Aromatherapy – a look at Frankincense – the gift of kings!!
December 9th, 2022
Frankincense – Boswellia sacra
By Melanie Dean
Treasured since ancient time and considered to be a gift of kings. How much better could the credentials for an essential oil be?
Frankincense, (sometimes referred to as olibanum) is renowned for its ability to heal the mind, body and soul.
Burnt on altars and temples and used to drive out evil spirits, Frankincense continues to play an important role in prayer and meditation today. It is particularly helpful when used in a diffuser to help reduce stress and anxiety given its ability to slow and deepen the breath.
How is Frankincense produced?
The sacred Frankincense trees of North Africa love their dry climate and rocky soil. Once ready for harvesting, small incisions are made in the bark of the tree to release the sap. This is left to dry and then collected, sorted and cleaned. A slow process of hydro distillation is used to extract the fragrant Frankincense oil with its sweet and spicy scent.
Frankincense is wonderful for: –
- The skin – it is used in creams, serums and toners to keep us looking beautiful. It is believed to help slow down the onset of wrinkles too.
- Bronchial conditions
- Boosting immunity
- An antiseptic and disinfectant agent that has antimicrobial effects
- According to research, it is suggested that it can improve memory and learning functions.
- Inflammatory conditions.
- Balancing hormone levels
- Calming and grounding, the scent that can naturally help you to fall asleep
The future of Frankincense relies on responsible and ethical harvesting practices. It is important to preserve the relationship between the trees and the people who depend upon them in order to preserve the trees for generations to come.
With Christmas around the corner, it is perhaps timely to remember the story of the three wise men who brought valuable gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were bestowed upon the baby. The worth of these gifts was immense at the time with the value of Frankincense and Myrrh matching that of Gold!
If this arouses your curiosity, why not join us at one of our exciting Aromatherapy Workshops where we explore more about plants and their abilities to heal.
For those of you who want to train specifically in Aromatherapy then please take a look at our full ITEC Aromatherapy diploma course programme.
It has been meticulously put together as a flexible programme of study, for experienced massage therapists who wish to expand and develop their skills and knowledge – or indeed complete beginners who wish to train in complementary health.