Frankincense: Humanity's Ally for Millennia

Frankincense

(Boswellia carterii)

We may think we know her. Frankincense has accompanied our human race for thousands of years; we have burned her sacred incense for religious ceremonies, we have used her essence for wounds and injuries, her medicine has helped to heal cancers, her very presence has helped human civilization advance and expand, but do we really know her? For as much as she has been by our side for the entire span of our existence, she holds herself in quiet dignity…a stark tree that grows in the arid desert, with us and yet isolated.

Frankincense (Olibanum) is a resinous tree that grows only at the most southern part of the Arabian Peninsula and the extreme northeastern tip of Somalia. Its value as a commodity opened trade routes as far away as China and Europe more than five-thousand years ago according to many sources, and created great wealth for Southern Arabia. The Silk Road, The Incense Road and The Spice Road among other trade routes connected the region to cities and kingdoms more than two thousand miles away and served to enrich cultures, religions and traditions of healing throughout the entire continent.

The domestication of the camel was a necessary innovation for traveling such arduous paths, and it is believed that written communication was also developed and expanded as a direct result of the wide-ranging commerce. Ship-building burgeoned as a new skill, and the talent for that craft augmented trade via shipping routes and further increased prosperity for the country. It has been suggested that greed contributed to the fall of Rome; a high tariff was placed upon Frankincense - up to 25% tax was charged for this precious resin.

In southern Mesopotamia, archeologists discovered Cuneiform tablets dating back to 3200 BCE (before current era), that referred to Southern Arabia, strongly suggesting a trade market for Frankincense. An incense burner from the Bronze Age, (2,200 BCE) found in Oman had residue from burned Frankincense; current speculation dates the use of this sacred resin to 6,000 BCE or even earlier.

Of course, one of the most well known stories of Frankincense involves the blessed birth of a certain Child who was given the gift of Frankincense Myrrh and Gold by three Magi priests. Frankincense was found in the tombs of King Tutankhamen and Queen Hatshepsut not only to preserve the mummified corpses, but as an offering to accompany their souls’ journey to the Other Side.

Boswellia carterii (or B. sacra) had long been used as an embalming agent, not only to cover the unpleasant odor, but to also help preserve the body. To prepare a body for mummification, ancient morticians packed the empty cavities with the resinous tears after internal organs were removed. Frankincense was also quite valued for ritual burials, particularly when a person of high status passed on. At the funeral of his favorite concubine Poppaea, the Roman emperor Nero burned and entire year’s harvest of Frankincense, disrupting trade for several seasons.

The fragrance of Frankincense- mysterious, deep, and pleasant to our senses, is notably unpleasant to insects. The exotic aromas wafting from the garments of people in Arabia serves a very practical purpose: to repel disease-carrying mosquitoes and other insects. It is customary to suspend clothing upon specially crafted frames in order to impregnate the fibers with smoke from the burning incense.

Given the historical associations of this treasured substance, it is no surprise that in China, the name originally ascribed to Frankincense was fan hun xiang, meaning “fragrance to call back the soul.” Later the name was changed to ru xiang, or “fragrant milk,” and was historically used for a variety of ailments including leprosy, tuberculosis and gonorrhea. Frequently paired with Myrrh in medicinal formulas, this valued medicine addressed all levels of pain, trauma and injury, particularly as a topical remedy. The famous formula Qi Li San was known as “Seven-Thousandths of a Tael Powder” for the minute internal dosages that were measured out. This preparation is likely the predecessor of a popular patent formula known today as Yunan Bai Yao.

Frankincense, also referred to as mastic, is still used in modern Chinese herbal medicine for injury, trauma, rheumatic pain and arthritis. Generally applied externally, it has a pronounced Blood-invigorating quality that relaxes tendons, eases pain, reduces swelling, and promotes tissue regeneration. It enhances the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the meridians and its energetic warmth is especially welcomed when treating stiff, achy joints that tend to worsen in cold, damp weather.

Its ability to generate the flesh is particularly useful for sores, abscesses and carbuncles, and the pain-relieving properties extend to chest pain, colic, abdominal and epigastric discomfort-especially when the pain is sharp. Encouraging and vitalizing blood circulation makes Frankincense helpful for amenorrhea, dysmennorhea and post-partum issues of Blood-stagnation; obviously this is not an herb to be taken during pregnancy.

