Information on our Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from resin from the Boswellia carterii / Boswellia carteri (the extra ‘i’ in carteri is included in some research, but is not included in other research or on the WorldFloraOnline website) tree, of the Burseraceae family and is also known as Olibanum and gum thus.
Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carteri (carterii?) are said to be synonyms, but some research seems to be pointing toward the fact that they are not – we are of the belief that the two specie are different, although the therapeutic properties are said to be the same. The point is moot when it comes to the uses of the essential oil in Aromatherapy.
Frankincense Essential Oil is one of the firm favorites in aromatherapy. This essential oil has a wonderfully calming effect on the mind and helps to create inner peace, while helping to sooth the respiratory and urinary tract and relieve pain associated with rheumatism and muscular aches, while having a rejuvenating, balancing and healing action on the skin.
Frankincense has uses in Wiccan devotions and spells, and has a tradition for being used for centuries to help perform exorcism, clearing and for protection. Used in offerings to the sun, to anoint petitions, gift the spirits, for protection and to anoint the third eye. Used to increase psychic awareness and attain meditative states.
We sell a Wiccan Spiritual essential oil pack containing frankincense amongst other essential oils used during Wiccan rites, offerings and spells.
Oil Properties
Frankincense essential oil has a woody, spicy, haunting smell, a little bit camphoric, but very pleasant. It is pale yellow-green in color.
Origin
It originates from the Middle East, with abundant pinnacle leaves and has white or pale pink flowers.
Deep incisions are made in the tree trunk and the bark peels off in narrow strips. Over weeks a milky juice exudes and hardens on contact with the air, resulting in an oleo gum resin, from which the oil is extracted by steam distillation.
The word is from the French word ‘Franc’ meaning ‘luxuriant’ or ‘real incense’ and together with Myrrh, it was the first gum to be used as incense.
Also known as Olibanum, frankincense was used by the ancient Egyptians as an offering to the gods and as part of a rejuvenating face mask. It was also used to fumigate the sick, in order to banish evil spirits.
The Hebrews valued Frankincense highly and the resin was probably one of the gifts offered to the baby Jesus.
Extraction
Frankincense essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the oleo gum resin and yields about 3 – 10 %. An absolute is also produced, but is mainly used as a fixative.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components of frankincense oil are α-pinene, α-Phellandrene, (+)-Limonene, β-Myrcene.
Precautions
Frankincense oil is non-toxic and non-irritant and can be used by most people. As with most essential oils, Frankincense essential oil can oxidise easily. It should be kept in the dark in an airtight glass bottle – preferably stored in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius (around 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of frankincense oil are antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary and expectorant.
Uses
Frankincense essential oil soothes and calms the mind, slowing down and deepening breathing and is excellent for use when meditating. It also helps to calm anxiety and obsessive states linked to the past.
On the respiratory tract, it clears the lungs and helps with shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs and colds.
It can be useful to ease heavy periods, is a general tonic to the uterus and has a calming effect during labor.
It is also most helpful for rheumatism and has a positive impact on the urinary tract.
Frankincense oil is said to help rejuvenate an ageing skin, is a skin tonic and is effective with sores, carbuncles, wounds, scars and skin inflammation.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, frankincense can be used for bronchitis, colds, coughs and voice loss, as well as to calm the mind, reduce anxiety – cultivating internal peace and placing past obsessive states into perspective.
Blended Massage Oil and in the Bath
Frankincense oil can be used in a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath for colds, coughs, bronchitis, rheumatism, chilliness, poor circulation, exhaustion, nightmares, heavy periods, respiratory problems and mucus congestion.
It also has a good astringent effect on the skin and perks up older more mature skin and helps wounds, sores and ulcers heal properly.
Blended in Cream
Frankincense oil can be added to a base cream or lotion to help with general skin tone and condition while reducing oily skin, rejuvenating more mature skin, while at the same time helping wounds, ulcers and sores heal better.
Wash or use as a compress
To promote healing and prevent ugly scarring on wounds, add a few drops to the water when washing the wound. For cracked skin and bed sores, apply gently (suitably diluted) directly on to affected areas or use as a compress.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25% to 0.5%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Frankincense is one of the oils that can really calm and soothe the whole body and mind. It eases all aches and pains, clears the lungs and acts as a skin tonic. It should be stored in a cool and dark place to avoid oxidation.
Blends
It blends well with other oils, such as Benzoin, Sandalwood (Mysore), Lavender, Myrrh, Pine, Orange, Bergamot and Lemon.
