Frankincense essential oil: properties, use and contraindications

The incense essential oil is derived from Boswellia carterii, a plant of the Burseraceae family . Known for its numerous properties, it is an antiseptic and antirheumatic, useful also in the case of coughs, colds and to rebalance the nervous system . Let's find out better.

Properties and benefits of incense essential oil

Antiseptic, purifies the air, the environment in which it is spread. Useful for bacterial disorders, it exerts its antimicrobial action.

Astringent, diluted and applied on the skin, it is an excellent remedy for pore dilation and epidermal laxity.

Anti-catarrhal, expectorant, to free the respiratory tract in case of coughs and colds

Anti-rheumatic, applied diluted for frictions and massages, this warm and balsamic oil penetrates deeply, warms the part and re-oxygenates the tissues removing pain.

Tonic and rebalancing of the central nervous system, including anxious forms, stress-induced agitations, obsessive thoughts, fears. In fact, it prepares for calm, meditation and prayer.

Description of the plant

It is a plant that can reach 6 meters in height, with foliage rich in foliage. Its flowers are white or pink. It is characterized by the production of a rubbery resin that is collected by making cuts in the bark. Boswellia grows in Somalia and along the coasts of the Red Sea.

Part used

gum rosin

Extraction method

Steam current distillation

Note

Base note: sweet, balsamic fragrance

You can learn more about the properties and uses of Boswellia

Use and practical advice on essential oil of incense

For purifying masks : add 2 drops of essential oil of incense to a tablespoon of sweet almond oil to add to the ventilated clay already diluted in water. The astringent power is added to purify the skin of the face and neck.

Anti-aging creams : add 2-3 drops of essential oil of incense in the jar of moisturizing or firming cream that is normally used to enhance the effect

Anti-rheumatic massage : 3 drops of incense essential oil in two tablespoons of sesame oil, to be rubbed on the part to be treated. Cover with a warm cloth and allow to absorb.

Suffumigi : 1 or 2 drops in boiling water to breathe and to spread in the environment in which you live.

For local irrigations: in case of cystitis, add 5 drops in 250 ml of boiled water, to be used daily for local applications.

Contraindications of the essential oil of incense

No particular contraindications are reported, except for internal use, as for all essential oils that must be used with caution and always conveyed, for example honey is an excellent carrier of essential oils. A curiosity instead linked to the aroma of incense: it seems that it softens sexual desire, perhaps incompatible with its strong spiritual value.

Background

Incense comes from the Latin incedere, to burn, to shine. Incense has always been associated with the divinity to which the resin from the perfumed fumes is burned, to favor the bonds between man and God. In Catholic funerals it is a practice that is carried out at the end of the ritual.

The Egyptians had introduced incense in their fumigation and cosmetic use practices: rejuvenation masks and kohl preparation, a sort of kajal for eye make-up.

The Jews knew him during their stay along the coasts of the Red Sea and included him in their religious practices: connected to the birth of Jesus, brought to him as a gift by the Magi.

Even among the Arab peoples incense was widely used and constituted a wealth of exchange. It was also called Olibano (white). The most prized variety is in fact represented by white grains.