Hair Alternative Medicine

Frankincense in Aromatherapy - Trees, Pearls, and Essential Oil


The Mysterious Frankincense

Used for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritualpractice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures,including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role inreligious and domestic life. Frankincense has been sought after by kings and valued as highly as gold. Morerecently, the essential oil is gaining popularity with spiritual seekers and natural healers alike. What isso special about this tree that its 'pearls' were given as a gift at the birth of one of history's most reveredprophets?

The Hardy Tree and its Tears

The Frankincense tree, or Olibanum, upon first glance, may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as agiant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers.A native to northern Africa, it looks like it belongs in the desert, growing in some of the world'sharshest conditions. But it is not the tree itself, but rather its sap that has such profound lore surroundingit. Whenthe tree's bark is pierced with a knife (known traditionally as a 'Mingaf'), a milky-white oleoresin is exuded- thought the tree is not harmed. The resin forms droplets known as 'tears' or 'pearls', which harden intothe orange-brown gum known itself as Frankincense. The English name of this natural incense is derivedfrom the medieval French 'franc',meaning 'pure' or 'free', and from the Latin 'incensium', meaning 'to smoke'.

History's Most Popular Incense

For more than 5000 years, the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China andIndia; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredientsin Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense(as with other ritual incense) is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it's smoke. It is also said todeepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. Theincense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke, keeping churches and churchgoersfree from disease.

According to ancient documents, the great Baal temple of Babylon consumed 2 and a half tons of Frankincensea year. The Frankincense trade was of immense importance in ancient times, peaking about 2000 years ago.Caravans grew to as many as 2 to 3 thousand camels in size. Cities grew up along the trade routes, and heavytaxes and fees for protection, lodging and camel fodder raised the cost of the resin considerably, so muchso that it was valued as much as gold. The wealth involved inspired Alexander the Great to plot to control theregion, though his death happened to preceed the invasion.

Health Benefits

Frankincense resin is thought to have a bounty of health properties - it was an ingredient in a rejuvenateface mask in ancient Egypt (it was also charred and used as the classic heavy eyeliner seen in much ancientEgyptian art), and at one time was "used to treat every conceivable ill to man". In ayurvedic medicine itis known as salaiguggul,used for centuries to treat many conditions, including arthritis. Modern science has isolated the activecompounds found to have anti-arthritic properties. Called boswellic acids, these components inhibit theinflammatory process, improve blood supply and prevent further cartilage reduction.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Modern natural medicine and aromatherapy have taken to the use of the essential oil of Frankincense. The oil, havinga warm, woody, sweet aroma with a hint of citrus, is steam or CO2 distilled from the resin.It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dryskin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leukorrea.

The most important effect of the essential oil may be on the nervous system. Regarded as an antidepressant,the aroma can both relax and revitalize, and can help in cases of nervous tension and exhaustion. Frankincenseoil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitaryglands. The oil is now being researched for it's ability to increase human growth hormone production. Further,it is considered to strengthen the immune system, which may in-fact occur as a result of it's uplifting properties.

Frankincense essential oil can be used in a manner similar to burning of the incense in spiritual practice.Warming in a candle lamp or direct application to the temples and third eye will quiet the mind, deepen thebreath, and promote meditative stillness. It is often blended with Sandalwood, Myrrh and Cedarwood for suchuses, and the single-pointed concentration it invokes is thought to allow the spirit to soar.

Experimenting with Frankincense

Frankincense resin is widely available at reasonable costs. Most is wildcrafted, being extracted fromtrees growing in the deserts of northeast Africa - thankfully, the resource is abundant, as the treeseasily survive harvesting of the pearls. The small chunks of resin can simply be lit by themselves ina dish or similar container, and allowed to smolder and release their smoke. Frankincense is also availablein prepared incense sticks and other incense preparations. In the form of your choosing, simply lightand allow some quiet time to experience the deep aroma.

With the essential oil, a diffuser or warming lamp can be used to disperse the aroma throughout a space.The oil is also found in aromatherapy candles, where it is released from the heated oil beneath the burningwick. Frankincense oil can be applied directly to the forehead (it is non-irritating or sensitizing)where you can both capture the aroma and absorb the oil directly. Again, take a moment to sit quietlyto perceive any effects.

