| Frankincense was so greatly valued because its | | | | Aromatherapy uses of frankincense and myrrh draw |
| fragrance was believed to heighten spirituality, sending | | | | on the deeply meditative quality of these oils. |
| one into a deep, meditative relaxation that enhanced | | | | Essential oils can be put in three categories, those that |
| worship. Frankincense has been used for and is | | | | invigorate the body and rev up the spirit, those that |
| excellent on mature skin and acne. This herb is usually | | | | tone, balance and regulate our bodily functions, and |
| exported in bulk from Somalia and India, along with | | | | those which have a calm, sedative and tranquilizing |
| low-quality myrrh from Ethiopia. | | | | effect. Steam distilled essential oils of frankincense and |
| Frankincense and myrrh are familiar botanical products | | | | myrrh are most appropriate for use in aromatherapy. |
| in the east, where they've been used for millennia. The | | | | This herb tree produces an oleo gum resin that is |
| denser frankincense and myrrh trees growing area is | | | | collected and steam-distilled to produce an essential oil. |
| mostly in all areas of Somalia. The frankincense burned | | | | This herbal oil maintains its integrity in any blend. |
| as church incense today is the same as that used by | | | | Frankincense aromatherapy oil is helpful for |
| ancient peoples who inhabited the Middle East and | | | | overcoming and dispelling fear and taking action. |
| North Africa. | | | | Frankincense and myrrh essential oils are distilled from |
| Eventually the use of the herb spread throughout | | | | the resin of two separate but related trees of the |
| Europe and eastward into India, and it was burned as | | | | burseraceae family. Frankincense was one of the |
| an offering to the gods of many cultures. Exceeding | | | | three gifts given to the Baby Jesus by the Three Magi, |
| the value of precious metals and gems. It was only | | | | recorded as being of equal value with myrrh and gold. |
| produced by 3,000 families called Sabians from the | | | | The frankincense and myrrh available today has a |
| land of Punt. Modern science backs up these | | | | wide range of quality. The deeply meditative aromas |
| observations by showing that, when burned, | | | | evoke aromas of ancient tombs and temples. In fact |
| frankincense releases molecules of | | | | this usage is consistent with the long history of |
| trahydrocannabinole, a psychoactive compound that | | | | frankincense and myrrh. Outstanding and unusual |
| may be responsible for uplifting the spirit. | | | | aromas can be created by blending the two oils with |
| The oil regenerates skin cell tissue and is beneficial for | | | | citrus oils -- lemon and bergamot work well with |
| all skin types. The resin (commonly called frankincense | | | | frankincense, orange and tangerine with myrrh. |
| tears) is used whole in incense, and burned on a | | | | The Hebrews valued Frankincense highly. A fortifying |
| charcoal disc. It has a sweet smelling gum resin | | | | essence, this oil slows and deepens cellular respiration |
| derived from certain Boswellia trees which, at the time | | | | and its characteristic effect of calming and |
| of Christ, grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. It was | | | | rejuvenating is especially nourishing for mature, problem |
| found throughout the Red Sea region and in northeast | | | | and sensitive skin types. |
| Africa. | | | | Both calming and uplifting frankincense is also very |
| Oil of frankincense is slightly viscous, yellow to green | | | | effective at relieving anxiety and tension of a physical |
| with a deeply balsamic, fresh-resinous aroma. Oil of | | | | or mental nature. A wonderful winter blend may be |
| myrrh is slightly viscous, yellowish to amber orange | | | | made using Black Pepper, Sweet Orange and |
| with a warm-spicy, balsamic fragrance. Its antiseptic | | | | Frankincense for the cold season. |
| and skin-healing properties fight bacterial and fungal | | | | Unlike several of the other well known herbs, is hard to |
| skin infections and boils. For problem skin areas, use a | | | | find examples of this one being used in our foods. It is |
| couple drops of frankincense in an equal amount of | | | | perhaps many times more valuable than the herbs we |
| vegetable oil. The resin is soluble in chemical solvents | | | | typically use as food seasoning. |
| and the essential oil can be steam distilled. | | | | |