Frankincense is a treatment powder that is found in the Boswellia tree. The tree is commonly found in Oman, Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia and it’s also found in India. The frankincense powder is made from the hardened and dried oleoresin from the tree which is its source. The oleo gum is usually obtained by cutting slits on the bark of the trees and this gum comes as a white liquid that oozes out of the bark of the tree when the slits are cut. As the fluid leaks from the tree, it is collected and dried to harden it, this liquid which is sometimes called the frankincense tears is what makes the frankincense s powder.
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This hard compound is whitish-yellow having a tinge that is greenish; this is so depending on the Boswellia tree variety it is from. The frankincense which is hardened has a pleasant smell, and when they are rubbed against each other the hard object gives the powder.
Frankincense has been used in china traditionally to do away with pains and also to reduce inflammation. It has frequently been used to reduce pain for people with arthritis and suppressing cytokines that are pro-inflammatory. The active compounds found in frankincense include palmitic acid, ursane, oleanane, and other important acidic components.
Benefits of frankincense
The frankincense powder is used in different ways depending on what one wishes to achieve or accomplish with the frankincense components.
- This sap from which the frankincense powder is derived is believed to be a core part of the tree’s immune and it is therefore said to have antibiotic properties as well as the antifungal characteristics
- Insect repellent properties are said to be found in the powder which is believed to contain resin
- Frankincense is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties with a combination that are very good at enhancing the immune functions of the immune system
- The frankincense powder is also good for wounds and it is used as a herbal paste on them for the healing purposes
- The powder is frequently used in perfumes and also incense
- Frankincense incense is also resin which is from the Boswellia plant that has active ions which when they get to the brain they help in the relieving of depression and anxiety.
- Congestion in the breathing system can also be helped by burning and inhaling the smoke from the burning powder
- The frankincense is used in the making of frankincense oil which comes in with several benefits too.
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Skincare with frankincense
In the modern world, frankincense is used in skincare or as a cosmetic. This helps to rejuvenate the skin making it acquire a prophylactic property which simply means that the skin is able to grow well and becoming tonic all over the body skin. Frankincense is also effective in healing sores on the skin, wounds, and also carbuncle. It goes further to reduce the scaring which is often ugly at the skin inflammation. The product which is used to take off the skin is the frankincense essential oil. This oil contains the following properties; antiseptic, cytophy lactic, astringent, diuretic, and very tonic. It is from these properties that frankincense essential oil is able to treat skin disorders and also a condition which is called Ambroise pare. It has over the years been praised for stopping bleeding on wounds and even helping in healing. And what is more about the frankincense essential oil is that it helps fight wrinkles keeping your face away from it improving the quality and tone of the skin.
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Side effects of frankincense
It has always been cautious on any drug that one should not take without a proper prescription whether you are taking the herbs topically or internally. It is always very important to consult a physician or a good herbalist on the proper prescription for taking them.
It is advised not to take frankincense if you are taking in blood thinners like the Plavix, diarrheal, nausea and skin rash are the occasional side effects that have been reported. For the nursing and pregnant mothers, it is important for them to check their doctors before they embark on taking the herbal drug or supplement.