Frankincense Oil: The King of Oils
Frankincense Oil is extracted from the gum or resin from Frankincense or
Olibanum trees, whose scientific name is Boswellia Carteri. The
main components of this essential oil are Alpha Pinene, Actanol, Bornyl
Acetate, Linalool, Octyl Acetate, Incensole and Incensyl Acetate. Frankincense
has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics and incense burners for centuries.
It has even been found in the remains of ancient Egyptian and Anglo-Saxon
civilizations. In addition to THAT, It is closely associated with religious
traditions and rites, particularly in the Christian tradition.
Health Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Thanks for
taking the time to learn with me and please post comments or questions below!
Apart from being
used as a cosmetic and as a fragrance, frankincense oil has numerous medicinal
uses, which I am about to dish out to you now.
Immune System: Frankincense
Oil is effective as an antiseptic, and even the fumes or smoke obtained from
burning it have antiseptic and disinfectant qualities that eliminate the germs
in the space where the smoke filters out. It can be applied on wounds without
any known side effects to protect them from tetanus and becoming septic. It is
equally good on internal wounds and protects them from developing infections.
Astringent: The astringent property of
Frankincense Oil has many benefits, because it strengthens gums, hair roots,
tones and lifts skin, contracts muscles, intestines and blood vessels, and thereby
gives protection from premature losses of teeth and hair. This astringent
quality also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and combats the loss of
firmness of intestines, abdominal muscles, and limbs associated with age. Above
all, frankincense acts as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding from wounds and
cuts. This astringent property also helps to relieve diarrhea of various
types.
Oral Health: Those same antiseptic
qualities also make frankincense oil a useful preventative measure against oral
issues, like bad breath, toothaches, cavities, mouth sores, and other
infections. Look for natural oral care products that include frankincense oil
if you enjoy the flavor or aroma, and want to include a strong antiseptic in
your health regimen. You can even create your own all-natural toothpaste with
frankincense oil and baking soda, or a mouthwash with water and peppermint oil.
Emenagogue: Frankincense essential oil
reduces obstructed and delayed menstruation and delays the advent of menopause.
It also helps curing other symptoms associated with menses and Post Menstrual
Syndrome, such as pain in the abdominal region, nausea, headache, fatigue, and
mood swings.
Carminative: Frankincense oil eliminates
gas and prevents it from building up in the body. This removal of excess gas
from the intestines also gives relief from associated problems like stomach
aches, pain in the abdominal region and chest, abnormal amounts of sweating,
uneasiness, indigestion and many other related conditions.
Cicatrisant: This
is an interesting property of Frankincense Oil, and since skin
health and anti-aging are such hot topics these days, this essential oil
has become even more important! When applied topically or inhaled, it can makes
the scars and after marks of boils, acne and pox on the skin fade at a much
faster rate. This also includes the fading of stretch marks, surgery marks, and
fat cracks associated with pregnancy and delivery of children.
Digestive: Suffering
from indigestion due to that turkey last night? A patient of chronic
indigestion and acidity? Fed up with those antacids? Then you should try
Frankincense Oil instead. This oil has digestive properties without any side
effects, and it facilitates digestion the way most medicines should, unlike
common antacids which only suppress the symptoms. This oil speeds up the
secretion of digestive juices (gastric juices, bile and acids) in the stomach
and facilitates movement of food through the intestines by stimulating
peristaltic motion. This means an all-around improvement in the digestion of
food.
Anti-Aging: As a
Cytophylactic, Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also
keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. When you combine this aspect of
frankincense oil with its powerful astringent capabilities, you have a
potent anti-aging quality that frankincense oil is often used for. It
can help you to eliminate sun spots, remove micro-wrinkles around the eyes and
cheeks, and generally tone and tighten skin all over your body, while simultaneously
replacing old or dying cells with new, healthy ones!
Tonic: Overall,
frankincense essential oil tones and boosts health and is therefore considered
a tonic. It benefits all the systems operating in the body, including the
respiratory, digestive, nervous, and excretory systems, while also
increasing strength by aiding the absorption of nutrients into the body.
Furthermore, frankincense oil strengthens the immune system and keeps you
strong and protected for the future.
Diuretic: If you
thought that Lasix and its variants were the only drugs that could help you
release water from the body through urination, you were incorrect. Those
pharmaceutical options may be instantaneous, but not very safe. Frankincense
essential oil is a natural and safe alternative. It promotes urination and
helps you lose that extra water weight, as well as fats, sodium, uric acid and
various other toxins from the body, with the added advantage of lowering blood
pressure. The best part about this is that frankincense essential oil is completely
safe and has no adverse side effects.
