Ingredient Glossary

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Frankincense*

June 11, 2009 By Boswellia carterii or B. thurifera or B. sacra

Family Name: Burseraceae
Origin: Oman

The essence of frankincense is distilled from the resinous "tears" that the tree produces in order to cicatrize the small wounds on its trunk and branches made to ripen the precious substance. Probably for this reason frankincense has an incredible cicatrisation power on wounds and lesions of various kinds on human skin. It is also referred to as olibanum, which is derived from the Arabic al-luban (“the milk”), a reference to the milky sap tapped from the tree. Frankincense has been used in cosmetics since antiquity for wrinkles and skin infections. The active constituents of frankincense include: terpenes, mucilage and boswellic acids (named after the plant). Its properties for skin include: anti-aging, antiseptic, anti-wrinkle, rejuvenating, revitalizing, stimulating,vulnerary and warming. It is also good for stretch marks. Olibanum is described as a rich, oriental base note, with citrus, spice and incense undertones. Diffused in the air, frankincense possesses extraordinary antiseptic properties and is purifying as much for the spaces in which we occupy as for our minds. Additional properties for mind include: calming, energizing, fortifying, grounding, relaxing and stimulating. It helps to ease anxiety, depression, disappointment, fatigue, fear, grief, impatience, insecurity, loneliness, nervousness, panic attacks, stress and tension.

* Essential Oil

Main Properties

  • PERFORMANCE
    • antioxidant
    • antiseptic
    • anti-wrinkle
    • healing
    • rejuvenating
  • MIND
    • calming
    • fortifying
    • grounding
  • FUNCTIONAL
    • preservative

Skin Types

Best for depleted-tired, normal-combination, mature, oil-rich skin

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