The wonderful gift of the Frankincense tree is available in many ways, and has come highly recommendedfor many thousands of years. Try adding a little Frankincense to your life, and see what the mystery is all about!

Misty is a naturopath and yoga instructor in Boulder, Colorado. She employs wildcrafted and organic essential oils like Frankincense oil in her practice.


MORE RESOURCES:

Voice of America

Obama Taps Daschle For HHS Secretary
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 4 hours ago
He said he "might move a Republican alternative proposal Thursday, but suggested it faced strong opposition. 'We have to face reality,' he said. ...
Video: Dem Officials: Daschle Accepts Cabinet Post AssociatedPress
Tom Daschle Picked for Tough Job at HHS Associated Content
Barack Obama Picks Pro-Abortion Senator Tom Daschle as Health ... LifeNews.com
Minneapolis Star Tribune
all 1,474 news articles


Health unions offer to find alternative to vaccine cut
Belfast Telegraph, United Kingdom - 5 hours ago
SIPTU, IMPACT and the Irish Nurses Organisation are now offering to meet HSE bosses to find alternative ways to achieve the cost savings so the vaccination ...


CollegeOTR

I could probably give up cigarettes, but I’m no quitter
New York Daily News, NY - 8 hours ago
I turn on the TV, and a man with a hole in his throat lectures me on one gruesome alternative to getting lung cancer. The commercial is horrific, ...
No smoking rules kick in at Waco hospital campuses Waco Tribune Herald
The 32nd Great American Smokeout: A Perspective American Council on Science and Health
'Quit Booths' part of Smokeout Knoxville News Sentinel
Belmont Citizen-Herald
all 386 news articles


ABC News

Some turning to border clinics for alternative health treatments
KVUE, TX - Nov 14, 2008
Just a few steps across the border, people seek alternative treatments. Dr. Omar Gonzalez combines accupuncture with another therapy. ...
Stem Cell Research in Cardiology - Report Available Now MarketWatch
UCSF team moves in on mechanism in stem cell growth, possibly cancer UCSF News Office
google news commentComment by Martha Joynt Kumar Prof., Dept. of Political Science, Towson Univ.
all 497 news articles


Montgomery Lawmaker Touts Alternative to Ambulance Fee
Washington Post, United States - Nov 18, 2008
Leggett's legislation is designed to charge health insurance companies - not residents - from $300 to $800, depending on the service. ...


3rd Option to the Private Nursery School and Preschool Alternative ...
MarketWatch - Nov 19, 2008
... is only permissible to our ELF program (as opposed to the preschool alternative programs) because of our licensed status with the NYC Board of Health. ...


KEPR 19

Ted Kennedy asks Hillary Clinton to head Senate healthcare team
Los Angeles Times, CA - Nov 18, 2008
Y), considered a prominent contender to become secretary of State in the Obama administration, was offered an alternative Tuesday -- to be a senior member ...
Kennedy Announces Plan to Submit Bill For Universal Care Washington Post
all 416 news articles


Health insurance costs inching up for Va. employers
The Virginian-Pilot, VA - 12 hours ago
And interest is growing among employees in alternative plans with lower monthly costs but higher deductibles. The survey showed that, in this region, ...


AFP

Philippine bishops oppose contraceptives bill
International Herald Tribune, France - 6 hours ago
... Thursday they will help lawmakers craft an alternative law that addresses poverty. The controversial bill approved last month by the Health Committee in ...
Philippine Catholic Church drafts own population bill Reuters
CBCP official: Church has been teaching sex education ABS CBN News
all 27 news articles


Washington Times

Health Industry Proposes Coverage for All, Along With Individual ...
TMCnet - 20 hours ago
Clinton, considered a candidate to become Secretary of State in the Obama administration, was recently offered an alternative: to be a senior member of a ...
BURGESS: A prescription for health care Washington Times
Consumer Watchdog Comments on Health Insurer's Self-Serving ... International Business Times
all 389 news articles

Alternative Health - Google News

home | Iridology | "Mind Machines" | "Alternative Health" site map | Iridology Site Map | "Alternative Botox"
© 2000 - 2008