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Frankincense

Botanical Name: boswellia carterii

Anatomical areas: Skin, respiratory system, nervous system, immune system, genito-urinary system.

Allopathic uses: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary, uterine, tonic, mucolytic, glandular stimulant, antidepressant.

Indications: Wrinkles, boils, bronchitis, asthma, coughs, cystitis, leucorrhea, colds, flu, anxiety, nervous tension, stress-related conditions.

Holistic uses: In Chinese medicine, earth element. Fortifying, grounding, centering. Has ability to deepen breath and bring body into meditative state. Helps connect with past ties to create movement of energy blockages. Affects crown and 8th chakra. For practitioners, protects against energy drain.

Contraindications: Non-irritant, non-toxic.

Blending: Middle to base note. Blends well with basil, bergamot, camphor, cinnamon, cistus, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, pepper, pine, sandalwood, vetiver. Good fixative, up to 10% in blend.

Chemical Components: Monoterpene hydrocarbons, primarily pinene, dipentene, limonene, thujone, phellandrene, cymene, myrcene, terpinene, as well as octyl acetate, octanol, incensole.

Characteristics: Pale yellow or greenish color. Balsamic, camphor-like, deep spicy, woodsy, slightly lemony.

Extraction: Steam distillation from gum resin.