Overview
Introduction
Frankincense and the oil produced from it has been known for its
healing powers and its ability to improve communication with the creator
in the Middle East for thousands of years before it was made a gift of
to Christ by the Magi. There are over 52 references to it in the Bible.
Egyptian records show a great many references to it including its use in
cosmetics, perfumes and as an embalming agent. The Chinese used it as
part of a treatment for leprosy. Grown predominantly on the Somali coast
and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the resin is obtained by making
deep cuts in the trunk of the tree lengthwise. Below this incision a
narrow strip of bark is peeled off allowing the sap to run out, and as
it touches air it begins to harden. It takes approximately three months
to harden into the yellow "tears" that we are used to seeing will be
sold at market. The sap is gathered from May until the rain showers
start in September.
Constituents
The venerable herbalist Mrs. Grieve noted that the constituents of
frankincense as follows: resins (65%), volatile oil (6%), water soluble
gum (20%), bassorin (6-8%), and plant residue (2-4%). The resins contain
boswellic acid and alibanoresin.
Parts Used
Dried resin, collected from stems and trunk.
Typical Preparations
Powdered resin added to water, tincture, and very rarely as a tea.
For internal use, sometimes mixed with myrrh or cress. In
aromatherapy, frankincense is compatible with bergamot, cinnamon, clary
sage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, neroli,
orange, patchouli, pine, rose, sandalwood, tangerine, and ylang ylang.