Cleanse the mind, refresh your body and revive your spirit
The Origins Of Frankincense Essential Oil
Also known as oilibanum the tree originates from the Middle East. It is a small shrubby tree with much biblical background and significance. The tree produces small white flowers.
Extraction
Incisions are made into the bark which releases a white milky resin. When left this turns hard into an orangey brown resin which is then steam distilled into the essential oil.
INCI
Boswellia carterii
Aromatherapy Uses
Frankincense is used in Aromatherapy for tiredness, bad moods, grumpiness and a lack of confidence. It is used to give your body a pick up and a feeling of optimism and positivity.
Skin Uses
Frankincense is naturally astringent, which helps it reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Frankincense helps stimulate cell renewal, to help with discoloration.
Hair Uses
Frankincense is useful for dandruff and helps gives shiny hair. Frankincense is often used in hair loss formulas.
Therapeutic Properties
Frankincense is used to improve immunity and concentration. Frankincense can lower heart rate and calm the body and mind.
Frankincense Blends well with
Frankincense blends well with most woods and floral's and is a very versatile oil in blends. Frankincense also blends well with Basil, Black Pepper, Galbanum, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange, Melissa, Patchouli, Pine and Sandalwood.
Precautions
As with all essential oils we do not recommend using Frankincense essential oil during pregnancy.
Understanding Oil Extraction Methods
What is Steam Distillation?
Steam Distillation is the most popular method of distillation of Essential oil. High pressure hot steam is passed through the plant material. The volatile compounds of the plant material are transferred to the steam and pass through a coil where they are cooled.
On cooling, the oil being lighter than water will separate from the water where it is possible to syphon off.
The remaining water becomes the floral water / hydrolat of the plant material.
What is Expression?
This is just like the process of peeling a citrus fruit. Effectively it is the cold processing of the fruit to extract the essential oil.
Primarily this technique is used on Citrus Essential Oils where the heat of steam would destroy the scent and properties.
Mechanical pressure is applied to the fruit and the resulting oil is the essential oi.
What is an Absolute?
Absolutes require solvent extraction in order to extract them.
Some plants are very difficult to extract the essential oil, either to produce a quality product or to obtain a yield which is economical. Examples of oils which are normally obtained by Solvent extraction are Vanilla, Jasmine and Rose.
Normally Organic ethanol is used to steep the flowers and then evaporated to leave just the concentrated absolute of the plant.
Important Information
Naturallythinking Essential oils are for external use only. We do not sell aromatherapy oils / products for internal use. The information contained on these pages is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Aromatherapy should not be used by those who are pregnant or under the supervision of a medical practitioner / doctor without consultation with the medical practitioner / doctor. If you have a medical condition or any worries, always consult with a doctor / medical practitioner first.