Indian Frankincense Essential Oil – Boswellia serrata is a tree found in North Africa and the Middle East that produces specific substances proven to have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Frankincense essential oil is obtained through steam distillation from the olibanum balsam. Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia is an aromatic resin that has the capacity to support the body’s natural regulation during a healthy inflammatory process.
Indian Frankincense essential oil helps people with arthritis or osteoporosis
As we age, an enzyme in the body called 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) can reach high levels and trigger degenerative changes associated with numerous health problems of the aging organism. Healthy aging requires control of 5-LOX levels in the blood. Frankincense oil can inhibit the growth of 5-LOX and acts as a natural 5-LOX inhibitor, working at the cellular level to block unwanted effects.
A study published in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database shows that frankincense oil can help reduce pain, swelling, and difficulty moving in people with arthritis or osteoporosis, as well as in other cases of joint inflammation. Pain reduction is recorded in 32–65% of patients.
Another study, published in the Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, finds that frankincense oil successfully treats symptoms of osteoporosis (such as buckling of the knees), knee pain, pain when walking, and stiffness. Researchers conclude that the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic properties of boswellia make it very promising for reducing joint pain and improving the ability to move without pain, for use in accelerated natural recovery from wounds, bone problems, and bruising.
Long before the discovery of medications for pain relief and inflammation, extracts from the boswellia tree (which are also used to obtain frankincense oil) were used to treat all kinds of inflammation, such as arthritic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and skin inflammation. Indian Frankincense essential oil can help against pain, quickly clear respiratory or sinus infections, and relieve intestinal inflammation. It maintains the integrity of the stomach and intestinal mucosa.
Beneficial effects on gynecological and reproductive problems
Beneficial effects have also been observed in gynecological and reproductive problems – for regulating a regular cycle, clearing deposits in the uterus, improving blood circulation in the reproductive organs, and as an aphrodisiac.
The resins of the boswellia tree contain about 5 to 10% pure essential oils, containing numerous substances that protect the body, such as: monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpene acids, four main pentacyclic and boswellic triterpene acids, one of which is acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, which is considered the most powerful inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme responsible for inflammatory processes.
Boswellia also contains other chemical substances that reduce the effect of inflammation, among which AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) stands out. AKBA is effective for many types of inflammation such as arthritis, radiculitis, plexitis, bronchial asthma, chronic colitis, ulcers, Crohn's disease, and even cancer. The action of frankincense oil is comparable to that of the most common pain-relieving medications. Frankincense oil has been used without any contraindications for millennia.
Another active component of boswellia – incensole acetate, is particularly effective against inflammatory reactions attacking the brain. The substance protects neurons and prevents the formation of tumors.
Indian Frankincense essential oil elevates mood and is a natural antidepressant.
Indian frankincense oil, Boswellia serrata, is the oldest of all documented frankincense. Therefore, many believe that this is the frankincense mentioned in biblical times! It comes from beautiful India.
Today, there are five different frankincense essential oils:
- Boswellia frereana – Bold, deep, and slightly citrus (lemon) aroma
- Boswellia carterii – Light, fresh, and mild aroma
- Boswellia sacra – Sweet, light, almost floral aroma
- Boswellia neglecta – Balanced, mild, light aroma
- Boswellia serrata – Light, refreshing aroma, similar to carterii
Essential oils and abstractions from frankincense are extracted from frankincense resin. Resins like frankincense are known as sacred substances among many ancient and modern cultures. For us, frankincense is a representation of light in an energetic way. Frankincense trees grow in regions around the world that are extremely dry and experience intense sunlight. Frankincense is sourced from Somalia or Oman.
The way frankincense is harvested is by extracting it from Boswellia trees by cutting the bark (which is called stripping) and allowing the resin to flow out and harden. The resin then hardens and forms what are called tears. The tears are the blood of the frankincense tree. The ancients called these tears crystallized drops of sunlight.
Frankincense is wonderful for protection and cleansing of the auric (energy) field. It is protective, purifying, and grounding at the same time, which is why it is great for meditation and sacred ceremonies. On a physical level, frankincense essential oil is very effective for headaches when combined with peppermint essential oil. It is a powerful respiratory aid and is also effective for skin problems and scars.
Traditional use of Indian Frankincense oil, Boswellia serrata
There are several types and varieties of frankincense trees, with each producing a slightly different type of resin and essential oil. Differences in soil and climate create even greater variety in the resin, even within the same species.
In general, all frankincense essential oils have many, many benefits.
Indian Frankincense essential oil is usually high in monoterpenes. In general, monoterpene-rich oils are mild antiseptics, decongestants for the respiratory and muscular system (depending on the specific monoterpene). They are also rubefacients, and many oils rich in monoterpenes provide an analgesic effect when there is muscle pain and stiffness; this specific monoterpene oil is anti-inflammatory, has a mild antibacterial effect, all are highly lipophilic and therefore penetrate easily into the body's tissues, are effective deodorants, and air purifiers.
Therapeutic benefits of Indian Frankincense oil, Boswellia serrata:
Analgesic, Anti-anxiety, Anti-arthritic, Anti-asthmatic, Anti-depressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Anti-rheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Calming, Carminative, Cicatrisant, Digestive tonic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Immune support, Sedative, Tonic, Uterine tonic, Wound healing.
- Benefits for the skin
This essential oil is both cicatrisant and cytophylactic. Indian Frankincense oil heals the skin and is effective for boils, acne, and skin scars, as well as helping to fade stretch marks. Because it is cytophylactic, it promotes the regeneration of healthy cells and maintains healthy existing cells and tissues. It is also effective as an antiseptic for wounds and cuts.
- Benefits for digestive problems
Indian Frankincense oil accelerates the secretion of digestive juices and facilitates peristaltic movements. It is also a carminative that relieves gas and indigestion.
- Benefits for respiratory problems
Indian Frankincense oil has a powerful expectorant effect and is very effective for respiratory problems such as colds, flu, asthma, and other lung issues. It relieves bronchitis and congestion.
Energy and chakras:
1st chakra – survival and support, 6th chakra – perspective, 7th chakra – higher information, balancing, clarity, expansion, grounding, meditative, protective, purifying, source of energy, uplifting.
Energetic, spiritual, and emotional qualities of Indian Frankincense essential oil, Boswellia serrata:
- Grounding, yet expansive
- Purifying, protecting, and clearing the auric and energy field
- Fantastic meditative aid
- Increases mental focus
- Antidepressant and relieves anxiety
- Healing of deep emotional wounds
- Soothing to the mind and spirit
- Connection to the source of energy
- Balancing of the 1st, 6th, and 7th chakras
