Monday, November 30, 2009

An Ancient Tradition is also a Modern Day Remedy


The holiday season is a perfect time to talk about an ancient sap that we have all heard of but really know little about. Frankincense is best known by its mention in the Bible.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

The Three Wise Men: The traditional telling of the Christmas story includes a key moment where Wise men from the East arrive and present the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This brief mention of frankincense is usually the first and most common encounter that most people have with this special substance. Few people know much about it, or its wider significance in the establishment of trade routes between Europe and Asia.
Frankincense is an aromatic, congealed, resinous sap from a specific variety of trees in the genus Boswelia. Most of the trees in the Boswelia genus are aromatic, and many of them produce a scented resinous sap, but only one tree, Boswelia sacra, produces the highest grade of frankincense, also known as “true” or “commercial” incense.

The aromatic qualities of frankincense have been used in a variety of ways over the centuries.
To release its scent the frankincense is either burned or smoldered over hot coals. The Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Israelites and numerous other cultures used frankincense as part of their religious ceremonies. Frankincense was extensively used in burial rituals as an embalming material, an offering to the departed, and a means to cover the odor of the dead body.
The Roman emperor Nero once burned an entire year’s harvest of frankincense at the funeral of his favorite mistress. The smoke from burning frankincense is effective for driving away mosquitoes and other pests, thereby reducing incidences of malaria. Finally, frankincense can be used as a medicine to treat ailments such as nausea, indigestion, chest coughs, hypertension, and post-childbirth recovery.

I hope this brief history of frankincense has given you an idea of how potent and special this substance is. In modern times, it continues to maintain its relevance. I use frankincense essential oil on my children and on myself every single day. For my boys, when put on their 3rd eye (between their eyebrows) it can stimulate the pineal gland which releases growth hormone to help them grow. My boys are not going to be basketball players to begin with but I think a little extra help won't harm them. I also put a drop on their brain stem (base of head) to relieve any sensory issues and give them the focus they need. Frankincense also helps with respiratory issues and works when applied to the chest. It relieves congestion/cough and helps with breathing. When diluted in a warm bath, it can help lessen menstrual discomfort as well. I use it in combination with other essential oils that I own.

If I were just starting out with essential oils and wanted to sample only a few, frankincense would be #1 on my list. Its truly perfect for the season in keeping with ancient traditions. I will diffuse it in my house so we can all breathe it in and together with the fresh pine from the Christmas tree a magnificent blend of aromas will waft through my house.

If you are interested in learning more or trying this oil, please contact me through the blog, through facebook or visit http://www.youngliving.org/

May Peace and Health follow you through the season!

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