Respiratory Issues: It soothes coughs and eliminates
phlegm deposited in the respiratory tracts and the lungs. Frankincense
essential oil also provides relief from bronchitis and congestion of nasal
tract, larynx, pharynx, bronchi, and lungs. Its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory
properties also help relax the breathing passages, which can reduce the dangers
of asthma attacks, and its antiseptic qualities are what give it the reputation
of being an immune system booster! It also eases body pain, headaches,
toothaches and balances the rise in body temperature commonly associated with
colds.
Stress and Anxiety: Frankincense Oil is very effective as a
sedative, because it induces a feeling of mental peace, relaxation,
satisfaction and spirituality. It also awakens insight, makes you more
introspective and lowers anxiety, anger and stress. When feeling anxious or if
you anticipate some sort of stressful episode, add some frankincense oil to a
diffuser or a vaporizer. Frankincense essential oil promotes deep breathing and
relaxation, which can open your breathing passages and reduce blood pressure,
moving your mental state back to calmness.
Uterine: This oil is
very good for uterine health. Since it regulates the production of the estrogen
hormone, it reduces the chances of post-menopause tumor or cyst formation in
the uterus, also known as uterine cancer. In terms of the pre-menopause period,
it keeps a woman’s uterus healthy by regulating proper menstrual cycles. It
also treats or regulates gynecologic conditions or stressors that can
lead to complicated dysfunctions in certain women.
Vulnerary: Simply
apply a diluted solution of this oil on wounds, or use it blended with a skin
cream, and your wounds will heal faster and be protected from
infections. This oil is equally beneficial in healing internal wounds, cuts and
ulcers.
Other Benefits: It
relieves pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. It helps heal boils,
infected wounds, acne, circulatory problems, insomnia and various types of
inflammation.
A Few Words of Caution: There are no known adverse side effects. That being
said, frankincense essential oil should not be used during pregnancy, since it
does act as an emenagogue and astringent.
Blending: Frankincense
Oil blends well with Lime, Lemon, Orange and other Citrus oils as well as
Benzoin, Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh, Pine and Sandalwood oil. This makes it a
popular element of many herbalists for various aromatherapy combinations.
How to use Frankincense
Frankincense has plenty of uses.
Fundamentally, it promotes calmness, serenity and relaxation. These indications
will always be present, no matter how frankincense is used, and for what.
Skin Care: Frankincense
essential oil is great for skin care and nearly everything related to skin;
burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes, and oozing sores. It’s also fabulous for mature,
prematurely aging, and environmentally challenged skin.
To use as a night (or day) cream: just add a few drops to the base of your
choice. This can be as simple as something like a bottle of Whole Foods unscented
lotion, liquid soap, shower gel, or moisturizer. Or it can be as complex as you
like. If you are making your own creams or oils, frankincense will be an
excellent and appropriate addition. Percentages will vary but a reasonable rule
is about 6 drops per oz. That’s not set in stone! Feel free to experiment. Here
are some general rules regarding use on the skin:
You can use more drops in lotions meant for body --they can be stronger. Use
less drops for facial creams--they should be less strong, as your face is
usually more sensitive.
Making a blend for massage of a specific (limited) area--such as feet, hands,
lower legs, can be stronger in general than an all-around massage blend.
Frankincense oil can be added to pure water and used as a toner or refresher.
You can add a little vodka to help it blend if you like. If you don’t have any
way to mix them, don’t despair. The oil will float on top, yes, but all that
means is you have to shake the bottle before you spray it.
In the Shower: No need to add frankincense oil to your bath gel if you don’t want to, or
have something other blend in there. Just add a few drops to your washcloth and
run it over yourself during your final (hot water) rinse. The steam will infuse
with frankincense and you will enjoy a quick and intense frankincense steam
bath. refreshing and relaxing at the same time!
In the bath: For a quick frankincense bath, it’s best add the essential oil to something
so it dissolves a bit in the bath water. Frankincense is not usually
sensitizing for most people, but it depends on the amount and circumstances.
