What are uses for frankincense? The ancient spice has a bountiful history as one of the oldest herbs, and the uses of frankincense date back many centuries. Explorers found some of the spice in the grave of King Tutankhamen. The article, What Is Frankincense Used For?, explores this ancient aromatic as well as its modern-day uses.
What is Frankincense?
Frankincense comes from a botanical called bowellia Thurifera, a tree that produces sap when sections of its bark are removed. In order to harvest the substance, harvesters damage areas of bark on the tree. This makes the sap to ooze out of the underlying tree tissue.
Once the sap hits the air, it hardens. The sap is a protective element that comes out to prevent damage to the delicate regions of the tree after the bark is removed. The hardened sap is yellow in color, and makes the frankincense ingredient.
Ancient Uses of Frankincense
Ancient uses for frankincense vary according to region. The sap was used for some of the following:
• The ancient Egyptians used frankincense for embalming bodies post mortem.
• Egyptians also used frankincense to make eyeliner.
• The herb was also used as a hair remover in ancient Egypt.
• The sap was used as perfume in Arabia.
• Arabics using the sap produced holy ointments.
• Arabics also used frankincense as incense and as a fumigant.
• Greeks used the herb to combat hemlock poisoning.
• The Chinese used frankincense as a leprosy treatment.
• The herb was also used as internally to treat illnesses and externally for some skin problems.
Some ancient practices using the frankincense sap are spiritual in nature.
• Used for religious ceremonies
• Offered as gifts
• Used in Wicca practices
Modern Uses for Frankincense
Today, the herbal ingredient is used in a number of ways, mostly relating to the substance’s rich fragrance. Some modern uses for frankincense include but are not limited to treating:
• Indigestion
• Anxiety
• Immune system problems
• Sleep problems
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Congestion
• Laryngitis
• Syphilis
Frankincense has been used as a sedative, expectorant and as an aphrodisiac. Other uses for the herb include:
• Scar and stretch mark treatment
• Treat acne breakouts and scarring
• Treatment for boils and skin irritation
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Possible cancer-fighting properties
It is important to note that frankincense is not intended for ingestion. Some assert that the sap is an ingredient in some Indian dishes. However, most warn that the substance is not suitable for consumption. Using the herb as an ingredient in food is not advisable.
As with any alternative or complementary treatment, it is important to discuss using frankincense with your physician. The aromatic properties of the herb may be of great benefit, especially when used in conjunction with medical treatment deemed necessary by a doctor.
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