If there was one and only one essential oil I was allowed to use, it would be frankincense, which comes from the Boswellia sacra tree. The essential oil of kings!
Tree shepherds indeed!! For thousands of years, passed from generation to generation, the frankincense trees of the southern Arabian desert have been cultivated and harvested in order to produce this oil of kings. Sadly, today frankincense has gone on the endangered species list and thus the essential oil is becoming far more expensive and much more difficult to acquire.
Power up your brain!! Frankincense essential oil has been used to treat nearly every conceivable ill known to humankind. Historically it was valued more than gold and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it. Researchers today have discovered that frankincense is high in sequiterpenes, which help stimulate the limbic systems of the brain as well as the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands.
In addition to the scientifically proven anti-tumoral properties of frankincense, the oil is prized for its respiratory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. It can also be very calming and soothing to the central nervous system.
Frankincense is said to carry psychoactive properties, which is perhaps a primary reason why it has been used so frequently in spiritual ceremonies for time immemorial. These properties are said to heighten awareness and create a stronger connection to the divine, which is likely why the three wise men brought this oil to Jesus upon his birth.
Because frankincense essential oil assists in facilitating deeper states of relaxation, it is often used as a tool to deepen meditation, yoga, and prayer. Because of this, the Catholic Church purchases 75% of the frankincense produced in the world.
So the next time you are seeking a connection to the divine, consider adding a touch of frankincense essential oil to your temples and let this magical oil open the door to peace and relaxation and spiritual connection.