Frankincense Essential Oil

Latin Name: Boswellia Carterii

Plant part used: Resin

Origin: Oman 

Extraction method: Steam Distillation

5% dilution in grapeseed oil

Frankincense essential oil is steam distilled from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, from the Burseraceae family, and is also known as Olibanum. The word is derived from the French word meaning exuberant, and it was, along with myrrh, the first chewing gum used as incense. The tree is native to the Middle East, and it is said to exist in the natural formation of bonsai in that dry land. Frankincense is said to symbolize divinity.

This oil is the most popular in aromatherapy for its calming properties. It is said to help heal wounds and prevent scars. It is used to tone the face, eliminate wrinkles, and prevent stretch marks in cosmetic products. Frankincense essential oil has been used to relieve anxiety, stress, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, and severe cough. It is a general tonic for the uterus, has a calming effect during childbirth, and helps relieve heavy menstruation. It is most useful during meditation. Avoid during pregnancy.

The ancient Egyptians burned frankincense as sacred incense and used it as a face mask. They ground the burned resin into a powder called kohl, used to highlight the eyes. Eyes with Kohl lines are commonly seen in Egyptian art. The first record of the use of frankincense was found in an inscription in the tomb of the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut from the 15th century B.C. It was used to fumigate the sick, to drive away evil spirits.