Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Location: Frankincense grows wild in the deserts of Somalia, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the gum-resin.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is colourless with a warm, balsamic, spicy aroma that is dry and fortifying with sweet undertones.
Description: A small tree, it has small leaves and pale pink flowers. The whole tree has abundant resin that exudes a milky juice which hardens to "tears" on exposure to air. The solid "tears" are then collected.
Background: Frankincense was among the earliest incenses, with, 3000 years of continual religious usage. Valued as highly as gold, it was long used by the Egyptians for religious and ceremonial purposes, mentioned several times in the Bible.
Properties: Antiseptic, sedative, tonic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant.
Uses
Respiratory System-Slows down and deepens the breathing, ensuring calm and comfort. Very useful for asthma.
Skin-Rejuvenating for the skin; especially good for ageing skin and wrinkles, and for preserving a youthful complexion. Effective for healing wounds and scars.
Emotion- Helps reduce tension. Frankincense calms and is ideal to use prior to meditation.
