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Most common oils
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Glossary |
Frankincense |
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Boswellia carteri The earliest recorded use of frankincense is found in an inscription on the tomb of a 15th century B.C., Egyptian queen named Hathsepsut. Frankincense has been treasured for centuries, symbolizes divinity, and was burnt as the original incense to appease the gods. It was used by many cultures to treat almost all known ailments. Ancient Egyptians burned frankincense as incense and ground the charred resin into a powder called kohl. Kohl was used to make the distinctive black eyeliner seen on so many figures in Egyptian art. The Egyptians also used frankincense in rejuvenation face-masks. Frankincense is a familiar botanical product in the east, where it has been used for millennia. It is considered the "holy anointing oil" in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Most people in the west are unfamiliar with the true identity of this enigmatic substance. It is frequently found in historical text, especially scripture, being mentioned 22 times in the Bible. Frankincense essential oil is distilled from the resin of a tree from the burseraceae family. Plants of this family are often sculpted into natural bonsai by the extreme conditions of their desert environments, with eerily contorted trunks and stubby leafless branches. There are many different species of frankincense growing from east Africa, through southern Arabia and into northwestern India. The general consensus of botanists identifies four main species of Boswellia. B. carteri comes from Somalia. B. sacra comes from southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. B. frereana also grows in Somalia. Its resin and essential oil are known as African elemi, (not to be confused with true elemi essential oil, which comes from a Philippine tree). B. serrata grows in India. Its resin and essential oil are known as Indian olibanum. Frankincense (or olibanum) has long been associated with spirituality. One of the first oils to be used in perfume, it was commonly used for incense, medicine, embalming and as a highly valued cosmetic ingredient. Frankincense is found throughout the Red Sea region as well as northeast Africa. It was a prized possession in the ancient world rivaling the value of many precious gems and metals. The trunk of the frankincense tree exudes a sticky substance called oleo gum resin. This oleo gum resin is made up of roughly 65% gum, 30% resin and 4% essential oil. The tree trunks are incised by collectors to expedite the release of the resin, which dries in the hot desert sun into hard knobby masses called 'tears', a fitting name considering what the tree goes through. The crude resin of frankincense can be treated in one of two ways to produce liquid aromatics. The resin is soluble in chemical solvents and the essential oil can be steam distilled. The solvent extraction process produces a viscous, almost solid substance called a resinoid. Resinoids are soluble in high-grade, odorless alcohols. Alcohol dissolved resinoids are sometimes passed off as distilled essential oils. Resinoids are often used in perfume making. Steam distilled essential oil of frankincense is most appropriate for use in aromatherapy. Oil of frankincense is slightly viscous, yellow to green with a deeply balsamic, fresh-resinous aroma. Sweet-lemony, woody camphor or green apple-like notes add complexity to the overall warm, rich aroma of good quality frankincense oil. It is relaxing, uplifting calming and mildly antiseptic. Thin, turpentine or solvent-like, weak, short-lived aromas are indicative of poor quality or adulterated frankincense oil. Outstanding and unusual aromas can be created by blending the oil with citrus oils, lemon and bergamot working well with frankincense. It also mixes well with basil, black pepper, galbanum, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, orange, patchouli and sandalwood. Frankincense essential oil contains primarily monoterpene compounds which makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. It is useful for wounds, acne and dry, chapped, mature skin. Frankincense supports the respiratory system and immune system weakened by colds, flu, bronchitis, coughs and laryngitis. It also supports the nervous system during times of anxiety, stress and nervous tension. Frankincense has the ability to slow and deepen respiration, thereby allowing feelings of calm, comfort and serenity which helps a person to feel centered, introspective and meditative. Frankincense also benefits the digestive and urinary systems as well as the uterus especially during menses. Frankincense is now being researched and used therapeutically in European hospitals. It is anticatarrhal, antitumoral, immune stimulating, antidepressant, and prevents scarring. It contains sesquiterpenes, which help oxygenate the pineal and pituitary glands. In aromatherapy it is excellent for tiredness, grumpiness, negative moods, lack of confidence and emotional turmoil. A comforting oil, by slowing down breathing and controlling tension, it helps to stimulate and focus the mind. DISCLAIMER: This page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of research, not practical experience. |
