Essential Oil Frankincense

Botanical Name

Boswellia carterii / Birdw.

Benefits and Qualities

Frankincense essential oil is recommended for respiratory ailments. When inhaled it facilitates expectoration and relaxes the bronchial passages. On another front, it brings significant virtues to massage, where it helps with issues of articulation, with muscles, and with tightening up the epidermis. In the area of mental health, its soothing action leads the mind to meditation, calm, and the eradication of negative thought. Synergies: eucalyptus, laveder aspic, orange, grapefruit, lemon, sandalwood, patachouli, rose.

Production

Essential oil obtained by hyrdrodistillation of the gum of boswellia carterii Birdw. and other species of boswellia from Somalia. (Burseraceaes)

The Plant

If there is one plant intimately linked to religious ceremonies, it is frankincense - Antiquity's oliban - which grows freely all around the Red Sea. The fragrant smoke which it releases has from time immemorial been used to speak with the divine. From the polytheistic pantheons to the monotheistic religions, frankincense has always been in the temple, tasked with accompanying man in his meditations and to lead him to lift himself higher.

Caution

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep away from children.

Principes aromatiques

Alpha-pinene, alpha-thuyene, limonene, sabinene, myrcene

Parfume-Creation

An odour typically of incense; balsamic-spicy, mildly lemony but also with notes of conifer. Very helpful in changing environments.

Description olfactive

Base note. Woody, warm, resinous odour.