FRANKINCENSE
Since farther back than anyone can remember Frankincense has been used for medicinal and religious purposes. Early Egyptians used Frankincense as part of their embalming process, the Greeks used it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning, and the Chinese used it for trading as well as for internal and external purposes.
History & Common Uses
Today, Frankincense is used mostly for aroma therapeutics but it is also recognized it as an anti inflammatory, antiseptic, and a diuretic. Some medical research shows a relationship between the possibility of Frankincense, and the treatment of osteoarthritis and may have some anti cancer fighting agents.
Frankincense has also been shown to help with anxiety, disappointment, hysteria, emotional fatigue, nervousness, congestion, anti inflammatory, immune deficiency, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, aphrodisiac, emollient, indigestion, carminative, antiseptic, expectorant, sedative, tonic, and anti tumor.
Frankincense has been around since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Bible. The Jews offered up it in ceremonies. It seems that different regions use Frankincense for different reasons. The Chinese use this herb to treat leprosy, Egyptians used it to paint women’s eyelids, hair remover, and perfume. The main contribution of Frankincense is for respiratory distress. Although it was once taken internally, but is no longer recommended to be consumed. Currently it is used as more of incense, and when infused with vapors it can help laryngitis.
Ironically enough never forget that this powerful herb was one of the beautiful gifts that were brought to baby Jesus on the night of his birth by one of the three wise men. This is also used to increase menstrual flow, to treat syphilis, for unsightly scars and stretch marks, and breast cysts. Further it is used to treat acne, boils, and skin infections as well.
Origins
Frankincense comes from a tree called the Boswellia Thurifera which can be found in Africa and Arabia. To obtain, they split the trunk of the tree and allow the resin to harden before it is harvested.
When you refer to Frankincense in the form of essential oils it is very expensive and is usually diluted with other oils or jojoba oil. Some people prefer to use Rosemary as a substitute.
Important Info
Frankincense is one herb that is not edible and is not known for use in any recipe contrary to those who believe that it is used in Indian cuisine. It is not known to be used in any cuisine but it is extremely helpful for the practice of aromatherapy. It can be obtained in one of the three forms below.
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