Frankincense oil

Common Name:  Frankincense oil

Botanical Name:  Boswellia carterii

Other Names:  Frankincense Essential Oil, Olibanum, Boswellia serrata

Introduction

The earliest reference to the use of Frankincense oil is found in 15th BC engraved on the tomb of the queen of Egypt.  Frankincense oil is extracted from the gum of the tree. Frankincense tree is the native of North Africa. The tree is of medium size having ash colored bark which is like a paper and can be easily peeled from the tree. When the bark is tapped it oozes resin. This gum like resin is used to extract oil.

The color of the oil is light blue. It has a spicy, woody and fruity smell. The smell is slightly like camphor but is pleasant. It is found very useful in cases of panic and distress.

Uses of Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil is very useful and has a variety of uses.

Aromatherapy: In aromatherapy Frankincense oil is used as massage oil and is rubbed on the scalp, face and neck to relieve tension headaches. It has wide ranging effects on the nervous system and is used as an antidepressant. The smelling of the oil gives immediate relief from exhaustion and nervous tension. A bath with a few drops of oil in warm water is helpful in fears and nightmares.

Medicinal Uses: The oil rejuvenates the skin and is therefore used to treat acne and fungal infections. It is also very useful in the treatment of asthma, coughs, bronchitis and anxiety. The stretch marks are removed in a few days by the use of this oil. It also possesses anti inflammatory properties and is therefore effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the skin.

Other uses: Due to its fragrance it is used in perfumes, soaps and cosmetics. It is also burnt in the temples because it believed that its smell brings meditative calm.