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 Frankincense Essential
Oil ProfileBoswellia is a genus of trees known for their fragrant resin which has many pharmacological uses particularly as anti-inflamatories. The Biblical incense frankincense was probably an extract from the resin of the tree, Boswellia sacra. There are four main species of Boswellia which produce true Frankincense and each type of resin is available in various grades. The grades depend on the time of harvesting, and the resin is hand sorted for quality. Anyone interested in frankincense would be well advised to first obtain a small sample of each type from a reputable dealer in order to ascertain the difference between each resin. ....more |
| Botanical Name: | Boswellia carterii Birdw. |
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| Family: | Burseraceae |
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| Synonyms: | Olibanum, gum thus. |
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| See Also: | |
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| Parts Used: | Oleo gum resin |
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| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation, |
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| Colour: | Pale yellow to greenish transparent liquid. |
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| Consistency: | Thin |
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| Aroma Description: | Terpeney, rich, balsamic |
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| Perfume note: | Base |
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| Blends well with: | Bergamot, cypress, myrrh, sandalwood, orange, pine, lemon, ylang ylang, patchouli. |
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| Historical Uses: | Frankincense has been used for a wide range of conditions including syphilis, rheumatism, respiratory and urinary tract infections, skin deseases, as well as digestive and nervous complaints. It is stimulant, but seldom used now internally, though formerly was in great repute . Pliny mentions it as an antidote to hemlock. Avicenna (tenth century) recommends it for tumours, ulcers, vomiting, dysentery and fevers. In China it is used for leprosy. |
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| Modern Uses: | The inhalation of steam laden with the volatile portion of the drug is said to relieve bronchitis and laryngitis. The gum and oil are used as fixitives and fragrance components in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes. Used in some pharmaceutical products such as linaments and throat pastilles. Used in herbaceous, balsamic flavours; in woody fragrance compounds for alcoholic and cosmetic perfumery |
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| Cautions: | Non toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing . |
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| Aromatherapy Uses: |
Genito-Urinary System - Cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, metrorrhagia.
Immune System - Strenghtens natural immune system.
Respiratory System - Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis.
Nervous System - Depression, anxiety, nervous tension, stress related conditions.
Skin Care - Blemishes, dry and mature complexions, scars, wounds, wrinkles.
Balances & calms the nervous system, helps concentrate, aids meditation, good for respiratory problems, promotes new cell growth, aids in scars and aging skin.
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| Physical Actions |
| Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astingent, carminative, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary. |
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| Toxicity |
LD50 - (oral) rat >5g/kg; (dermal) rabbit >5g/kg.
Irritation/Sensitisation - Nil at 8% (Human)
Phototoxicity - Untested |
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