shrub with abundant pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It yields a natural oleo gum resin from which the oil is distilled.
History
Used since antiquity as an incense in India, China and in the West by the Catholic Church. Frankincense induces deep breathing and therefore has a peaceful effect on the body and mind which is why it has been used in meditation for so long. In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes. It has been used medicinally in the East and West for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Botanical Family
History
Used since antiquity as an incense in India, China and in the West by the Catholic Church. Frankincense induces deep breathing and therefore has a peaceful effect on the body and mind which is why it has been used in meditation for so long. In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes. It has been used medicinally in the East and West for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Botanical Family
Burseracea
Key constituents
Mainly monoterpene hydrocarbons, notably pinene, dipentene, limonene, thujone, phellandrene, cymene, myrcene, terpinene. Also octyl acetate, octanol, incensole among others.
Main therapeutic properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary.
Main therapeutic uses
Mature and dry complexions, scar tissue, wounds, wrinkles, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, anxiety, nervous tension, stress related conditions.
Blends well with
Sandalwood, Pine, Vetivert, Geranium, Lavender, Mimosa, Neroli, Orange, Bergamot, Camphor, Basil, Black Pepper, Cinnamon. Frankincense modifies the sweetness of citrus blends.
Safety data
Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising and non-phototoxic.
Best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Additional information
Frankincense has the ability to slow down and deepen the breath which is very conducive to prayer and meditation. The gum and oil are used as a fixative and fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes especially oriental and men’s fragrances. It is used in some pharmaceuticals such as liniments and throat pastilles.
For some years it was increasingly difficult to obtain good Frankincense because drought had caused the desert to spread into the marginal lands throughout Somalia which is the natural habitat of the Frankincense tree. Also war in the producing areas had made the collection of raw resin increasingly difficult.
There are other varieties of Frankincense available such as Boswellia thurifera from India and Boswellia serrata from Nigeria which both provide an excellent oil.
Key constituents
Mainly monoterpene hydrocarbons, notably pinene, dipentene, limonene, thujone, phellandrene, cymene, myrcene, terpinene. Also octyl acetate, octanol, incensole among others.
Main therapeutic properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Cytophylactic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine, Vulnerary.
Main therapeutic uses
Mature and dry complexions, scar tissue, wounds, wrinkles, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, anxiety, nervous tension, stress related conditions.
Blends well with
Sandalwood, Pine, Vetivert, Geranium, Lavender, Mimosa, Neroli, Orange, Bergamot, Camphor, Basil, Black Pepper, Cinnamon. Frankincense modifies the sweetness of citrus blends.
Safety data
Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising and non-phototoxic.
Best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Additional information
Frankincense has the ability to slow down and deepen the breath which is very conducive to prayer and meditation. The gum and oil are used as a fixative and fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes especially oriental and men’s fragrances. It is used in some pharmaceuticals such as liniments and throat pastilles.
For some years it was increasingly difficult to obtain good Frankincense because drought had caused the desert to spread into the marginal lands throughout Somalia which is the natural habitat of the Frankincense tree. Also war in the producing areas had made the collection of raw resin increasingly difficult.
There are other varieties of Frankincense available such as Boswellia thurifera from India and Boswellia serrata from Nigeria which both provide an excellent oil.
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