Putting a few drops of neat essential oil in a hot bath is not recommended. For
anyone. With any oil. Even old friends can burn you in that environment. The
situation is that the oils, not being water soluble, remain on the surface of
the hot water in original and exclusive drops. Your pores open from the hot
water and the frankincense might cause an irritation. If it’s ever going to
burn you, this would be when. If you add frankincense oil to a vegetable or nut
oil, meaning a massage oil, like olive oil, jojoba, coconut, etc, then it will
still float on top of the water but it will be diluted in amount, if not in
placement. Some people will be ok with this. Some not.
You can add your frankincense to alcohol (vodka) or honey and this may be
better, as it will dissolve, at least partly, in these mediums. Epsom salts
work well too. Bath soap or solubulizer will work the best, if you have them.
If in doubt, stick with a couple of drops of the oil, maybe make the water not
so hot, and don’t stay in for hours. Don’t forget, you can always take a normal
bath, and rinse yourself with frankincense on a washcloth afterward.
It’s always possible to add frankincense hydrosol to the bath water. It’s
completely water soluble and a nice change. Although it varies in composition
from frankincense essential oil (it’s hydrophilic and oil is hydrophobic) it
still promotes many of the same effects.
As a facial steam: Frankincense is a great mini-facial. Just take a pot or pan of boiling
water, add a drop or two (no more) frankincense oil to it. Lean over it and
cover your head with a towel, breathing deeply. Your lungs will be so happy!
And your face will rejoice! You can also try one drop frankincense and one drop
lavender.
For lung support & during Yoga: The best ways are by inhalation, see above, and massage of head and neck,
breathing in deeply. You can even just put a few drops in your palm, rub your
hands together, and breathe the oil directly from them. This is great to do
before or after yoga, particularly during pranayama. The experience will calm
you, centering your energy and elevate your spirit even as it connects you to
the earth. You will be able to give more presence to your yoga practice, and
concentrate more fully on your breathing through each asana.
Meditation: It’s the same as listed above. Whether your meditation is sitting,
standing, walking, yogic or even very active, such as martial arts,
frankincense will enable you to deepen the experience and aid your focus so
that you benefit as much as possible from your practice, whatever it is. Just
take a few drops on your palms, rub them together, breathe in deeply, and
enjoy.
Compresses: Fill a bowl with cool water (or warm water if desired) add a few (3-5)
drops frankincense and toss a washcloth in, then wringing it out and placing
the cool cloth on your forehead. This is so nice and relaxing in the heat and
after exercise. A warm compress will be beneficial for sore muscles and anywhere
heat is desired.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Frankincense can help both of these conditions. Just add it to your mix of
oils, and that mix will depend on what you are mixing for. If you are a
beginner mixing for yourself, consult an aromatherapy book, or have your blend
done professionally. The practical application of this will depend on where you
live. Frankincense will always be a valuable addition to your blend. In
addition to its anti-inflammatory property, it will calm, soothe and relax you,
don’t forget!
Stomach problems: There is a lot of talk these days about frankincense being a cure for
stomach tumors. Let’s get something straight--this research may or may not be
conclusive, but it’s research on a constituent of frankincense called boswellic
acid.
Boswellic acid is a heavy molecule and doesn’t come over in distillation. If
someone claims to have it in their oil, they are most likely mis-informed. It’s
not in our oil, it’s not in anyone’s oil.
Boswellic acid can be found in supplements, and also in the gum itself. The
traditional Omani use for frankincense is to soothe the stomach. Very high
quality green frankincense tears are soaked overnight in water and the water
drunk upon waking. If you have access to green frankincense, this is a lovely
thing to do. The water is delicious, enlivening and refreshing. And it will
soothe your stomach for sure. Gas, nausea, billiousness, reflux, frankincense
will help.
Green frankincense is not usually available in stores unless they are very
specialized. Green frankincense is expensive, rare and fleeting, with a
comparatively short shelf life. Sunlight destroys the freshness and it will
fade to white or yellow.
Eating it: Sure you can eat it. In additional to what I’ve written above, regarding
drinking the water of green gum, you can drink the hydrosol and even a drop or
two of the oil. Hydrosol is a new thing in Southern Oman. There is not a
history of distillation here so there is no history involving hydrosol or
essential oil, but people are experimenting with our hydrosol and so far they
say it makes them happy, it makes their wives happy, and it’s an integral part
of peoples lives immediately. if you want to try it, just make sure you dilute
it at least 10:1 in water. Otherwise it will be too strong.
You can have a drop or two of essential oil in honey if you like. It’s probably
not the most efficient way to use frankincense, but you might enjoy it. Don’t
do more than a drop or two, it’s very strong. You will probably sweat
frankincense for a while after. Don’t drink a lot of it every day. Remember,
it’s going to pass though your liver. No need to make your liver work too hard.
