FRANKINCENSE B. CARTERII

Latin name: Boswellia carterii
Country of origin: Ethiopia or Somalia
Part of the plant: Resin (tears)
Obtained by: Steam distilled
Main biochemical components*: Alpha-pinene, alpha-phellandrene, para-cymene
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, sedative, expectorant, antiseptic.

Why Use

Physical uses: Coughs, bronchitis, inflammation, infections, tense breathing, shallow breathing, rapid breathing, PMS, menopausal symptoms, immune support.

Skin care uses: Wrinkles, dry skin, mature skin, scars, inflammation, small wounds, minor skin infections, skin tonic.

Psychological uses: Anxiety, stress, nervous tension, fear, restless mind.

Subtle uses: Quiets and clarifies the mind.

Notes: Avoid Frankincense (Ethiopia) during pregnancy and nursing.

How You Can Use

Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion, or body oil directly to damp skin.

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Body Lotion: Add 6 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Chest Rub: Mix 15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. Apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of essential oil to the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying – 3 times. Pat dry.

Diffusion: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into the fan grate or air vent in your home or car.

Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rosehip seed oil.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Massage: Mix 12 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Spot Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.