Frankincense Essential Oil 1/3 fl oz: C

Various species of frankincense trees grow wild throughout Western India, Northeastern Africa and Southern Saudi Arabia. The oil is distilled from the gum resin that oozes from incisions made in the bark of the trees. The oil is spicy, balsamic, green-lemon-like and peppery. It modifies the sweetness of citrus oils such as orange and bergamot. It is also the base for incense type perfumes and is important in Oriental, floral, spice and masculine scents. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, visualizing, meditative. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Its principal use now is in the manufacture of incense and pastilles. It is also used in plasters and might be substituted for Balsam of Peru or Balsam of Tolu.' 'The inhalation of steam laden with the volatile portion of the drug is said to relieve bronchitis and laryngitis.' 'The ceremonial incense of the Jews was compounded of four 'sweet scents,' of which pure Frankincense was one, pounded together in equal proportion. It is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch.' King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'Olibanum is a stimulant, producing results similar to those from the tolu and Peru balsams; it is principally used as a fumigating article, and occasionally forms an ingredient of plasters. The dose, when used internally, is from 5 to 40 grains, in emulsion.' Frankincense oil is non-toxic and non-irritant and could be used by most people. Frankincense oil soothes and calms the mind, slowing down and deepening breathing. On the respiratory tract it clears the lungs and helps with shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs and colds. It can be useful with heavy periods, is a general tonic to the uterus and has a calming effect during labor. Frankincense oil is said to help rejuvenate an ageing skin, is a skin tonic and is effective with sores, carbuncles, wounds, scars and skin inflammation. It is helpful for rheumatism and on the urinary tract. Frankincense is one of the oils that can really calm and soothe the whole body and mind. It eases all the aches and pains, clears the lungs and acts as a skin tonic. In vapor therapy Frankincense can be used for: bronchitis, colds, coughs and voice loss. Frankincense oil can be used in a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath for: colds, coughs, bronchitis, rheumatism, chilliness, poor circulation, exhaustion, nightmares, heavy periods, respiratory problems and mucus congestion. Frankincense oil can be added to a base cream or lotion to help with general skin tone and condition. To benefit scarring or wounds, wash with diluted oil. For cracked skin and bedsores, apply gently directly on to affected areas or use a compress. Frankincense oil blends well with other oils, such as Benzoin, Sandalwood, Lavender, Myrrh, Pine, Orange, Bergamot and Lemon. Essential and resin oils are volatile, fragrant materials extracted from the root, bark, wood, seed, fruit, leaf or flower of a single plant. Essentia