Frankincense Boswellia carterii
Specifics
Click on any of the information below to find oils in that category. Example: Click on the plant part to find all the oils extracted form that plant part.
| Country of Origin: Somalia | Extraction Method: Steam Distilled |
| Chemical Families: Monoterpenes | Plant Part: Resin / Gum |
| Cultivation: Plant was Wild Crafted | Botanical Families: Burseaceae |
| Aromas: Balsamic, Earthy, Resinous, Warm and Radiant | |
| Note: Base |
Personal Experience, Research, Possible Actions
Frankincense has classically been used as incense and to deepen meditation. I often add Frankincense to skin care products for dry, aging skin and to reduce scar tissue. It blends well with Rose and Lavender for skin care blends.
I have found that people who suffer from asthma or ongoing respiratory conditions can benefit from using Frankincense on a regular basis in many forms: in oil or cream on their chest, as an addition to shampoo, inhaled from a tissue or a diffuser, or in a bath or foot soak.
Frankincense is excellent for headaches and tension in the neck muscles. Use for any muscle pain or trauma. The oil has a resinous, rich aroma.
Frankincense can aid in calming the lungs and the emotions, and it’s great for restless leg syndrome.
Since 1983 the African distiller of this essential oil has been in business working with rural communities and emerging farmers to establish crops specifically for essential oils. He concentrates primarily on organic essential oils. His company works directly with farmers supplying the distillation units. His company also works directly with farmers and distillers in Madagascar, Rwanda, Zambia and other African countries.
Learn More
Traditional Knowledge
- Analgesic - numbs pain
- Anti-inflammatory - alleviates inflammation, cooling
- Antiseptic - assists in fighting germs/infections (urinary, pulmonary)
- Astringent - contracts and tightens tissue
- Carminative/tonic - settles digestion and may assist in preventing gas
- Cicatrisant - cell-regenerative for skin, healing for scars
- Diuretic - aids in reduction of fluids
- Expectorant - removes excess mucus from respiratory system
- Immunostimulant - stimulates immune function
Emotional and Energetic Qualities
Supports reflection and introspection
Encourages emotional healing on all levels
Quiets the mind
Supports focused attention and tranquility
Recipe
Facial Mask for Dry, Mature Skin (to add moisture)
1 teaspoon - Plain yogurt
2 teaspoons - Honey
1 vitamin E capsule
1 teaspoon - Oat flour
Mix first 3 ingredients, then add flour to make paste (adjust to texture you like). Add 1 drop Frankincense, 1 drop Geranium, and 1 drop Myrrh and smooth onto face. Leave on 15 min. Wash off with warm water.
Mask recipe by Valerie Cooksley - Aromatherapy A Lifetime Guide To Healing With Essential Oils.
References:
1. Davis P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition C.W. Daniel Company Limited, England, 1999
2. Keville, K. Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, The Crossing press, USA, 1995
3. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
4. Price S. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, Churchill Livingstone, 1995
5. Schnaubelt K. Advanced Aromatherapy, The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, USA, 1998
6. Tisserand R. The Art of Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press, USA, 1977
Safety Issues
No safety issues specific to this oil.
GC/MS Reports
FBC-107 Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectometry Report
GC/MS Report Archive
