With Christmas only a day away, we thought it would be appropriate to celebrate the prized resin given as a gift to the baby Jesus by the Magi – frankincense!
Frankincense comes from the sap of the Boswellia tree, which is native to the Middle East and northeastern Africa, and kind of resembles an overgrown bonsai tree. To harvest frankincense, the bark of the Boswellia tree is cut, allowing the sap to flow. Once it has hardened, the resin is cut from the tree and burned as an incense, steamed to create an essential oil, or even chewed like gum.
Frankincense has several therapeutic attributes, including antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. This was well known even in ancient times, as physicians of yore saw it as an effective treatment for wounds, sores and various other ailments. Because of its awesome power, frankincense, they say, was literally worth its weight in gold back then. As an added bonus, aromatherapists love frankincense for its use an antidepressant and calmative agent.
We here at Birch Sisters love frankincense, too! So much so, we even chose to include this essential oil in formulating our Facial Oil Cleanser, mainly for its antibacterial, skin-regenerating and water-retaining properties. When used as directed, you, too, can reap all the healing benefits frankincense has to offer!
Look for all-new Birch Sisters products coming in the new year! Until then, here’s wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!