Common Name Standardized: frankincenseOther: bible frankincense, incense, olibanum Botanical Name Boswellia carteri Birdw.Plant Family: Burseraceae Synonyms Boswellia sacra Overview IntroductionFrankincense and the oil produced from it has been known for itshealing powers and its ability to improve communication with the creatorin the Middle East for thousands of years before it was made a gift ofto Christ by the Magi. There are over 52 references to it in the Bible.Egyptian records show a great many references to it including its use incosmetics, perfumes and as an embalming agent. The Chinese used it aspart of a treatment for leprosy. Grown predominantly on the Somali coastand parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the resin is obtained by makingdeep cuts in the trunk of the tree lengthwise. Below this incision anarrow strip of bark is peeled off allowing the sap to run out, and asit touches air it begins to harden. It takes approximately three monthsto harden into the yellow "tears" that we are used to seeing will besold at market. The sap is gathered from May until the rain showersstart in September.ConstituentsThe venerable herbalist Mrs. Grieve noted that the constituents offrankincense as follows: resins (65%), volatile oil (6%), water solublegum (20%), bassorin (6-8%), and plant residue (2-4%). The resins containboswellic acid and alibanoresin.Parts UsedDried resin, collected from stems and trunk.Typical PreparationsPowdered resin added to water, tincture, and very rarely as a tea.For internal use, sometimes mixed with myrrh or cress. Inaromatherapy, frankincense is compatible with bergamot, cinnamon, clarysage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, neroli,orange, patchouli, pine, rose, sandalwood, tangerine, and ylang ylang. Precautions Specific: Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.