Natural Expectorant and other health benefits of Frankincense
Frankincense Resin - Boswellia Carterii B.
Origin: Brazil
Used part: Resin
Description:
Frankincense, also called olibanum (Arabic: luban) is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra, B. carteri, B. thurifera, B. frereana, and B. bhaw-dajiana of the family Burseraceae. It is used in incense and perfumes. The lost city of Ubar, sometimes identified with Irem in what the town of Shisr in Oman is now, is believed to have been a center of the frankincense trade along the recently rediscovered 'Incense Road' in Dhofar — southern region of Oman. Dhofar produces the highest grade of frankincense from B. sacra, known as Hojari.
Frankincense is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and religious rites. Frankincense essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dry resin. It has bitter, strong-smelling, antiseptic, expectorant, and decongestant properties. The chemical composition of frankincense includes acid resins, gum, 3-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, alpha-boswellic acid, 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid, incensole acetate, terpines, α-pinene, phellandrene, and pentacyclic triterpenoids.
Health benefits:
Frankincense resin is edible and often used as traditional medicine in many Asian countries to cure bronchial and urinary infections. In China it is used to relieve menstrual pain, gum, mouth, and throat complaints, and also as a rejuvenating medicine in India. The essential oil of frankincense contains monoterpines, sequiterpines, monoterpinoles, sequiterpinols, and ketones. Boswellic acid has been found to have anti-proliferative effects on various tumor cell lines, melanoma, glioblastomas, and liver cancer in vitro, based on apoptosis.
Frankincense oil has been found to distinguish cancerous cells from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. However, frankincense smoke produces a psychoactive substance, trahydrocannabinole, which helps to expand consciousness. It helps in clearing the lungs and other mucus-related problems, lightens heavy periods in females, and eases postnatal depressions. It helps in healing wounds, sores, ulcers, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and inflammations.
The essential oil of the frankincense possesses antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, sedative, uterine, and vulnerary therapeutic properties. In Ayurvedic medicine Indian frankincense (B. serrata), commonly referred to as 'dhoop,' has been used for hundreds of years, for treating arthritis, healing wounds, strengthening the female hormone system, and purifying the atmosphere from undesirable germs.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Wounds
- Sores
- Ulcers
- Carbuncles
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammations
Directions:
In addition to using sacred frankincense resin for cleansing a space or crystal, it is also a great scent for yoga and meditation. Frankincense benefits the crown chakra, so lighting this sacred frankincense will help open your mind for meditation.
To do this, begin by lighting a charcoal round. When the charcoal turns white, place a few pieces of frankincense on the round. Any more and the smoke will quickly overpower your space. This is the perfect spiritual cleanser to use in meditation because it will self-burn continuously for up to an hour without any further effort from you.
Contraindications:
Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe, and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.