FRANKINCENSE – AN AMAZING HEALER
Frankincense is an impressive healing tool. It is an item I would choose to have in a survival kit. If you find yourself fighting an advancing infection, this gum resin is an invaluable tool.
Frankincense is retailed as a powder, little bits of hardened gum, or as an essential oil. The pebbles of gum and powder are not heavy. In my opinion, the granules are easier to carry and can be crushed to powder if this is needed.
As a steam inhalation, Frankincense is a helpful treatment for colds, bronchitis and other breathing difficulties. I’ve witnessed its benefits help in the recovery process of pneumonia. We use it in our home in a crock pot with dried mullein and eucalyptus leaves, add filtered water and heat to introduce a healing steam into the room. Frankincense can also be used as incense, releasing its beneficial properties in a fine smoke, as the granules are placed on a hot coal in a fireproof container.
Frankincense is regenerative, restorative, rejuvenating and quite valuable as a topical wound dressing. Its astringent properties make Frankincense infused oil a selection by some for a post-natal uterine tonic and massage oil. Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory and promotes healing when used to treat blemishes, scars, sores, skin ulcers and wounds. In some parts of the world, Frankincense is regarded as a treatment for leprosy. (See HOW TO INFUSE OILS)
In one case, a weeping leg injury had developed an odor. The infection was advancing as evidenced by the inflammation and red lines. Although good wound care was applied, this seemed to do little to make the infection retreat. Frankincense was used after other methods failed. The patient immediately felt the difference. A physician was surprised that the leg did not require amputation, but only stitches to help close the healthy tissue. His experience had been that such cases ended with the loss of the leg.
I observed a burn wound to an arm that had touched a hot oven rack. The wound was immediately dressed with honey and some olive oil infused with plantain. The area was kept clean and bandaged. The burn was about one fourth of an inch deep and one inch long. Though a second degree burn, there was only slight blistering. Although the injury seemed to be healing well, it became infected. Swelling, pain and red streaks soon appeared. A garlic poultice helped, but did not reverse the inflammation. Frankincense infused olive oil was applied resulting in the reduction of pain and inflammation in less than twelve hours. In the space of a day the wound began to heal from within and the pain stopped. By the second day, the swelling had gone, the wound was closed and was a healthy pink as the lower layers of skin were rebuilding By the week’s end, there was only a faint scar.
When available, Frankincense can be an effective wound care tool. If you use essential oil for medicinal purposes, take the time to insure that the product you select was steam distilled or alcohol extracted as chemical solvent methods are not safe for this application. Many manufacturers will gladly receive telephone inquiries. Methods of manufacture can change with time (even with the same brand), so re-check your information periodically.
This article is for the information of the reader. Nothing here is intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical examination and care. Utilize these processes at your own risk.
