The Profound Healing of Frankincense: Historical and Science-Proven Applications
 |
Remarkable History
In western Judeo-Christian culture, frankincense (otherwise known as olibanum in Arabic) is mainly associated with the Christmas Story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) who journeyed from the East (Arabia) to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Yet, in other cultures around the world such as the Middle East, China and India, Frankincense has been used reverently for thousands of years for medicinal, religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as to beautify the body. It was thought that the smoke from burning the resin of frankincense had divine powers and would provide a direct connection to God. Exemplification of its significance is evident with its inclusion in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen (1341 BC- 1323 BC) as well as recorded in ancient Chinese medicine books dating back to 500 AD. The distinct Egyptian black eyeliner of seen in ancient Egyptian art was actually ground and charred frankincense resin known as kohl.
Frankincense is known to have been produced and traded in Omani (southeastern Arabia) for thousands of years, ending around 300 AD. An ancient overland trade route began in Dhofar of Oman and extended to what is now known as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Iraq and then onto Greece and Rome. Much commerce and wealth was brought to communities along the way; it is estimated that 7,000 tons per year were being exported at the peak of the Roman era. Records of the cultivation and harvesting of these valued trees has been found in writings by the Greek botanist Theophrastus (ca372-287BC) and the Latin naturalist Pliny (23-79AD).
Gathering the Resin
Frankincense is an oleo-gum-resin produced by several tree species of the Boswellia genus and the family Burseraceae, which is distinguished for its resin bearing ducts. There are about 15 members of this genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, India and China. The method of extraction is simple and fairly unchanged since ancient times. An incision is made in the bark of the tree resulting in a milky gum-like substance exuding from the cut area. This oleo-gum-resin is then either scrapped off the tree with an iron tool or collected on palm mats when the resin drips to the ground. Resin is then dried and later sold in markets around the world.
The method of harvesting, or tapping, of Boswellia varies according to species and the customs of the region. For example, in Somalia tapping usually occurs in two separate periods, each lasting 3-4 months with successive 15-day intervals. The period between harvests depends upon the onset and extent of rains. In India, the collection is done once a year, commencing at the end of October. In Oman, there are ancient rituals pertaining to resin harvest as well as a sense of guardianship for the trees passed down to each generation.
Phytochemistry
There are numerous species and varieties of Boswellia trees; major species being Boswellia serrata found in India, Boswellia carteri in East Africa and China, Boswellia frereana in Somalia, and Boswellia sacra in Arabia. Quality of frankincense resin is based upon colour, purity, aroma and age. In general, it is thought that the more opaque the resin the higher the quality with Omani frankincense regarded as the best in the world. The majority of ultra-superior Omani B. sacra is said to be purchased by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said the ruler of Oman.
Active medicinal ingredients of frankincense have been reported in recent science journals to be sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, diterpenes and boswellic acids; compound variation differs between species and even among the same species depending upon the climate, geographic origin and harvesting conditions.
Frankincense as Medicine
Uses of the oleo-gum resin, the essential oil as well as isolated compounds of frankincense has been studied, with more interest growing by the year. Frankincense oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and immunostimulant activity in vito. What is of current particular interest is the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of frankincense from Indian B serrata, with the active component being boswellic acids. Below are three traditional applications of frankincense for sickness and those that have received recent medical research attention.
Asthma: Asthma is known to be a inflammatory-caused illness. A 2006 paper from the University of Tuebingen, Germany indicates that boswellic acid, an active component of frankincense, has shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in preliminary studies. The paper further states that boswellic acid inhibits 5-lipoxygenase as well as cytokines (inflammation mediators) and thus promising for treatment of asthma without the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Immune Stimulant: In many world cultures frankincense, whether as an essential oil, powder or burning of resin, is seen as an excellent plant product for treating most illnesses. A 2003 study conducted by Mansoura University, Egypt (Z.Naturforsch. 2003 58c, 230-238) supported such usage. Mansoura medical researchers found that Boswellia carterii essential oil demonstrated immunostimulant activity. Such a discovery adds yet another positive medicinal result of frankincense and further encourages its use for several immune disorders.
Arthritis: In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medical system of India, frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for centuries to treat arthritis. A brand new study from November of this year (Phytotherapy Research 2009 Nov 26) found that extracts of Boswellia frereana prevents collagen degradation and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in an in vitro laboratory setting. These Cardiff University (UK) researchers recommend B. frereana be considered for treating inflammation associated with arthritis.
Concluding Thoughts
It is evident that frankincense holds historical and traditional significance. Research indicating the current medicinal value of Boswellia species is growing. Such positive initial results merit further investigation into potential clinical uses; it is now recognized that some of the ancient remedies may result in the creation of novel drugs. Such results also stir a sense of excitement and possibility for those seeking alternative treatments to debilitating and even life-suppressing illnesses. The value of frankincense was recorded as being a gift for the baby Jesus and is now a gift for modern people as well.
The author highly reommends The Ananda Apothecary for organic and wildcrafted essential oils. Enjoy the art of aromatherapy with aromatic blends.
Mederma Skin Care for Scars, 1.76 oz (50 g)Formulated with Cepalin Botanical Extract. From the leader in scar management. No. 1 doctor & pharmacist recommended product for scars. Greaseless gel... Read more...
Body Toolz Double Loop Facial Skin Care ToolDouble loop extractor for removing blackheads and whiteheads. Textured non-slip handle for easy use.
Related Videos:
A Reiki Master Manual is your guide to be a powerful Healer
Meditation with the Help of Brainwave Entrainment
Aromatherapy Feed
What do you think about this write-up?