Known as the “king of oils” frankincense essential oil is produced from the Boswellia Carteri. True frankincense comes from four main species of Boswellia, a scraggy and very hardy tree. The trees start producing resin when they are about eight to ten years old. Frankincense is tapped by slashing the bark, which is called striping, and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden. Tapping is done two to three times a year with the final taps producing the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene and diterpene content. The oil is then extracted by steam distillation.
- Most active ingredients are Alpha-Pinene, Limonene, Sabinene, Myrcene.
- Frankincense is produced primarily in Somalia, with over 80% of the world’s production.
- Frankincense is considered the holy anointing oil in the Middle East and has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years.
- Frankincense is known for its sweet, warm, balsamic aroma.
- When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation and overall wellness.
- Use it to rejuvenate and promote younger, fresher looking skin.
- Rub Frankincense on your hands at the end of a long day for a warming and soothing effect.
- It has calming properties that can support spirituality and inner strength.
- The sesquiterpenes in frankincense enable it to go beyond the blood-brain barrier.
- It increases the activity of leukocytes-which help the body fight infections.
Another type of Frankincense is Sacred Frankincense which comes from the Boswellia Sacra.
- Sacred Frankincense is produced on Oman and grows in challenging climates.
- Sacred Frankincense contains camphene which contributes to its different fragrance.
In our home we use this beautiful essential oil every day, in our skincare routine as well as for calming and pain relief due to inflammation.
