General Properties

• anti-inflammatory
• antiseptic
• astringent
• carminative
• digestive
• diuretic
• expectorant
• sedative

Description

Frankincense (also known as olibanum) is steam distilled from the resin of the tree to create an oil that is colorless to pale yellow. Some of its countries of origin include France, North Africa and some Arab countries. Among the chemicals that make up this oil are l-pinene, dipentene olibanol and a number of resins.

Has a calming effect on emotions, which can be seen as relating both to its use as a meditation aid and in the treatment for asthma. In skin care, Frankincense is helpful for mature skin and has a definite tonic effect, helping to restore tone to slack looking facial skin and is also helpful in reducing wrinkles. Has also been used to help heal sores and wounds as well as skin irritations and inflammations. It is an extremely calming oil, helping to slow down and deepen the breath, which in itself can help to instill a sense of calm. Because it slows the breathing, it is an excellent oil for asthma, when used in massage (not via steam inhalation). In a medicinal sense, frankincense is very helpful for the lungs, proving valuable for its use with respiratory infections. It can calm coughs, is an expectorant and is indicated for chronic bronchitis.

Frankincense blends well with Black pepper, Basil, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

Specific Cautions

References

Information about this essential oil came from the following sources:

1. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Pharmacy. (Toronto: Bantam Books, 1990)
2. Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. (United Kingdom: Saffron Walden, 1988)
3. Tisserand, Robert and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1995)

Note and Disclaimer

The information and opinions provided here are for general educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to consult a suitably qualified medical practitioner to ensure that you will not have any medical problems from any of our products.

Product Specifications