THE POWER OF FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense (Boswellia Sacra) a/k/a Olibanum, originally meant ‘pure or high quality incense’. The essential oil is extracted from the gum resin from the shrub of Boswellia, which is done through steam distillation. It is prominent and most commonly distributed from Somalia. This Boswellia shrub grows wild throughout North East Africa.
Frankincense is most commonly known from the Biblical story of the wise men. The wise men brought gifts to the newborn King, Jesus, as described in the book of Matthew. The fact that it was brought on such an important occasion, shows its true significance.
And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
In ancient times, the resin was burned in temples and was considered sacred. Even before we had evidence of its true value, frankincense was highly regarded. This valuable resin was found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 BC. Some traditional churches still use frankincense to this day.
BENEFITS
In 2013, Leicester University researchers found that AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), a chemical compound in the resin, has cancer-killing properties and the potential to destroy ovarian cancer cells! Unfortunately, in our current society, many of us lean toward man-made synthetic products for healing. Thankfully, Frankincense is readily available for use. Below are a few reasons to give frankincense a try:
Skin Benefits (my favorite) – Great for mature skin and perfect for maintaining balance in an over oily complexion.
Healing – Potential cancer fighting benefits.
Nervousness – Comforting and relaxing properties that relieve stress and anxiety.
Respiratory – Can help with asthma and chronic cough by calming breathing.
Urinary – Can ease symptoms of cystitis.
Reproductive – Assists in healing dysmenorrhea and metrorrhagia.
Aromatherapy – Has a very calming effect on the body, a woodsy relaxing scent.
HOW TO USE
There are several ways to use frankincense. It can be used as an essential oil in a diffuser or used as an oil roller. Below is a little more information on using frankincense in your every day life.
a. Vaporize it into the air by using an essential oil diffuser.
b. Make a room spray using grain alcohol and frankincense essential oil.
c. Use it as an incense and burn the gum resin.
d. Make a homemade bath salt with a little frankincense.
e. Make an essential oil roller.
Ingredients
- You will need one 10 ml glass roller bottle
- Carrier Oil (Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil)
- 5-10 drops of frankincense per 10 mls of carrier oil
Instructions
- Fill your glass essential oil roller with a carrier oil, leaving a little room at the top of the roller
- Add essential oils
- Secure cap and lid
- Gently shake
You can apply frankincense directly to the skin in an oil roller that contains a carrier oil. Roll essential oil roller on to wrists, feet and/or back of the neck or forehead.
Frances Matthews says
Is it better to use frankincense alone or with other oils to fight off virus. And what recipe do you recommend trying to stay.Healthy and alive myself and husband in the 70 s. I have a 10 ml roller bottle. Ty
greeneyedgrace@yahoo.com says
Hello!
When making a ‘cold fighting’ type roller I like to mix in a few drops of peppermint and clove (clove can be a little strong so you probably only need one drop). Just make sure that your roller isn’t too strong 🙂 Hope that helps!