Frankincense - the Ancient Protector

You can trace frankincense’s roots as far back as the ancient Egyptian and Roman empires, a sweet scented resin burnt in the temples, churches and palaces. The first people to distil oils were the Egyptian priests and frankincense one of the earliest known oils, used for scenting, protection and to embalm, this was the first illustration of it’s preserving efficacy. This was a spiritual time where divination, Gods, planets and stars were a part of daily life where ritual and ceremony were common place with Frankincense commanding centre-stage. The warming aroma of burning Frankincense resin creates a scented smoke, the inspiration for the Latin word for perfume “per-fume,” it means through smoke.

Frankincense aids respiration. A well-oxygenated body is vital to life - it reduces inflammation, is antiviral and supports the immune system. Between the in and out breath is where we generate Qi or life-force - the more we cultivate the more alive and vital we are. Respiration is an involuntary action so when we become stressed it becomes shallow and fast and impacts on our wellbeing and clarity. This yang oil helps to lubricate and release the grip of anxiety, it’s soft lemony balsamic aroma reduces inflammation and constriction. In Energy Medicine, the activity of the lungs relate to communication, self expression and grief. As we breathe we expand our perspective and sense of self. The modern world requires skilful navigation - it’s busy and people feel their boundaries being breached on a daily basis. Frankincense’s warming nature helps to create a sense of self assurance, inner calm and protection that allows you to set your own boundaries, spread out and take up space.