Frankincense is an essential oil obtained from steam distillation of the gum resin of the small, bushy Boswellia carterii tree. Some frankincense oil is extracted with alcohol or a chemical solvent such as hexane. Only steam-distilled or alcohol-extracted frankincense resin should be used for aromatherapy purposes.
Frankincense helps improve dry, chapped mature-looking skin. It’s especially useful to the respiratory system during seasonal changes and aids in coughs, excess mucous, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, colds and flu. It is excellent for use with stress related conditions and anxiety, due to its ability to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It can be massaged into the skin, added to the bath, inhaled and taken internally in small doses.
Frankincense may also be useful when traveling on airplanes. Inhaling the aroma may help to prevent respiratory dryness and catching cold viruses circulating in the plane’s recycled air.
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) can help with the following
Pharyngitis
Wayne McCarthy, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Waikoloa, Hawaii, believes frankincense works wonders on a sore throat. He recommends mixing 2-3 drops of frankincense tincture with saliva in the back of the throat and then swallowing. “I found it to be so effective for throats that I just never want to be without it,” he says.
Laryngitis
Breathing the vapors or swallowing small amounts may help restore your voice when it has been lost due to overuse.
Anxiety
Frankincense oil can help to fortify a mind burdened with mental anxiety, nervous tension or stress. It reduces anxiety and helps revitalize the mind when a person is mentally exhausted.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
Glossary
Essential Oil
Volatile terpene derivative responsible for the odor or taste of a plant.
Chapped
Roughened, reddened, or cracked skin, especially as a result of cold or exposure.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious agent and of short duration. Chronic bronchitis, generally the result of smoking, may also be known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Emphysema.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.