Its uses outside of Traditional Chinese Medicine are as an astringent to stop discharges and contract tissues; cosmetically it addresses acne for the youthful and dry, chapped skin for the more mature consumer. The high verbenone content indicates its anti-fungal quality, making it a good remedy for external complaints like athlete’s foot and ringworm as well as certain intestinal, vaginal and other internal fungal infections. Frankincense can stimulate energy, invigorate the mind, strengthen the body and promote feelings of well-being while also relaxing irritability, soothing anxiety and calming nervous tension.

The Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory for Immunology newsletter (May ’05) reveals that Frankincense has been shown to exhibit strong immunostimulating activity, having a pronounced regulating effect on the immune system. Further study, according to The American Society for Microbiology, indicates that its “chemical structure closely resembles anti-inflammatory steroids.” In their trials, it was suggested that Frankincense prepared by an ethanol extraction actually led to cellular toxicity, while the cleaner preparation had only positive effects. This strongly indicates that it is of the utmost importance to use only the purest, steam-distilled and medicinal-grade essential oil of Frankincense available-generally purchased from a practitioner and not at a retail establishment.

Recent scientific data shows that Olibanum not only powerfully inhibits the growth of cancerous cells; it also promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) of malignancies. Promising studies are being done that spotlight the ancient resin in the treatment of a variety of cancers including cervical, colon and even Leukemia. Some of the most publicized information to date regarding the use of Frankincense with cancer treatment has been its potent inhibition of bladder cancer.

For brain tumors, Frankincense helps to hinder growth and reduces cerebral edema. In the treatment of colitis, Olibanum has been shown to be a better choice than the popular drug sulfasalazine. It is also one of the top three CAM choices (complementary and Alternative Medicine) for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease in Germany along with acupuncture and probiotics.

On a spiritual level, Frankincense slows and expands breathing, calms the mind and facilitates deep meditation. Her spirit allows one to become completely present and frankly aware of one’s senses. Her fragrance encourages peace, opens the mind and stimulates the higher chakras, while resonating a calm tranquility deep within. Inhalation of her divine perfume comforts grief and can connect ones heart and soul to the love of their departed. Access to higher realms of consciousness demonstrates why the smoke from her incense carries prayers to Heaven.

Burning the sacred incense was once a ritual shared by most religions, and the demand for Olibanum was unbounded; Dhofar at one time exported 3,000 tons annually. The Babylonian Temple of Baal burned 2 ½ tons of Frankincense a year and over-exploitation began to lessen the population of trees. Boswellia needs to be at least eight years old before it begins to produce resin, and a tree needs to be rested for a while if it has been tapped for more than 6 years. When a tree is frequently tapped, germination ratios for their seeds drop dramatically from 80% viability in the seed of an untapped tree to only 16% in the seeds from tapped trees.

Today, most Frankincense going to commercial markets is harvested in Somalia. The range of Olibanum’s habitat, dependent upon specific ecology and climate, is also subject to political climate for its distribution to consumers. The religious demand for the holy incense has certainly declined since its peak some two thousand years ago, however Frankincense has recently been seeing a resurgence in popularity; perhaps our return to natural medicines is driving that demand.

The name Frankincense is simply descriptive of what it is: true or real incense. This authentic incense is wild-harvested by indigenous people using the same methods that have been used for millennia. Twice a year, January-March and again from August-October, careful incisions are made into the outer bark of the mastic tree with a blade called a mingaf. Sap oozes out of these cuts, collects into larger lumps and often falls to the base of the short tree. The sun dries the pellets of resin and these “tears” are gathered approximately two weeks later. It is necessary for the luban (tears) to be completely harvested before the start of the monsoon season in April or May.

A medicinal-grade essence of Frankincense is produced by steam-distilling a resinous block of these tears, and this thin essential oil is marvelous for the treatment all types of pain, injury and swelling. Additionally, it has been found to be a potent adjunct in any complementary cancer protocol. Perhaps most significantly, her serene spiritual presence is more than palpable when her sweet aroma is inhaled.