As with all things, moderation.
You can also add them for flavor, hydrosol as a substitute for water, essential
oil as an addition in ice cream, shortbread...let your imagination take you! My
wheels are turning but I have not yet concocted a recipe to share, however,
when one does crop up as they usually do I will be sure to update this post and
share it with my loyal readers.
Frankincense Oil is extracted from the gum or resin from Frankincense or Olibanum trees, whose scientific name is Boswellia Carteri. The main components of this essential oil are Alpha Pinene, Actanol, Bornyl Acetate, Linalool, Octyl Acetate, Incensole and Incensyl Acetate. Frankincense has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics and incense burners for centuries. It has even been found in the remains of ancient Egyptian and Anglo-Saxon civilizations. In addition to THAT, It is closely associated with religious traditions and rites, particularly in the Christian tradition.
Health Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Thanks for taking the time to learn with me and please post comments or questions below!
Apart from being used as a cosmetic and as a fragrance, frankincense oil has numerous medicinal uses, which I am about to dish out to you now.
Immune System: Frankincense Oil is effective as an antiseptic, and even the fumes or smoke obtained from burning it have antiseptic and disinfectant qualities that eliminate the germs in the space where the smoke filters out. It can be applied on wounds without any known side effects to protect them from tetanus and becoming septic. It is equally good on internal wounds and protects them from developing infections.
Astringent: The astringent property of Frankincense Oil has many benefits, because it strengthens gums, hair roots, tones and lifts skin, contracts muscles, intestines and blood vessels, and thereby gives protection from premature losses of teeth and hair. This astringent quality also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and combats the loss of firmness of intestines, abdominal muscles, and limbs associated with age. Above all, frankincense acts as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding from wounds and cuts. This astringent property also helps to relieve diarrhea of various types.
Oral Health: Those same antiseptic qualities also make frankincense oil a useful preventative measure against oral issues, like bad breath, toothaches, cavities, mouth sores, and other infections. Look for natural oral care products that include frankincense oil if you enjoy the flavor or aroma, and want to include a strong antiseptic in your health regimen. You can even create your own all-natural toothpaste with frankincense oil and baking soda, or a mouthwash with water and peppermint oil.
Emenagogue: Frankincense essential oil reduces obstructed and delayed menstruation and delays the advent of menopause. It also helps curing other symptoms associated with menses and Post Menstrual Syndrome, such as pain in the abdominal region, nausea, headache, fatigue, and mood swings.
Carminative: Frankincense oil eliminates gas and prevents it from building up in the body. This removal of excess gas from the intestines also gives relief from associated problems like stomach aches, pain in the abdominal region and chest, abnormal amounts of sweating, uneasiness, indigestion and many other related conditions.
Cicatrisant: This is an interesting property of Frankincense Oil, and since skin health and anti-aging are such hot topics these days, this essential oil has become even more important! When applied topically or inhaled, it can makes the scars and after marks of boils, acne and pox on the skin fade at a much faster rate. This also includes the fading of stretch marks, surgery marks, and fat cracks associated with pregnancy and delivery of children.
Digestive: Suffering from indigestion due to that turkey last night? A patient of chronic indigestion and acidity? Fed up with those antacids? Then you should try Frankincense Oil instead. This oil has digestive properties without any side effects, and it facilitates digestion the way most medicines should, unlike common antacids which only suppress the symptoms. This oil speeds up the secretion of digestive juices (gastric juices, bile and acids) in the stomach and facilitates movement of food through the intestines by stimulating peristaltic motion. This means an all-around improvement in the digestion of food.
Anti-Aging: As a Cytophylactic, Frankincense Oil promotes regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy. When you combine this aspect of frankincense oil with its powerful astringent capabilities, you have a potent anti-aging quality that frankincense oil is often used for. It can help you to eliminate sun spots, remove micro-wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks, and generally tone and tighten skin all over your body, while simultaneously replacing old or dying cells with new, healthy ones!
Tonic: Overall, frankincense essential oil tones and boosts health and is therefore considered a tonic. It benefits all the systems operating in the body, including the respiratory, digestive, nervous, and excretory systems, while also increasing strength by aiding the absorption of nutrients into the body. Furthermore, frankincense oil strengthens the immune system and keeps you strong and protected for the future.
