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Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense, also called "olibanum" is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra (syn. B. carteri, B. thurifera) (Burseraceae). It is used in incense as well as in perfumes.
Frankincense is tapped from the very scraggly but hardy Boswellia tree by scraping the bark and allowing the exuded resins to bleed out and harden. These hardened resins are called tears. There are numerous species and varieties of frankincense trees, each producing a slightly different type of resin. Differences in soil and climate create even more diversity of the resin, even within the same species.
Frankincense trees are also considered unusual for their ability to grow in environments so unforgiving that they sometimes seem to grow directly out of solid rock. The means of initial attachment to the stone is not known but is accomplished by a bulbous disk-like swelling of the trunk. This disk-like growth at the base of the tree prevents it from being torn away from the rock during the violent storms that frequent the region they grow in. This feature is slight or absent in trees grown in rocky soil
or gravel. The tears from these hardy survivors are considered superior due to their more fragrant aroma.
Flowers and branches of the Boswellia sacra tree, the species from which most frankincense is derived
The trees start producing resin when they are about 8 to 10 years old Tapping is done 2 to 3 times a year with the final taps producing the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene and diterpene content. Generally speaking, the more opaque resins are the best quality. Omani frankincense (from Boswellia sacra is said to be the best in the world, although fine resin is also produced in Yemen, and along the north coast of Somalia.
Recent studies have indicated that frankincense tree populations are declining due to over-exploitation. Heavily tapped trees have been found to produce seeds that germinate at only 16% while seeds of trees that had not been tapped germinate at more than 80%.
In Massage blends and bath oils - Frankincense Oil is highly used in massage blends and bath sprays to give a soothing effect after bath. It relieves cold, cough, bronchitis and chillness etc problems. It also work as a nice astringent for skin help anti aging of cells. It heals wounds, sores and ulcers of skin precisely.
Traditional medicine
Frankincense is edible and often used in various traditional medicines in Asia for digestion and healthy skin. Edible frankincense must be pure for internal consumption, meaning it should be translucent, with no black or brown impurities. It is often light yellow with a (very) slight greenish tint. It is often chewed like gum, but it is stickier because it is a resin.
In Ayurvedic medicine Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for hundreds of years for treating arthritis
Burning frankincense repels mosquitos and thus helps protect people and animals from mosquito-born illnesses, such as malaria, West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever.
The essential oil of frankincense is produced by steam distillation of the tree resin. The oil's chemical components are 75% monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenoles, sesquiterpenoles and ketones. It has a good balsamic and sweet fragrance, while the Indian frankincense oil has a very fresh smell.
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