Frankincense

I know we have just had Christmas and we are all now thinking ahead for the new year but I just wanted to remind you of Frankincense again. I have mentioned the Three Kings before and the gifts they bought Jesus as it has been said that Turmeric was one of them (instead of Gold as we think of it). 

So now lets talk about Frankincense for a moment. 

Frankincense is from the Boswellia tree which can be found in the mountainous regions or Africa, India and the Middle East.  An incision is made in the bark and the sap is allowed to harden and then scraped off the trunk. It is used in a dried form or essential oil.  It can also be known as Olibanum and has been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years. 

In Chinese medicine Frankincense has been used since at least 500 BC.

Ayurvedic medicine has used it for hundreds of years and said to improve arthritis as it has anti-inflammatory effects, in a recent review it was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing pain and improving mobility, obviously more research is needed.  

Frankincense has been chewed on the African continent to keep the teeth and digestion healthy for a very long time.

It has been used to reduce asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing.

Frankincense can even out skin, helping to reduce the appearance of scars and acne, reducing redness and skin irritation, helping with burns too and has anti aging properties. It is suggested to help the immune system too.

I have also read that if you suffer from restless leg syndrome it is suggested that you apply a couple of drops of frankincense oil in a carrier oil to the bottom of your feet before going to bed….something worth a try.

It can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. 

Frankincense is considered safe for most people, but not suggested for pregnant people and those taking certain medication so important to discuss with your health professional before taking.