The Olibanum tree upon first glance may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as a giant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers. This North African native looks like it belongs in the desert, standing alone in some of the world’s harshest growing conditions. It is the sap of this enduring tree that has such lore and mysticism surrounding it…when the tree’s bark is pierced, a milky-white ‘oleo’-resin is exuded and collected; thought the tree is not harmed. The hardened drops of resin are known themselves by the name Frankincense, derived from the medieval French ‘franc’, meaning ‘pure’, and from the Latin ‘incensium’, meaning ‘to smoke’.
For more than 5000 years, the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China and India; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredients in Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense, as with other ritual incense, is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it’s smoke. It is also said to deepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. Some components of Frankincense stimulate the pineal gland, or ‘third-eye’, so this concept makes sense under modern scientific investigation. The incense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke, keeping churches and churchgoers free from disease.
Frankincense resin is thought to have a bounty of health properties – it was an ingredient in a rejuvenating face mask in ancient Egypt, and is still considered very useful for rejuvenating older skin. At one time, Frankincense was held in such high esteem as to be “used to treat every conceivable ill to man”. In Ayurvedic medicine it has been used for centuries to treat many conditions, including arthritis. Modern science has isolated the active compounds, called boswellic acids, which have been found to have anti-arthritic properties. These include anti-inflammatory actions, the improvement of local blood supply, and the possible prevention of further cartilage breakdown. To try these for yourself, create your own joint support massage blend by diluting Frankincense to 5% in a carrier oil like Sweet Almond and apply regularly. Other essential oils which may compliment the action are Ginger which warms and brings more blood flow, Wintergreen, an analgesic, and Helichrysum, a very powerful (yet sweet smelling) anti-inflammate.
Today’s naturopathic physicians continue the use of Frankincense essential oil for certain conditions. The oil is distilled directly from the collected tree resin. It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dry skin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leucorrhea. It may be utilized through any of the routes of aromatherapy administraion: inhalation, topical application, or ingestion (though this route should only be undertaken with the direct advice of a qualified practitioner!) Further, Frankincense oil is currently being investigated in unversity studies for anti-cancer effects. During a recent presentation before a regional meeting of the American Cancer Society in Roanoke, Va., Dr. John Robertson, director of the college’s Center for Comparative Oncology, said he’s found the oil has fairly selective anti-tumor activity and doesn’t appear to disrupt normal cells. The oil has been noted specifically for effects skin tumors and breast cancer, and may be particularly useful as an adjunct therapy in such cases because of it’s ease of application. Again, seek the advice of a qualified practitioner for details of usage in such cases.
It is important to note that the carbon dioxide extracted (CO2) variety of the essential oil is more likely to contain the same healthful compounds as the natural plant resin, as the steam distilled variety may not be able to extract all the important molecules. North America’s leading medical aromatherapist has stated, “It could be that the (health-affecting) substances in question are too polar and too large a molecular size to appear in steam distillates – their presence would be more likely in CO2 extracts.” The CO2 extract may still be a little more expensive than the steam distilled oil, though prices are coming down as the technology becomes more commonplace. Look for the essential oil labeled ‘CO2 distilled’ or ‘extracted’ specifically – otherwise it is likely to be the steam distilled variety.
The most noted effect of the essential oil may be on the nervous system. Regarded as an antidepressant, the aroma can both relax and revitalize, and can help in cases of nervous tension and exhaustion. Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitary glands. The oil is now being researched for its ability to increase human growth hormone production. Further, it is considered to strengthen the immune system, which may in-fact occur as a result of its uplifting properties. The oil is noted in most aromatherapy guides to uplift the spirit, calm the mind, and act as an anti-depressant.
Frankincense essential oil can be used in a manner similar to burning of the incense in spiritual practice. Warming in a candle lamp or direct application to the temples and third eye will quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and promote meditative stillness. It is often blended with Sandalwood, Myrrh, Cedarwood and/or Juniper oil for such uses, as these all have similar grounding and elevating properties. For therapeutic uses, some naturopathic practitioners take small amounts of the essential oil orally, sometimes in addition to massaging into any diseased area. Of course, as with any illness, it is important to seek out qualified medical advice; if you choose to employ Frankincense oil, discuss this with your physician – it should be acceptable as an adjunct therapy in most cases. It is far better to employ the oil under the direction of a qualified practitioner rather than through haphazard application!
For simple incense use in the way that has been used for thousands of years, frankincense resin is widely available at reasonable costs. Most is wild-crafted; thankfully, the resource is abundant, as the trees easily survive harvesting of the pearls. The small chunks of resin can simply be lit by themselves in a dish or similar container, and will burn like any other incense, slowly releasing its aromatic smoke.
With the essential oil, a diffuser or warming lamp can be used to disperse the aroma throughout a space. The oil is also found in aromatherapy candles, where it is released from the heated oil beneath the burning wick. The aroma of the oil is subtle and complex; sit quietly and examine all the notes involved in the smell, taking the time to investigate your reaction to them individually and as the combined aroma. Try this with different diffusion methods; you may find you prefer one over the other – warming, cold-diffusion, or direct application.
The fantastic gift of the Olibanum tree is available to us all. It’s use is simple, and the experience once reserved for a very select few can now be enjoyed by many. As with all aromatics, the ‘taste’ is a personal one, but to those who enjoy it, they may find it a great compliment to the rest of their life’s endeavors.
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