What is Frankincense good for?
Frankincense, Boswellia carterii, is extracted from a tree that grows in the dry, arid climates of Oman and Somalia. It belongs to the Burseraceae family; all the trees in this family produce a resin and have bark that peels away, leaving a smooth trunk. The resin is collected by cutting the tree and allowing the resin to exude and dry before being collected. The resin is called ‘tears’, and it differs in colour from slightly opaque to a golden yellow. It is then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil. Tisserand’s Frankincense is obtained from Somalia. Aromatically, it has a slight medicinal aroma with a warm undertone but can also seem spicy or even fruity.
Frankincense has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for skin care. It has been adopted by many modern cosmetic companies for its skin healing properties. It is regarded as being rejuvenating and restorative, particallury useful for more mature or for skin that is inflamed as its chemical composition includes therapeutic properties that are anti-inflammatory. It can be used in a self-massage blend for the body or the face.
To 20ml of jojoba Oil add
3 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
2 drop of Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
5 drops of Mandarin Citrus nobilis.
Apply to the body in long sweeping strokes.
To 10ml of jojoba Oil add
1 drop of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
1 drop of Neroli Citrus aurantium
Apply to your face after your usual cleansing routine. Take your time massaging the blend into your face, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth.
When we feel stressed or anxious, our breath can become shallow or rapid, only increasing our levels of anxiety.
All essential oils extracted from trees have an infinity with our respiratory system, some calm the breath, others ease the breath by reducing congestion. Frankincense in particular has a long traditional use of being used for meditation, to reduce anxiety or to bring a sense of peace and tranquillity to any situation. It’s a wonderful essential oil to use for times of transition or reflection. Why not try the following diffuser blend whilst meditating, during your yoga practice or when you need to focus on a decision or are facing a time of transition in your life.
To your AromaSpa diffuser add the following drops:
4 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
2 drops of Cedarwood Atlas Cedrus atlanticus
1 drop of Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
1 drop of Sandalwood Santalum album
Frankincense is helpful for relieving coughs or congestion on the chest. It has anti-spasmodic properties, meaning that it can reduce and calm a cough.
To reduce phlegm and soothe a cough add the following drops to 20ml of your favourite blending oil
4 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
4 drops of Virginian Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana
2 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
Massage over chest and upper back before bedtime.
Frankincense blends well with so many other essential oils, you could try it with the florals for a soothing yet uplifting blend. Add it to one of the spices to relieve muscular aches and pains. Combine it with Lavender for a sedative effect or with any of the wood oils to bring clarity to the breath and soothe coughs and colds, It is very versatile!
Frankincense has been used for millenniums and is probably the most important aromatic incense throughout history. It has played a meaningful role in religious and domestic life in many ancient civilisations, including Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Hebrew, Greek and Roman. Did you know that in ancient Egypt, it was used as a cosmetic and is cited as being the first ‘eyeliner’? The resin was charred and then used to decorate around the eyes. It was called Kohl. You can see its use in most depictions of ancient Egypt artwork. It is still used today in religious rites and ceremonies throughout the world across many faiths and cultures.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
We are always delighted to hear about how you use your essential oils, so please tag us in your pictures on Instagram.
But what are the health benefits of Frankincense?
- Skin Tonic
- Respiratory Tonic
- Emotionally calming, particularly for times of transition
- Relieves muscular aches and pains
Can I use Frankincense for skin care?
Frankincense has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine for skin care. It has been adopted by many modern cosmetic companies for its skin healing properties. It is regarded as being rejuvenating and restorative, particallury useful for more mature or for skin that is inflamed as its chemical composition includes therapeutic properties that are anti-inflammatory. It can be used in a self-massage blend for the body or the face.
For a luxurious body massage blend
To 20ml of jojoba Oil add
3 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
2 drop of Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
5 drops of Mandarin Citrus nobilis.
Apply to the body in long sweeping strokes.
For a luxurious face massage blend
To 10ml of jojoba Oil add
1 drop of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
1 drop of Neroli Citrus aurantium
Apply to your face after your usual cleansing routine. Take your time massaging the blend into your face, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth.
How does Frankincense reduce anxiety?
When we feel stressed or anxious, our breath can become shallow or rapid, only increasing our levels of anxiety.
All essential oils extracted from trees have an infinity with our respiratory system, some calm the breath, others ease the breath by reducing congestion. Frankincense in particular has a long traditional use of being used for meditation, to reduce anxiety or to bring a sense of peace and tranquillity to any situation. It’s a wonderful essential oil to use for times of transition or reflection. Why not try the following diffuser blend whilst meditating, during your yoga practice or when you need to focus on a decision or are facing a time of transition in your life.
Reflective Diffuser Blend
To your AromaSpa diffuser add the following drops:
4 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
2 drops of Cedarwood Atlas Cedrus atlanticus
1 drop of Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
1 drop of Sandalwood Santalum album
Can I use Frankincense to soothe a cough?
Frankincense is helpful for relieving coughs or congestion on the chest. It has anti-spasmodic properties, meaning that it can reduce and calm a cough.
Relieving Chest Rub Blend
To reduce phlegm and soothe a cough add the following drops to 20ml of your favourite blending oil
4 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
4 drops of Virginian Cedarwood Juniperus virginiana
2 drops of Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus
Massage over chest and upper back before bedtime.
What does Frankincense blend well with?
Frankincense blends well with so many other essential oils, you could try it with the florals for a soothing yet uplifting blend. Add it to one of the spices to relieve muscular aches and pains. Combine it with Lavender for a sedative effect or with any of the wood oils to bring clarity to the breath and soothe coughs and colds, It is very versatile!
What is the history of Frankincense?
Frankincense has been used for millenniums and is probably the most important aromatic incense throughout history. It has played a meaningful role in religious and domestic life in many ancient civilisations, including Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Hebrew, Greek and Roman. Did you know that in ancient Egypt, it was used as a cosmetic and is cited as being the first ‘eyeliner’? The resin was charred and then used to decorate around the eyes. It was called Kohl. You can see its use in most depictions of ancient Egypt artwork. It is still used today in religious rites and ceremonies throughout the world across many faiths and cultures.
About Jo KellettOur essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
We are always delighted to hear about how you use your essential oils, so please tag us in your pictures on Instagram.
