Frankincense: The King of Oils!
Let’s chat about frankincense, the “king of oils” in aromatherapy. I’ve been working with this amazing stuff for years, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about its benefits and uses.
The botanical name for Frankincense is “boswellia carterii” and commonly known as olibanum. The trees, which are not cultivated, produce a natural oleo-gum resin that is harvested and steam-distilled. Frankincense has a long history in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Hebrew and Persian civilizations and was prized for use in everything from aromatic incense for religious rituals to cosmetics for beauty enhancement. A wonderful tonic for the skin and mind.
Frankincense oil is produced through a time-honored process that begins with the extraction of resin from the Boswellia tree, which is native to the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East. Here’s a step-by-step look at how frankincense oil is traditionally made:
Harvesting the Resin
The process begins with making incisions in the bark of the Boswellia tree. These incisions allow the resin to seep out. It starts as a milky-white liquid and gradually hardens upon exposure to air, forming droplets or “tears.”
After the resin has hardened, it is collected from the tree. This usually takes place a few weeks after the initial cuts are made. The hardened resin is scraped off the tree in the form of tears, which are then allowed to dry further.
The collected resin tears are sorted by size and quality. Impurities and bark pieces are removed to ensure that only the best quality resin goes on to the next stage. This sorting also helps in grading the resin, as different qualities of resin can produce different grades of oil.
The cleaned resin tears are then subjected to steam distillation, the most common method used to extract essential oils. The resin is placed in a distillation apparatus over water. As the water is heated, steam passes through the resin, causing the volatile compounds to vaporize. These vapors then pass through a cooling system to condense them into liquid form.
The condensed vapor results in a mixture of water and oil, which are then separated. Since essential oils are typically less dense than water, the oil floats to the top and is collected as frankincense essential oil.
Finally, the oil undergoes various tests to confirm its purity and quality before being packaged for sale. These tests ensure that the oil is free from contaminants and meets industry standards for therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Frankincense oil’s unique aroma and extensive range of benefits are a result of this meticulous process. Each step, from tree to bottle, plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity and potency of the oil.
What Makes Frankincense Special
This oil is so versatile and beneficial. It’s got anti-inflammatory properties that can help with stuff like aching joints and muscles. Plus, it’s great for boosting your immune system. Here’s a quick rundown of what it can do:
– Fights inflammation
– Keeps germs at bay
– Tones your skin
Good Vibes Only
Frankincense isn’t just about physical health – it’s a mood-booster too! Its scent is super grounding, making it perfect for meditation. If you’re feeling stressed or down, a whiff of frankincense might just do the trick.
Everyday Uses
You don’t need to be an aromatherapist to use frankincense. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your daily life:
– Mix a few drops into your face cream for a natural anti-aging boost
– Diffuse it at home or work to create a chill atmosphere
– Add it to massage oil for a super relaxing rub-down
Getting Started
If you want to try frankincense, try our Organic Frankincense in a 5ml bottle.
You can mix it with other oils like lavender or orange for different effects. Just remember to dilute it before putting it directly on your skin!
Here are some great essential oils to combine with frankincense for different purposes:
For Relaxation and Stress Relief
Lavender: Blending frankincense with lavender creates a powerfully calming combination. This duo is excellent for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The woody, spicy scent of frankincense complements lavender’s floral aroma beautifully.
Sandalwood: Combining frankincense and sandalwood produces a grounding, meditative blend. This pairing is ideal for creating a peaceful atmosphere and enhancing spiritual practices.
For Skin Care
Geranium: Frankincense and geranium together make an excellent blend for skin care. This combination can help improve the appearance of skin by promoting cell regeneration and reducing the look of wrinkles.
Rose: The frankincense and rose blend is luxurious and beneficial for the skin. It can help with hydration and may improve skin elasticity].
For Respiratory Support
Eucalyptus: Mixing frankincense with eucalyptus can create a blend that supports respiratory health. This combination may help open airways and promote easier breathing.
For Immune Support
Lemon: Frankincense blended with lemon can create an uplifting aroma that may also support the immune system. This citrusy combination is refreshing and invigorating.
For Focus and Clarity
Peppermint: Combining frankincense with peppermint can create an energizing blend that promotes mental clarity and focus.
For a Warm, Comforting Scent
Cinnamon: Frankincense and cinnamon together create a warm, spicy aroma that’s perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.
More rareESSENCE products featuring Frankincense include:
Aromatherapy Soy Candles:
https://www.rareessencearomatherapy.com/shop/mood/balancing/peace-luxe-cordial-candle/
https://www.rareessencearomatherapy.com/shop/spa/spa-candles/peace-travel-tin/
https://www.rareessencearomatherapy.com/shop/spa/spa-candles/peace-spa-candle-2/
Aromatherapy Room Mists:
https://www.rareessencearomatherapy.com/shop/spa/room-mists-spa/peace-aromatherapy-room-mist/
Aromatherapy Essential Oils Blends:
Remember, when creating essential oil blends, it’s important to dilute them properly with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Also, always do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. You can use these blends in a diffuser, add them to bath salts, or create custom massage oils for various benefits.
Here’s an easy guide to safe dilution. Generally, a 2 to 3% dilution is best for most topical applications.
Note: This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Results will vary from person to person. See a health care professional if the bite does not heal or appears infected. Test a small area of skin if you are sensitive to these ingredients. Do not use on children under the age of 2. For external use only. To avoid irritation, keep away from nose, mouth and eyes.