Frankincense has maintained a frank and deliberate presence in our collective consciousness for the past several thousand years. Her significance in our history cannot be denied nor be dismissed as folklore, myth or erroneous religious belief. We have only been married to the predictability and false security of logical reason for a few hundred years, obsessively so for less than fifty. Many people are coming to realize that a balance between reason and enchantment creates a much more fulfilling existence. By allowing a space for Frankincense in our hearts we may at last penetrate her secrets and completely open our spirits to holier realms where peace presides.

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.

Got Pain? Stick It In Your Ear!

The Auriculotherapy Appointment

“Do you mean to tell me that by sticking those little seeds on my ears, you’re going to get rid of my pain?” She asked, with an eyebrow raised.
“You’ll see.” I smirked; I was used to the skepticism. After explaining the procedure and introducing her to the tools I’d be using, I cleansed her ears with a soothing wash while observing the specific qualities of her ear, such as shape, tone and color. “You said that the pain was in your lower back, are you also having trouble with your left knee?” I asked, knowing from the slight bulge on the upper portion of the anti-helix, that her knee was indeed having problems.
“Yes,” she answered cautiously, not certain that she had actually mentioned anything about her knee. “I had surgery on it about a year ago this January. I took a bad spill getting out of my car on the ice and tore ligaments. It was horrible. The surgery seemed to help for a little while, but lately it seems to be getting pretty achy and stiff. Did I tell you that on the phone?”

“No, but you didn’t have to. I can see it right here on your ear, plain as day. There’s a thickening of the cartilage exactly at the spot on your left ear that represents your knee. It says to me that there is stagnation at that site.” I replied, noting the posture she was holding and the frustrated look of concealed pain in her eyes.
“Oh.” She seemed uncertain. “Well, can you do anything about it?”
“I’ll do what I can.” I told her as I located the shen men point -the one used for pain- and adhered a small black seed to the position. I prepared the hemostats with a small silver sphere this time, located the point that represented her left knee and affixed the nearly invisible tiny dot on a small clear piece of tape to the site. I repeated the procedure with a couple of lower back points and her hip for good measure. I sat back and examined her ear more closely; there appeared to be a slight lump located at the wrist area of her ear. “Any issues with your wrists?”
“How could you know that? I have the beginnings of Carpal Tunnel, my doctor tells me. I wear a brace at work. I must have told you.” She eyed me suspiciously.
“It’s all right here.” I answered, “Come and look in the mirror. Feel this part of your ear. Do you feel that little bump?”
“Oh yeah, I never noticed that before.” She tugged at her ear and looked at the appearance of the tiny “seeds” in the mirror. “You can barely see them.” She said, as she admired her new “punk rock” look. “My kids will get a kick out of these!”
“Walk around a little” I said, wanting her to test out her knee and check in with her back pain. “How does it feel?”
“That’s weird. It doesn’t hurt. My back! It doesn’t hurt!! How did you do that?!” She was getting excited and I saw a tear beginning to well up in her eye.
“How’s the knee feel?” Sharing her joy, but wanting to get a tab on all the issues I’d worked on.
“The knee is fine. It feels…looser, like there’s more room in there…or something. I can’t explain it. My foot is feeling warmer too. I didn’t mention it, but that foot always kind of felt like it was falling asleep or something.”