Diuretic: If you thought that Lasix and its variants were the only drugs that could help you release water from the body through urination, you were incorrect. Those pharmaceutical options may be instantaneous, but not very safe. Frankincense essential oil is a natural and safe alternative. It promotes urination and helps you lose that extra water weight, as well as fats, sodium, uric acid and various other toxins from the body, with the added advantage of lowering blood pressure. The best part about this is that frankincense essential oil is completely safe and has no adverse side effects.
Respiratory Issues: It soothes coughs and eliminates phlegm deposited in the respiratory tracts and the lungs. Frankincense essential oil also provides relief from bronchitis and congestion of nasal tract, larynx, pharynx, bronchi, and lungs. Its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties also help relax the breathing passages, which can reduce the dangers of asthma attacks, and its antiseptic qualities are what give it the reputation of being an immune system booster! It also eases body pain, headaches, toothaches and balances the rise in body temperature commonly associated with colds.
Stress and Anxiety: Frankincense Oil is very effective as a sedative, because it induces a feeling of mental peace, relaxation, satisfaction and spirituality. It also awakens insight, makes you more introspective and lowers anxiety, anger and stress. When feeling anxious or if you anticipate some sort of stressful episode, add some frankincense oil to a diffuser or a vaporizer. Frankincense essential oil promotes deep breathing and relaxation, which can open your breathing passages and reduce blood pressure, moving your mental state back to calmness.
Uterine: This oil is very good for uterine health. Since it regulates the production of the estrogen hormone, it reduces the chances of post-menopause tumor or cyst formation in the uterus, also known as uterine cancer. In terms of the pre-menopause period, it keeps a woman’s uterus healthy by regulating proper menstrual cycles. It also treats or regulates gynecologic conditions or stressors that can lead to complicated dysfunctions in certain women.
Vulnerary: Simply apply a diluted solution of this oil on wounds, or use it blended with a skin cream, and your wounds will heal faster and be protected from infections. This oil is equally beneficial in healing internal wounds, cuts and ulcers.
Other Benefits: It relieves pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. It helps heal boils, infected wounds, acne, circulatory problems, insomnia and various types of inflammation.
A Few Words of Caution: There are no known adverse side effects. That being said, frankincense essential oil should not be used during pregnancy, since it does act as an emenagogue and astringent.
Blending: Frankincense Oil blends well with Lime, Lemon, Orange and other Citrus oils as well as Benzoin, Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh, Pine and Sandalwood oil. This makes it a popular element of many herbalists for various aromatherapy combinations.
How to use Frankincense
Frankincense has plenty of uses.
Fundamentally, it promotes calmness, serenity and relaxation. These indications will always be present, no matter how frankincense is used, and for what.
Skin Care: Frankincense essential oil is great for skin care and nearly everything related to skin; burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes, and oozing sores. It’s also fabulous for mature, prematurely aging, and environmentally challenged skin.
To use as a night (or day) cream: just add a few drops to the base of your choice. This can be as simple as something like a bottle of Whole Foods unscented lotion, liquid soap, shower gel, or moisturizer. Or it can be as complex as you like. If you are making your own creams or oils, frankincense will be an excellent and appropriate addition. Percentages will vary but a reasonable rule is about 6 drops per oz. That’s not set in stone! Feel free to experiment. Here are some general rules regarding use on the skin:
You can use more drops in lotions meant for body --they can be stronger. Use less drops for facial creams--they should be less strong, as your face is usually more sensitive.
Making a blend for massage of a specific (limited) area--such as feet, hands, lower legs, can be stronger in general than an all-around massage blend.
Frankincense oil can be added to pure water and used as a toner or refresher. You can add a little vodka to help it blend if you like. If you don’t have any way to mix them, don’t despair. The oil will float on top, yes, but all that means is you have to shake the bottle before you spray it.
In the bath: For a quick frankincense bath, it’s best add the essential oil to something so it dissolves a bit in the bath water. Frankincense is not usually sensitizing for most people, but it depends on the amount and circumstances. Putting a few drops of neat essential oil in a hot bath is not recommended. For anyone. With any oil. Even old friends can burn you in that environment. The situation is that the oils, not being water soluble, remain on the surface of the hot water in original and exclusive drops. Your pores open from the hot water and the frankincense might cause an irritation. If it’s ever going to burn you, this would be when. If you add frankincense oil to a vegetable or nut oil, meaning a massage oil, like olive oil, jojoba, coconut, etc, then it will still float on top of the water but it will be diluted in amount, if not in placement. Some people will be ok with this. Some not.
