Frankincense
FRANKINCENSE
Boswellia spp.
Common Name
Family
Actions
Analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, cardiotonic, carminative, diuretic, hemostatic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, parasiticide, stimulant, stomachic
Energetics
Warming
Edible Uses
Frankincense is not often seen as edible today although in ancient cultures it was known to be chewed as gum to aid the body in clearing the mind and the digestive system.
Native To
Africa, Southern Arabia, India
Geographic Distribution
India, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
Botanical Description & Identification
Frankincense, or Boswellia sacra, is a small tree or large shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall, preferring rocky coasts. Its bark is papery with multi-stemmed branches. Its bark naturally peels and produces an aromatic resin when cut, which is a good way to distinguish the plant from others similar. Its leaves are dark green and grow in clusters. The leaves are oblong and serrated with flowers that contain five white or pinkish petals.
Key Constituents
Boswellic acid, incensole and incensole acetate, AKBA, pentacyclic triterpene
Sustainability Issues
FRANKINCENSE IS VULNERABLE PLANT. SEEK SUSTAINABLY WILDCRAFTED/CULTIVATED SOURCES OR ALTERNATIVE PLANTS. Pine can be a great substitute to Frankincense.
Harvesting Guidelines
It is critical to harvest frankincense resin (distilled into frankincense oil) sustainably and appropriately as tapping into the tree too much or too often can result in the death of the tree. Harvesting frankincense resin involves creating a hole in the bark of the tree and allowing its resin to seep into a container over a period of time. Limiting the cuts per tree and allowing them an entire year in between tapping, and only tapping for up to three straight years at a time, is the best method to prevent death and potentially extinction.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF FRANKINCENSE:
Frankincense is known to:
*Alleviate stress*Relieve anxiety
*Alleviate symptoms of depression
*Uplift the mood
*Boost the immune system
*Balance out bacteria, dispel harmful bacteria
*Dispel cancer cells
*Dispels unwanted microorganisms
*Reduce plaque
*Dispel unwanted microbes
*Protect the skin from free radicals
*Reduce wrinkles
*Reduce acne
*Reduce scarring
*Reverse signs of aging
*Fade stretch marks
*Improve memory
*Balance hormones
*Improve fertility
*Alleviate overall pain
*Alleviate constipation
*Alleviate headaches
*Alleviate nausea
*Balance the mood and reduce mood swings
*Decrease overall inflammation
*Support better digestion
*Promote better sleep
Frankincense is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain, chronic back pain, tooth decay, halitosis, cavities, oral and respiratory infections, stomachache, bronchitis, laryngitis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, cancer, mental instability, anxiety, and depression
Most common uses:
Most commonly used on the skin as an anti-aging oil as well as an oil to aid the body in protecting and rebalancing infections.
Fun Facts:
Frankincense is:
* Is known to be used by many cultures around the world for spiritual rituals and
celebrations.
* Frankincense was once considered more valuable than gold.
* The coal of frankincense bark was used as eyeliner in ancient Egypt.
* Burning of the frankincense tree was used to repel pests and mosquitoes. Today
diffusing the essential oil works in the same way.
* Is known to be one of the 3 gifts given to Mary at the birth of Jesus. It was
considered a gift suitable for Kings.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Culpeper, N., & Foster, S. (2019). Culpeper's complete herbal. Illustrated & annotated edition. New York, Sterling Publishing Company.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Holmes P. Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Vol. I. Singing Dragon, London, 2016.
Holmes P. Clary sage. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1993; 5(1): 15-17.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995.
McIntyre, Anne. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants.
Safety
Frankincense may not be safe during pregnancy.
Dose