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![Frankincense Hydrolat]() | Frankincense Hydrolat | Latin name: Boswellia carteri
Synonyms: Olibanum gum, incense
Plant family: Burseraceae
Hydrolat: Distillation water from the gum resin
Origin: India, China, Middle East, but distilled as hydrolat in the UK
Plant characteristics: This is a small elegant tree indigenous to the Middle East and highly prized in Israel for its resin, which is burned in religious ceremonies. The resin is collected from small cuts made in the bark of the tree and then steam distilled to produce frankincense essential oil.
Properties:
The main components of frankincense hydrolat that have been analysed show the following components present; 15% esters and 23% alcohols. This suggests that the hydrolat should be anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antispasmodic, balancing (to the nervous system), calming, cicatrisant, uplifting, anti-infectious, antiviral and slightly decongestant.
The aroma is smoky and light, being also slightly lemony. To taste, the hydrolat
Frankincense hydrolat is mainly antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is used commonly used in the vaporiser (without essential oils) for helping depression and grief, but also as an air purifier to help combat disease. The hydrolat is particularly active against chest infection and can aid breathing by helping inflammation in the lungs to subside. Test show that frankincense hydrolat can be effective taken internally against listeria and other types of food bugs.
For babies
This wonderfully soothing hydrolat can be used to help reduce crying and anxiety in babies. Use 40mls in a baby bath before bedtime or massage to relax and calm. Frankincense hydrolat, as with the others above, has a mild taste that is not unpleasant. Use 5mls in 20mls water to calm tantrums. Spraying the face and hands is also calming especially in hot weather for young children. | | |
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