You can add your frankincense to alcohol (vodka) or honey and this may be better, as it will dissolve, at least partly, in these mediums. Epsom salts work well too. Bath soap or solubulizer will work the best, if you have them. If in doubt, stick with a couple of drops of the oil, maybe make the water not so hot, and don’t stay in for hours. Don’t forget, you can always take a normal bath, and rinse yourself with frankincense on a washcloth afterward.
It’s always possible to add frankincense hydrosol to the bath water. It’s completely water soluble and a nice change. Although it varies in composition from frankincense essential oil (it’s hydrophilic and oil is hydrophobic) it still promotes many of the same effects.
As a facial steam: Frankincense is a great mini-facial. Just take a pot or pan of boiling water, add a drop or two (no more) frankincense oil to it. Lean over it and cover your head with a towel, breathing deeply. Your lungs will be so happy! And your face will rejoice! You can also try one drop frankincense and one drop lavender.
For lung support & during Yoga: The best ways are by inhalation, see above, and massage of head and neck, breathing in deeply. You can even just put a few drops in your palm, rub your hands together, and breathe the oil directly from them. This is great to do before or after yoga, particularly during pranayama. The experience will calm you, centering your energy and elevate your spirit even as it connects you to the earth. You will be able to give more presence to your yoga practice, and concentrate more fully on your breathing through each asana.
Meditation: It’s the same as listed above. Whether your meditation is sitting, standing, walking, yogic or even very active, such as martial arts, frankincense will enable you to deepen the experience and aid your focus so that you benefit as much as possible from your practice, whatever it is. Just take a few drops on your palms, rub them together, breathe in deeply, and enjoy.
Compresses: Fill a bowl with cool water (or warm water if desired) add a few (3-5) drops frankincense and toss a washcloth in, then wringing it out and placing the cool cloth on your forehead. This is so nice and relaxing in the heat and after exercise. A warm compress will be beneficial for sore muscles and anywhere heat is desired.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Frankincense can help both of these conditions. Just add it to your mix of oils, and that mix will depend on what you are mixing for. If you are a beginner mixing for yourself, consult an aromatherapy book, or have your blend done professionally. The practical application of this will depend on where you live. Frankincense will always be a valuable addition to your blend. In addition to its anti-inflammatory property, it will calm, soothe and relax you, don’t forget!
Stomach problems: There is a lot of talk these days about frankincense being a cure for stomach tumors. Let’s get something straight--this research may or may not be conclusive, but it’s research on a constituent of frankincense called boswellic acid.
Boswellic acid is a heavy molecule and doesn’t come over in distillation. If someone claims to have it in their oil, they are most likely mis-informed. It’s not in our oil, it’s not in anyone’s oil.
Boswellic acid can be found in supplements, and also in the gum itself. The traditional Omani use for frankincense is to soothe the stomach. Very high quality green frankincense tears are soaked overnight in water and the water drunk upon waking. If you have access to green frankincense, this is a lovely thing to do. The water is delicious, enlivening and refreshing. And it will soothe your stomach for sure. Gas, nausea, billiousness, reflux, frankincense will help.
Green frankincense is not usually available in stores unless they are very specialized. Green frankincense is expensive, rare and fleeting, with a comparatively short shelf life. Sunlight destroys the freshness and it will fade to white or yellow.
Eating it: Sure you can eat it. In additional to what I’ve written above, regarding drinking the water of green gum, you can drink the hydrosol and even a drop or two of the oil. Hydrosol is a new thing in Southern Oman. There is not a history of distillation here so there is no history involving hydrosol or essential oil, but people are experimenting with our hydrosol and so far they say it makes them happy, it makes their wives happy, and it’s an integral part of peoples lives immediately. if you want to try it, just make sure you dilute it at least 10:1 in water. Otherwise it will be too strong.
You can have a drop or two of essential oil in honey if you like. It’s probably not the most efficient way to use frankincense, but you might enjoy it. Don’t do more than a drop or two, it’s very strong. You will probably sweat frankincense for a while after. Don’t drink a lot of it every day. Remember, it’s going to pass though your liver. No need to make your liver work too hard. As with all things, moderation.
You can also add them for flavor, hydrosol as a substitute for water, essential oil as an addition in ice cream, shortbread...let your imagination take you! My wheels are turning but I have not yet concocted a recipe to share, however, when one does crop up as they usually do I will be sure to update this post and share it with my loyal readers.
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