Frankincense
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Boswellia carterii
BIOTANICAL FAMILY
Burseraceae
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN
Somalia
PLANT PART
Resin, gum
NOTE
Base
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distilled
AROMA
Sweet, woody, balsamic with a citrus-like undertone at times
GC/MS REPORT
Monoterpenes: α-pinene (47%); β-myrcene (8%); limonene (7%)
NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS
α-pinene 's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anxiolytic, and gastroprotective. β-myrcene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and sedative. Limonene's known therapeutic properties include: analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, immunostimulant, and skin healing and penetration enhancer.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Respiratory system - helps relieve asthma, bronchitis, and overall respiratory issues; expectorant and mucolytic. Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and joint pains, tension in head and neck muscles. Skin care - wound healing, skin rejuvinating, and scar treatment. Immune system - tonic and support to weakened immune system.
EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES
Antidepressant; assist in meditation and spirituality; helps relaxing, alleviating grief, stress, mental confusion, calming, balancing, quieting the mind, and anxiety relieving.
ADMINISTRATION METHOD
Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation
ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES
The name comes from the old French word "franc," which means free, pure, or abundant, and the Latin word "incensum," which means smoke. Frankincense has played a very important role in ancient Egyptian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek, and Roman civillizations as an ingredient in cosmetics and aromatic incense for religious rituals. Persian physician Avicenna used it to treat ulcers, fever, dysentery, and vomiting.In Ayrveda, it was also used for skin and cardiovscular diseases, cough, bronchitis, asthma, and irregular menses. In the Bible, it was given as a gift for baby Jesus. The Arab tribe Nabateans controlled its trade nearly 2000 years ago. The Egyptians obtained Frankincense from Somalia and used it for their famous scent kyphi - also used as incense for dead kings to be accepted by the gods. In Ancient Rome, Frankinsense became an extravagant and luxury items for the nobles. Today, in many parts of the Arab world, Franikncense is used to attract angels and dispel evil spirits.
SAFETY
Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing; no contraindications known.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.