Art, obsession, and identity
Frankincense is also known as olibanum. It's made from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which favors dry, mountainous regions.
Maydi or Boswellia frereana is known as the "King of Frankincense essential oils," and was used by the Coptic Church of ancient Egypt.
These chunks of resin that form over a few days are sent to be processed. In order to form the essential oil, the resin is turned into a powder.
Frankincense in its unaltered state is present on the trunk of the Boswellia tree, where the sap forms a hardened, gum-like material.
In a labor-intensive process, the sap is stripped from the tree trunk using a knife. Following extraction from the bark, the sap turns into a hard resin after a few days.
The ancient Egyptians used frankincense to embalm the dead, as well as in their religious ceremonies. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for medicinal purposes.
The resin of frankincense is sometimes burned as an air purifier. It's said to enhance spiritual connection, and that's perhaps why it's still used in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches today.
The powdered resin is then sent for steam distillation. Vapor from the distillation goes through a condenser, where the cooling effect causes the frankincense oil to float to the surface.
Frankincense famously appears in the biblical story of the Nativity. It's one of the gifts brought by the Three Kings who came to visit the baby Jesus, celebrating his birth (alongside gold and myrrh).
The tree grows predominantly in northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. However, Oman holds the title for being the "Land of Frankincense," and the highest quality frankincense is extracted from the Boswellia tree here.
Frankincense has been a vital part of the Omani culture for millennia. It was the main export of the country dating back to between 3200-1500 BCE.
There are several varieties of Boswellia tree. The resin slightly differs between them, to produce a slightly different oil.
In biblical times, frankincense was worth more than gold. Later in antiquity, as it was traded along the Great Silk Road, it remained one of the world's most valuable commodities.
The word frankincense comes from an Old French phrase, franc escens, which translates to "quality incense." The woody, spicy smell made it a popular choice in antiquity.
Essential oil diffusion is said to help encourage relaxation and calm. Frankincense can be diffused for this purpose.
High-quality frankincense oil has been used therapeutically for centuries. However, there is also ongoing research to uncover if the oil could have scientifically-backed benefits.
According to the latest test-tube studies, it's suggested the compounds in frankincense may fight breast, prostate, pancreatic, skin, and colon cancer cells.
In a 2003 study, frankincense was found to boost immunity, by increasing the immune system response when fighting germs and bugs.
Boswellic acids may also prevent the formation of DNA in cancerous cells, which could help limit cancer growth. However, so far, much of the testing has been in test-tube studies rather than with human subjects.
Frankincense is said to have astringent properties, making it suitable for skincare. In the past, it was used to treat wounds and infections, as it's believed to speed up cell renewal.
These properties could help treat and prevent oral infections. However, so far studies have been small and more research is needed.
The immune system is also boosted when we release less of the stress hormone cortisol. It's claimed that by encouraging relaxation, frankincense can help reduce the production of stress hormones that can lead to a higher risk of falling ill. More research is needed to back up this claim, however.
Frankincense has been used to treat asthma and bronchitis for centuries in traditional medicine. Early research has shown some promising results.
These included the finding that the compounds in frankincense may help prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Frankincense might help improve oral hygiene. It could also assist in preventing gum disease. Boswellic acids present in frankincense have been shown to have strong antibacterial properties.
When combined with other herbal medicines, one study found frankincense reduced abdominal pain and bloating. In another study, boswellia extract taken daily for four weeks improved symptoms in people with mild ulcerative colitis in remission. More research is needed.
Early research has shown a link between using frankincense oil to help treat arthritis symptoms, and reduced symptoms compared to a placebo.
The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense could have benefits for gut health, too. This could be helpful for those who suffer from IBS or ulcerative colitis.
Frankincense essential oil is commonly used in soaps, perfumes, and lotions as a fragrance. The oil itself has aromatherapy benefits.
While frankincense is generally considered safe and has low toxicity, always take precautions when using something new. If you take medications, ensure there are no interactions before using frankincense therapeutically.
Sources: (Healthline) (WebMD) (Slate) (National Library of Medicine)
See also: 30 unexpected ways to use coconut oil
Essential oils have a long and storied history of being used for their therapeutic benefits. Frankincense is a popular oil, used in ancient medicine and religious practices, that can have benefits to physical and emotional health. During the Middle Ages, frankincense was one of the most valuable commodities in the world. But why?
Let's take a look at the reasons why it was favored by so many, its main uses, and what we know about it today. Click on to discover the therapeutic uses of frankincense.
The surprising therapeutic uses of frankincense
Frankincense has a long history
LIFESTYLE Essential oils
Essential oils have a long and storied history of being used for their therapeutic benefits. Frankincense is a popular oil, used in ancient medicine and religious practices, that can have benefits to physical and emotional health. During the Middle Ages, frankincense was one of the most valuable commodities in the world. But why?
Let's take a look at the reasons why it was favored by so many, its main uses, and what we know about it today. Click on to discover the therapeutic uses of frankincense.