The oil is extracted from milky-white sticky liquid resin part of frankincense tree which finds origin in Middle East and has small abundant pinnacle leaves with white/pale pink flower. Flowing from trunk of the tree, the resin is distilled for producing precious oil.
The oil contains alpha-pinene, Ketonic alcohol (olibanol), alpha-thujene and octanol, terpenes (camphene, dipentene, a- and p-pinene, phellandrene) and resinous matters (30 - 60 per cent).
Available in form of yellow transparent liquid, Frankincense has long been used as incense as well as for curing skin ailments from acne to wound healing. As major constituent, oil has terpenes (camphene, dipentene, a- and p-pinene, phellandrene), Ketonic alcohol (olibanol), resinous matters (30 - 60 per cent). Further, it is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol and oils.
The oil has properties of being analgesic, antifungal, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, astringent, digestive, carminative, diuretic, sedative, tonic, expectorant, vulnerary.
Some of the uses of these oils include in treating acne, blemishes, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, dry skin, flu, nervousness, colds, coughs, rheumatism, scars, urinary tract infections, wrinkles, skin ailments, stress, ulcers and wounds. For taking advantage of its skin healing properties, the oil may also be added to skin creams or toners.
Frankincense essential oil is known for its therapeutic properties and is used as astringent, carminative, antiseptic, digestive, sedative, diuretic and as tonic. Further, it also has properties of cytophylactic, expectorant, uterine, vulnerary and expectorant.
The oil blends well with camphor, cinnamon, bergamot, black pepper, cypress, lavender, lemon, geranium, grapefruit, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, pine, rose, orange, palmarosa, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang.
Also known olibanum, or boswellia, Frankincense oil helps in soothing and calming mind, slowing down & deepening breathing as well as in use when meditating. Further, it also helps in calming anxiety and on respiratory tracts it clears lungs and assists with asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, laryngitis, coughs and colds. The oil can also be used for easing heavy periods and has calming effect during labor. Its also helpful for rheumatism and has positive impact on urinary tract. Frankincense oil also helps in rejuvenating ageing skin and is effective with wounds, scars, sores, carbuncles and skin inflammation.
Being non-toxic and non-irritant, Frankincense oil can be used by most people.
Putting 2 to 3 drops on inside of forearm helps in testing for reaction.
Lactating women should avoid essential oils as these can carry hormone-like activity.
The resin intake should be avoided when using blood thinning medication.