Some info about Frankincense essential oil

Since we just passed thru the Epithany, the celebration of the three astrologers (Magi) who brought gifts to the Christ-child, I thought I would have a couple of posts about two of their gifts.

Frankincense




Used for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritual practice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures,including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role in religious and domestic life. Frankincense has been sought after by kings and valued as highly as gold. More recently, the essential oil is gaining popularity with spiritual seekers and natural healers alike.

The Frankincense tree, or Olibanum, upon first glance, may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as a giant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers. A native to northern Africa, it looks like it belongs in the desert, growing in some of the world's harshest conditions. But it is not the tree itself, but rather its sap that has such profound lore surrounding it. When the tree's bark is pierced with a knife (known traditionally as a 'Mingaf'), a milky-white oleoresin is exuded- thought the tree is not harmed. The resin forms droplets known as 'tears' or 'pearls', which harden into the orange-brown gum known itself as Frankincense. The English name of this natural incense is derived from the medieval French 'franc',meaning 'pure' or 'free', and from the Latin 'incensium', meaning 'to smoke'.

For more than 5000 years, the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China and India; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredients in Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense(as with other ritual incense) is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it's smoke. It is also said to deepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. The incense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke, keeping churches and churchgoers free from disease.

Modern natural medicine and aromatherapy have taken to the use of the essential oil of Frankincense. The oil, having a warm, woody, sweet aroma with a hint of citrus, is steam or CO2 distilled from the resin. It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dry skin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leukorrea. I diffuse this oil combined with eucalyptus essential oil (20% Frankincense to 80% Eucalyptus)to aid with respiratory issues, especially asthma.

The most important effect of the essential oil may be on the nervous system. Regarded as an antidepressant,the aroma can both relax and revitalize, and can help in cases of nervous tension and exhaustion. Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitary glands. The oil is now being researched for it's ability to increase human growth hormone production. Further,it is considered to strengthen the immune system, which may in-fact occur as a result of it's uplifting properties.

Per Ayruvedic medicine, Frankincense is known as:
Familiar name:Boswellia, Indian Olibanum, Salai Guggal
Latin name:Boswellia Serrata
Sanskrit name:Shallaki, Kunduru

Referenced in the earliest Ayruvedic texts, boswellia was traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, disorders of the digestive system, and joint diseases. Pharmacological studies performed in early 1970's identified unique pain relieving, sedating, and anti-inflammatory properties in extracts of boswellia, including the treatment of asthma, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Boswellia can normalize menstrual irregularities and treat liver ailments. It has been used traditionally to treat both syphilis and gonorrhea. As a mouthwash, it can treat bad breath due to gum disease. If there is a common theme to the traditional role of boswellia, it is its purported efficacy in conditions of excessive inflammation.

According to Ayurveda, boswellia carries the astringent, bitter, and sweet tastes. It has a cooling effect on the physiology. It is most pacifying to Pitta and can also reduce Kapha. It is mildly aggravating to Vata in high doses.