Frankincense (Olibanum) Essential Oil

Frankincense (Olibanum)
Boswellia Carterii

Source: Resin
Origin: Somalia
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: A woody bouquet, with a tangy lemon aroma that is slightly warm.
Blends Well With: Floral, Citrus and Cedarwood oil blends.

About

Loved for its delicate charm and rich aroma, Frankincense may help you relax with its uplifting and calming properties. Popular usages include inhalation and massage, and it may help you revitalise your overworked body and mind.

Historical Snippets

Used throughout many religious cultures for its calming influence and aid to meditation and prayer, Frankincense may be one of the oldest recorded oils around today. It has been recorded that the three wise men brought it to the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. It was (and continues to be) such a highly sought after tree that legends about it being guarded by dragon-like creatures were made up in an attempt to scare off potential harvesters. At some point it was even considered to be more valuable than gold.

As a Matter of Interest

• It takes approximately 100 kilograms of raw material to produce 1 kilogram of Frankincense Boswellia essential oil.
• Olibanum or Frankincense resin is graded by colour. The lighter the colour of the resin, the higher quality the oil is. Therefore, the darker resinous grades are of a lower quality.
• The harvesting of the resin by the families in Frankincense growing regions is usually carried out between September to December.
• The solid resinous sap is collected by hand on an approximately 3-week cycle by the men of the village. The ladies sort and grade the resin.
• The criteria that influence the quality of the resin are the age and quality of the tree, the geographical location and timing of the harvest. The higher grade premium resin comes from higher up the tree and the darker lower grade resin is around the base and sometimes even on the ground. 

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Frankincense essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Skin sensitization if oxidized
Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be avoided.
Because of its high content of a-pinene, (+)-limonene and/or δ-3-carene, it's recommended that oxidation of frankincense oil should be avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of antioxidants to preparations containing the oil is recommended. 
For transportation purposes, this product is classed DG due to flash point of 40°C

References

Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.