We will start off this year with an oil that many consider to be a very spiritual oil : Frankincense (Boswellia carterii).  One other common name that Frankincense can be found under is Olibanum.  You will want to remember that, although not commonly used in the United States, it can and is used in many places.

How is your sniffing coming along?  I do hope you are remembering to do your sniff tests.  This is a rather important way of getting to know your oils.  Also I’m NOT telling you whether or not they are top, middle or bottom notes, as you can figure this out for yourselves, it’s part of the process.  So get out those Q-tips and start sniffing.

One quick note for those of you who may have missed the earlier lessons, and a reminder for the rest of you : do NOT smell straight from the bottle.  If you HAVE to do this, try smelling the top instead, not the whole bottle.

Okay back to Frankincense.   As mentioned earlier, Frankincense is considered to be a very spiritual oil.  It seems to be the oil of choice when it comes to meditation and spiritual work.   It is ALSO the oil of choice to help prevent asthma attacks.  It is used in a chest rub and diffused.

Main Chemical Components: Terpenes and Sesquiterpenes

Frankincense is used for : depression, nightmares, asthma, meditation, spiritual work, weakened immune system, scars, mature skin (wrinkle prevention), acne, scars, wounds, oily skin (to balance), bronchitis, catarrh, laryngitis, cystitis, genital infections, stress,

Main actions: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, expectorant, immunostimulant, sedative, digestive tonic, emmenagogue, urinary.

How are we coming along in drop guesstamation?  How many drops do you think one should use with Frankincense? Considering it comes for a resin?  Does that automatically mean that you need to use a lot or a little?  Or just a middle range.

Take into consideration your sniff test.  How did it turn out?  Was it top, middle or bottom note, or a combination?

Remember if it’s a Top note only you will need to use more drops than for a middle or bottom note.  So. Have you come up with a number?  Well, with Frankincense, I use a middle range, between 4 and 5 drop for 15 ml or one tablespoon of carrier oil or cream.

How did YOU do?  Are you getting better at knowing your oils?  Remember, it takes time and practice, knowing the notes of your oils.  It will come.

One last thing I would like to mention this time : Sensitization.  Just what is it?  Simply put, it is the process whereby one becomes allergic to a substance.  Sensitization can occur at anytime with any substance.  Consider poison ivy (or poison oak), one can be exposed to it for years and have no reaction, and yet suddenly become sensitized or allergic to it.

The same can happen with essential oils, which is why Aromatherapists are concerned with trying to prevent over exposure to oils, especially for those people who already suffer from allergies and Asthma.

I have heard of and from people who after several years exposure to Lavender, one of the mildest and safest oils around, become so sensitized to it that they cannot even bear to smell it with out breaking out into a rash, suffering from headaches or breathing problems, etc.

If you are using oils on someone, especially someone with allergies and/or asthma, the safest procedure for everyone is to do a patch test.  On the inside of the elbow, apply a bit of the blend and leave for 24 hours.  If there is ANY sign of redness or a rash, discontinue use IMMEDIATELY.

If you are serious about Aromatherapy, please consider some good books on dermatology.  Besides my own course notes, and things I’ve learned along the way, for this course I also use:

The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, by Sylla Sheppard-Hangar

Plant Aromatics A Data & Reference Manual on Essential Oils and Aromatic Plant Extracts, by Martin Watt

Advanced Aromatherapy, by Kurt Schnaublet

The Aromatherapy Work Book, by Shirley Price

Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, by Shirley Price and Len Price.
 

 
© 2001 Kathleen E. Petrides, SmeLLeNNium
 

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