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The Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest historical association with spiritual practice of any plant on earth. In many great ancient cultures, it has played a significant role in religious and domestic life. Frankincense resin has been sought after by kings, and offered as a gift at the birth of one of history's most revered prophets, along with gold and the resin of a similar tree, Myrrh. In the modern world, the essential oil distilled from tree resin is gaining popularity with spiritual seekers and natural healers alike - what's so unique about this resin and oil with it's complex, earthy aroma, and how might we use it for our own benefit?The Frankincense tree upon first glance may seem rather unremarkable. It appears as a giant shrub, with many knurled branches topped with abundant slender leaves and occasionally, small white flowers. A native to northern Africa,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], it even looks like it belongs in the desert, growing in some of the world's harshest conditions. It is not the tree itself, however,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], but rather its sap that has such profound lore surrounding it. When the tree's bark is pierced with a 'mingaf' knife, a milky-white resin is exuded and collected; thought the tree is not harmed. The resin forms droplets known as tears or pearls,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which harden in to the orange-brown gum known itself as Frankincense. The English name of this natural incense is derived from the medieval French 'franc', meaning 'pure' or 'free', and from the Latin 'incensium', meaning 'to smoke'.For more than 5000 years,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China and India; the Catholic church continues to use it today during Mass. It is one of the four main ingredients in Jewish ceremonial incense, forming an important part of the Sabbath day offerings. The smoke of Frankincense, as with other ritual incense, is thought to carry prayers to heaven upon it's smoke. It is also said to deepen the breath and still the mind, making it useful for meditation and yogic practice. Some components of Frankincense stimulate the pineal gland, or 'third-eye', so this concept makes sense under modern scientific investigation. The incense may have health benefits as well, producing a highly antiseptic smoke,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], keeping churches and churchgoers free from disease.Frankincense resin has been considered throughout the ages to have a wealth of health supporting properties. In Ayurveda, it has been used to treat many ills, and is well-known for it's use in treating arthritic conditions. Modern investigation has found the components called Boswellic Acids can have significant support both to relieve joint pain and to further prevent cartilage loss.Today's naturopathic physicians continue the use of Frankincense essential oil for certain conditions. The oil is distilled directly from the collected tree resin. It is used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, catarrh and asthma; for wrinkles, wounds and dry skin, and in cases of rheumatism, cystitis and leucorrhea. It may be utilized through any of the routes of aromatherapy administraion: inhalation, topical application, or ingestion (though this route should only be undertaken with the direct advice of a qualified practitioner!) Further, Frankincense oil is currently being investigated in unversity studies for anti-cancer effects. During a recent presentation before a regional meeting of the American Cancer Society in Roanoke, Va., Dr. John Robertson, director of the college's Center for Comparative Oncology, said he's found the oil has fairly selective anti-tumor activity and doesn't appear to disrupt normal cells. The oil has been noted specifically for effects skin tumors and breast cancer, and may be particularly useful as an adjunct therapy in such cases because of it's ease of application. Again, seek the advice of a qualified practitioner for details of usage in such cases.It is important to note that the CO2 distillation (a cold-process method of pure essential oil extraction employing harmless carbon dioxide instead of steam) is more likely to contain the same healthful compounds as the resin, as the steam distilled variety may not be able to extract these 'polar' compounds. Kurt Schnaubelt, America's leading medical aromatherapist notes, regarding the production of essential oil from the resin, "It could be that the (health-related) substances in question are too polar and too large a molecular size to appear in steam distillates - their presence would be more likely in CO2 extracts."The most immediate and pronounced effect of the essential oil can be on the emotional and mental state for many people.. Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system, the hypothalamus, the pineal and the pituitary glands, and may increase human growth hormone production. This overall tonic action to the mind also seems to be directly affecting the immune system for some individuals, bringing additional strength and reserve along with peace of mind.Frankincense essential oil can be used in a manner similar to burning of the incense in spiritual practice. Warming in a candle lamp or direct application to the temples and third eye will quiet the mind, deepen the breath, and promote meditative stillness. It is often blended with Sandalwood, Myrrh, Cedarwood and/or Juniper oil for such uses, as these all have similar grounding and elevating properties. For therapeutic uses, some naturopathic practitioners take small amounts of the essential oil orally,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], sometimes in addition to massaging into any diseased area. Of course, as with any illness, it is important to seek out qualified medical advice; if you choose to employ Frankincense oil,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], discuss this with your physician - it should be acceptable as an adjunct therapy in most cases. It is far better to employ the oil under the direction of a qualified practitioner rather than through haphazard application!For use as a simple incense, the resin itself is inexpensive and widely available. The small 'pearls' may bit lit, and will release their pleasant smoke as any other incense. The experience of pure Frankincense is unique,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and is worth trying for yourself.For aromatic use of the essential oil, a diffuser or warming lamp can be used to disperse the aroma throughout a space. The oil is also found in aromatherapy candles, where it is released from the heated oil beneath the burning wick. Frankincense oil can be applied directly to the forehead where you can both capture the aroma and absorb the oil directly.Frankincense, the treat from the tough desert tree, is now available to us all. Treat yourself to a little of this natural wonder, and see what sort of magic it can bring to your life!
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