Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. The English word is derived from Old French "franc encens" and is used in incense and perfumes.

There are four main species of Boswellia that produce true frankincense and resin from each of the four is available in various grades. The grades depend on the time of harvesting. The resin is hand-sorted for quality. Frankincense can also be found in the Bible as one of the three gifts the wise men gave to the young child Jesus.

Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa for more than 5000 years. A mural depicting sacks of frankincense traded from the Land of Punt adorns the walls of the temple of ancient Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, who died circa 1458 BC. Frankincense was one of the consecrated incenses described in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud and used in Ketoret ceremonies.Southern Arabia was a major exporter of frankincense in ancient times, with some of it being traded as far as China.

Generally speaking, the more opaque resins are the best quality. Fine resin is produced in Somalia and along the northern coast of Somalia, from which the Roman Catholic Church draws its supplies.

Frankincense Oil, Olibanum Oil or Oil of Lebanon is considered a holy oil in the Middle East and we know that it was given to Christ at the time of his birth. It has uses and benefits of Frankincense date back way before the time of Christ to the Egyptians and Sumerians. The Egyptians used it for incense, skin care, stomach ailments and kohl. Kohl is today’s equivalent of black eye liner. It also helps the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands that produce many of the important hormones in our body. And it helps strengthen the immune system by increasing leukocyte activity.

For years Frankincense was known to the holistic world to assist with cancer because of many of the properties. But recently in 2010 Frankincense has made the news again saying that the medical community is starting to understand why it is useful in combating cancer.

Benefit & Uses: Frankincense is used in perfumery and aromatherapy. It is also an ingredient that is sometimes used in skincare. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin.

Frankincense is used in many Christian churches including the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Catholic churches. The Judaic, Christian and Islamic faiths have all used frankincense mixed with oils to anoint newborn infants, initiates, and members entering into new phases of their spiritual lives.

It has through the room, add to a shirt collar or pillow. Massage into the feet and toes or use in a full body massage. Inhale directly or through steam (such as a bowl of hot water). Massage into the reflex points of the feet.

You can use this topically on the reflex points of the feet or body, and aromatically in any manner. But also consider adding 1 drop to unsweetened beverage and consuming throughout the day. Gently massage into the skin in upward circular motions daily.

 

Because it contains sesquiterpenes, allowing it to go beyond the blood-brain barrier, many other uses for frankincense essential oil have been reported: aging, insect bites, any respiratory illness or disease, carbuncles, diarrhea, diphtheria, gonorrhea, headaches, healing of any kind, hemorrhaging, herpes, high blood pressure, jaundice, laryngitis, meningitis, nervous conditions, prostate, pneumonia, sciatic pain, snake bites, sores, spiritual awareness, stress, syphilis, tension, tonsillitis, wounds, pineal and pituitary gland function, increases leukocyte activity, defending against infection. It has also said to increase good moods, which in turn strengthens the immune system.