By: Ivana Dragica |
The most healing plants of the world - frankincense |
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Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree that grows throughout Asia and Africa.
Most of us are familiar with the ecclesiastical ritual that is performed putting a piece of white aromatic resin on hot coals.
Frankincense is one of the oldest scents.
People traded it 5000 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, where it was worth like gold.
The path that led frankincense from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean is one of the oldest trade routes in the world.
Due to its properties, it was used for embalming mummies in Egypt.
Frankincense has always been used in the ceremonies of the Catholic and Orthodox church, because it is believed that it chases away the evil spirits.
Frankincense has its place not only in aromatherapy, cosmetics, massage and religious ceremonies, but also in healing treatments.
Healing benefits of frankincense
In Ayurvedic medicine, Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for thousands of years for treating arthritis, healing wounds, strengthening female hormone system and protection from pathogenic microorganisms.
According to Ayurveda, daily use of frankincense in the house brings good health to all members of the household.
Frankincense is being used since the ancient times in the Near East for maintaining oral health. Local people have a habit of chewing frankincense resin, which promotes healthy teeth and gums – since frankincense prevents infection due to its antimicrobial properties.
In the West, frankincense is most well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The active medicinal ingredients of frankincense are sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, diterpenes and boswellic acid.
Boswellic acids are the most important ingredient in frankincense. They have strong anti-inflammatory properties and effectively alleviate pain caused by arthritis, but unlike conventional drugs do not cause side effects.
Frankincense improves circulation and blood flow through the vessels damaged by inflammation, which further helps the joints affected by arthritis. Its powerful anti-inflammatory action helps with Crohn's disease and cysts.
Some studies have shown that frankincense can help in the treatment of several types of cancers - malignant melanoma, bladder cancer and a brain tumor.
It was confirmed that the frankincense extract, frankincense acetate, reduces neurological damage, alleviates depression and anxiety, prevent diseases of the blood vessels and reduces bad cholesterol.
In aromatherapy, frankincense is used for the relief of stress, tension, depression and hysteria.
Massages and baths with frankincense oil greatly help against menstrual pain and bladder inflammation.
Therapy with frankincense oil has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system and eases bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, colds and allergies.
Drop a few drops of oil on your hand and inhale the scent several times a day or inhale frankincense tincture (1 teaspoon per quart of hot water).
Interesting fact: It is believed that frankincense can stop snoring - for this purpose it is necessary to rub frankincense oil on your neck, chest and the area around the nose.
This plant is excellent for skin care - helps with acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and wounds.
Throughout thousands of years of frankincense usage, there were no recorded side effects.
Recent toxicological studies have confirmed that frankincense extracts are safe for external as well as for internal use.
Do not use frankincense if you are taking medication for thinning the blood, if you are suffering from high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use pure frankincense oil, it must be diluted in base oil or water.
Preparations of frankincense
Frankincense and its products are now imported from India. Frankincense resin that is collected throughout the year is used in treatment.
Resin is used for making tinctures, oils, creams and dietary supplements based on frankincense.
Edible frankincense must be transparent without black or brown dots. It is usually slightly yellowish with a hint of a greenish color, and it is chewed like gum.
For internal applications, you can also use frankincense in capsules.
Boswellia tincture can be purchased or you can make it yourself by pouring frankincense resin into 80-percent alcohol.
Frankincense resin or scented sticks are used for scenting homes.
Frankincense and its preparations can be found in herbal pharmacies and health food stores.
Frankincense was once given as a gift to baby Jesus. It is a gift that we should not dismiss. Millennium long tradition speaks for itself.
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