Frankincense

Safety data -- non-toxic, non irritant, nonsensitizing.

Family -- Burseracea

Synonyms -- Olibanum, Gum thus

Herbal/folk tradition - Used since antiquity as an incense in India, China and in the west by the Catholic Church.  In ancient Egypt it was used in rejuvenating face masks, cosmetics and perfumes.  It has been used medicinally in the East and West for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections, skin diseases, as well as digestive and nervous complaints.

Aromatherapy/home use

Skin care -- blemishes, dry and mature complexions, scars, wounds, wrinkles.

Respiratory system -- asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis.

Genito-urinary system -- cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, metorraghia.

Immune system -- colds, influenza.

Nervous system -- anxiety, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.

Other uses -- the gum and oil are used as fixatives and fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, especially Oriental, spice and men's fragrances.  Employed in some pharmaceuticals such as liniments and throat pastels.  Extensively used in the manufacture of incense.  The oil is used in minute amounts in some foods such as meat products, alcoholic and soft drinks.

Distribution -- native to the Red Sea region; grows wild throughout most East Africa.  The gum is produced mainly in Somalia, Ethiopia, China and South Arabia, then distilled in Europe and India.

Extraction -- essential oil by steam distillation from selected oleo gum resins.  An absolute is also produced for use mainly as a fixative. Characteristics -- a pale yellow or greenish mobile liquid with a fresh, terpeney top note and a warm, rich, sweet balsamic undertone.  It blends well with sandalwood, pine, vetiver, geranium, lavender, Mimosa, orange blossom, orange, bergamot, camphor, basil, pepper, cinnamon and other spices.  It modifies the sweetness of citrus blends in an intriguing way.

Actions -- anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary.

EO159A   Frankincense India    1/3oz     $10.50

EO159B  Frankincense India     1oz        $29.00 

EO159C   Frankincense India     2oz       $52.00