FRANKINCENSE
Boswellia carteri
FAMILY :
Burseraceae
SYNONYMS:
Olibanum, gum thus.
What is frankincense
A handsome small tree or shrub with abundant pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It yields a natural oleo gum resin which is collected by making incisions into the bark: at first, a milky-white liquid appears which then solidifies into tear-shaped amber to orangebrown lumps between the size of a pea and walnut.DISTRIBUTION
Native to the Red Sea region; grows wild throughout north east Africa. The gum is mainly produced in Somalia, Ethiopia, China and south Arabia, then distilled in Europe and, to a lesser extent, India.
OTHER SPECIES
Other Boswellia species also yield olibanum gum, such as the Indian variety B.serrata. Constituents vary according to type and locality. See also Botanical Classification section.HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION
Used since antiquity as an incense in India, China and in the west by the Catholic Church. In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes.
It has been used medicinally in the east and west for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections, skin diseases, as well as digestive and nervous complaints.
It has been used medicinally in the east and west for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections, skin diseases, as well as digestive and nervous complaints.
ACTIONS
Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary.
EXTRACTION
Essential oil by steam distillation from selected oleo gum resin (approx. 3–10 per cent oil to 60–70 per cent resin). An absolute is also produced, for use mainly as a fixative.CHARACTERISTICS
A pale yellow or greenish mobile liquid with a fresh, terpeney top note and a warm, rich, sweet-balsamic undertone. It blends well with sandalwood, pine, vetiver, geranium, lavender, mimosa, neroli, orange, bergamot, camphor, basil, pepper, cinnamon and other spices. It modifies the sweetness of citrus blends in an intriguing way.PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS
Mainly monoterpene hydrocarbons, notably pinene, dipentene, limonene, thujene, phellandrene, cymene, myrcene, terpinene; also octyl acetate, octanol, incensole, among others.
SAFETY DATA Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
SAFETY DATA Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE
SKIN CARE: Blemishes, dry and mature complexions, scars, wounds, wrinkles.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis.
GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, metrorrhagia.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, ’flu.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis.
GENITO-URINARY SYSTEM: Cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, metrorrhagia.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Colds, ’flu.
NERVOUS SYSTEM: Anxiety, nervous tension and stress-related conditions – ‘Frankincense has, among
its physical properties, the ability to slow down and deepen the breath … which is very conducive to
prayer and meditation.
its physical properties, the ability to slow down and deepen the breath … which is very conducive to
prayer and meditation.
OTHER USES
The gum and oil are used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, cosmetics
and perfumes, especially oriental, spice and men’s fragrances. Employed in some pharmaceuticals
such as liniments and throat pastilles. Extensively used in the manufacture of incense. The oil is used
in minute amounts in some foods (such as meat products), alcoholic and soft drinks.
and perfumes, especially oriental, spice and men’s fragrances. Employed in some pharmaceuticals
such as liniments and throat pastilles. Extensively used in the manufacture of incense. The oil is used
in minute amounts in some foods (such as meat products), alcoholic and soft drinks.
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