It is extracted from resin from the Boswellia carteri tree, of the Burseraceae family and is also known as Olibanum and gum thus.
Oil properties
Frankincense oil is extracted by steam distillation from the oleo gum resin and yields about 3 - 10 %. An absolute is also produced, but is mainly used as a fixative.
Chemical composition
Oil properties
Frankincense has a woody, spicy, haunting smell, a little bit camphoric, but very pleasant. It is pale yellow-green in color.
Frankincense oil is extracted by steam distillation from the oleo gum resin and yields about 3 - 10 %. An absolute is also produced, but is mainly used as a fixative.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of frankincense oil are a-pinene, actanol, linalool, octyl acetate, bornyl acetate, incensole and incensyl acetate.
Precautions
Frankincense oil is non-toxic and non-irritant and can be used by most people.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of frankincense oil are antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary and expectorant.
Frankincense oil soothes and calms the mind, slowing down and deepening breathing and is excellent for use when meditating. It also helps to calm anxiety and obsessive states linked to the past.
On the respiratory tract, it clears the lungs and helps with shortness of breath, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs and colds.