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Frankincense – The Mystical Oil

Frankincense Trees, Boswellia sacra, olibanum-tree, Homhil Plateau, Socotra Island, Yemen

Bringing some Calm

Frankincense – Boswellia Carteri

A haunting deeply spiritual fragrance – woody, spicy with a hint of citrus

A key ingredient in my REST rollerball oil, Frankincense is very powerful oil. I love the way it calms the mind and clears the head. This ancient and mystical oil has the ability to both relax and revitalise, perfect to alleviate nervous tension and exhaustion. It is one of the oils I use a lot and and will go to in times of stress and anxiety especially when it is hard to switch off after a tough day.

It also has the advantage of being a wonderful for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin and is used in many cosmetic products.

ORIGINS – Some of the history

The Frankincense tree originates mainly in Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, Iran and the Lebanon. The resin oozes from the bark of the tree and is distilled into an essential oil.

The word Frankincense means “real incense” sometimes called Olibanum meaning oil from the Lebanon. In ancient Egypt it was burned as an offering to the Gods and is used to this day in many religions for ritual and meditation. Historically it was valued nearly as much as gold, hence in Christianity, it was a gift from the Three Kings to the infant Jesus.

In Aromatherapy the oil is valued for its many therapeutic properties:

PHYSICAL

  • Naturally Sedative
  • Digestive
  • Tonic
  • Helps to ease breathing difficulties
  • Clears the lungs of mucous membranes, eases coughs and bronchitis

EMOTIONAL & ENERGETIC QUALITIES

  • Brings a sense of calm and peace to the mind and body
  • Deeply relaxing and soothing
  • Can revitalise by clearing the head and easing a cluttered mind

WHEN I USE FRANKINCENSE OIL

  • If I feel anxious, I put 2 drops on a tissue – and breathe in during the day. You can also leave the oil infused tissue by your pillow. It is very soothing when mixed with drop of lavender or orange oils.

 

  • If I have a cough, I will put 3 drops of Spike Lavender and 4 drops of Frankincense into a bowl of hot water (not too hot!) Place a towel over your head and the bowl, close your eyes and breathe. Do this for about 5 deep breaths twice a day. It really helps. The lavender is also analgesic which can help ease the pain. The drops can also be added to 20ml of sunflower oil and used as a chest rub.

 

  • It can also create a lovely calming atmosphere in the evening pre-bedtime. I would put 4 drops in a room diffuser and add something like Bergamot or Lavender (2 drops of each) to create a beautifully fragrant space.  Experiment with the oils you like but remember nothing too stimulating in the evening. e.g. no Rosemary or Eucalyptus or Tea Tree

 

  • For a facial and neck massage, I sometimes add about 3 drops of Frankincense to rosehip oil (approx. 20ml) and gently massage face and neck. It is lovely treatment to give yourself after a bath or warm shower. Ancient Egyptians used it as a face mask to rejuvenate the skin!

SAFETY

Not to be used undiluted on the skin.

As an inhalation it is non–irritating and well tolerated by adults.

Not suitable for children under 5

I you would like to look at the other precious botanical oils in my REST oil, click here.