“Excellent. We’re getting some blood flowing again. Now, sit back down for a minute and I’ll get some energy moving to your wrists too.” I finished up with the last of the seeds and enjoyed watching her roll her wrists around with a huge grin on her face.
“Unbelievable!” she said. “I can’t tell you the last time I wasn’t in pain. I’m going to send everyone to you for this! How long will they stay on?”
“The seeds will stay reliably adhesive for about a week; if people have very dry or very moist skin, it can be less. When they start to feel like they are not firmly adhered to the spot anymore, just find the edge of the tape and peel them off. Make sure that the little seed is on the tape and throw it away. Voila!” I gestured with a flourish.
She laughed. “This is amazing. I have to get up and walk around again. I just can’t get over it.” She began pacing the length of the room. “What about getting them wet?”
“Just leave them alone until they dry and they should be fine. Don’t fuss with them if they’re wet, but you can push on them to help get rid of the pain if it creeps back.” I assured her.
“You know, when my friend told me that you got rid of her migraines with this…what do you call it…Auriculotherapy? Well, I thought it was all in her head-so to speak, but she kept insisting I come to see you. I was curious, yeah, but I didn’t think it would help me. I mostly came here to shut her up.” She shook her head still laughing, whether from her amusement or from pure relief from her pain, I wasn’t sure.
“Well, I’m so glad that you came to prove her wrong!!” I laughed, “It makes me so glad to see people go from pain to no pain. That’s what makes my job the best in the world” I grinned back at her.
“How did you learn this? Where did you ever even hear about it?” she wanted to know.
“I learned about it when I was in school for Chinese Medicine. The tradition I learned is based on Chinese medical theories, but there is also a tradition of Auriculotherapy from France that has become pretty well known too. I actually teach a certification class that makes Auriculotherapy easy to learn for anyone, even without any kind of background in healing. I give my students maps, tools, seeds and a kit to carry it around in. They begin practicing on each other right away in class. It’s so great to see them getting such amazing results themselves. It’s like a lightbulb going on!” I didn’t try to hide my enthusiasm.“I could learn to do this?” She asked, hopeful. “But I wouldn’t be able to work on myself though, right?” She sat back down, her initial excitement beginning to dull ever so slightly as I watched where her thoughts took her.

“That was my problem too,” I confessed. “This is why you need to have someone you spend a lot of time with take the class with you, then you can practice on each other…and get rid of each other’s pain.”
“Ah! I know just the man!” She brightened. “Does this work only for pain…and migraines?” she asked.
“No, I treat all kinds of things, anxiety, stomach issues, menstrual disorders, lung problems, colds, rashes, blood pressure, eye diseases, the list goes on…you can even lower a fever just like that!” I snapped my fingers.
“Now, I wish I had known that trick last week when my son had the flu! I was beside myself when his fever reached 103º and he had the chills!” The memory of her son’s illness left a note of distress in her voice, then her eyes cleared. “So, how often do I need to do this?”
“On the average, I like to have people come in about once a week. Having the therapy done regularly has a more profound healing effect; rather than just putting a band-aid on the pain, consistent treatment encourages the blood to heal the afflicted area and reminds the body of what balance feels like. Should we book your next appointment?”
“Yes, and sign me and my husband up for the next…Auriculotherapy class. I’m going to make him take it with me. So, what do I owe you for today?” She handed me her credit card.
“It’s just $55 for a pain-free week. Can you beat that?” I laughed. “Actually, you can. I can give you a discount for packs of treatments if you want to pay for them at once.” I handed her the price schedule:
3 sessions…..$150.00 ($50 @ session)
5 sessions…..$225.00 ($45 @ session)
10 sessions…$400.00 ($40 @ session)

“Wow, not bad. I’ll have to see how this does before I commit to paying for more than today’s session.” I understood completely; she was sensible to wait and objectively take in the whole experience before deciding to continue.
I shrugged. “Well, let me know; it’s a short appointment and I can usually squeeze it in, but I don’t want you to have to wait for very long when the pain begins to return.”
“The pain will return?” She suddenly looked let down.
“Well, you’ve only had one appointment. Usually the first time someone gets this done the relief lasts a good day or two after the seeds are removed…so about a week or ten days…then the pain may start to slowly come back.You don’t want to have to start from square one again, so it’s best to stay ahead of it and keep a good healing curve going.”
She nodded in understanding. “Do people ever get completely better?” Her optimism was restored.
“Absolutely. It just depends on how long the problem has been going on, how well someone responds to healing and other factors that dictate overall health like diet, exercise, emotional health…” I explained.
“Okay, let’s set up another appointment now, and if I have to change it, I’ll give you a call a few days before.” She got out her calendar, set up the date for the following week and stood up. I walked her to the door and watched her stretching and testing her back and legs and she sauntered to the foyer. Spontaneously she turned and hugged me. “Thank you so much again, Lisl! I can’t believe how good it feels to not have pain!!”
“Believe it,” I said. “Your body wants to heal; the relief you feel in your body will have many far-reaching effects on other areas of your life. Watch and see.”
“I do believe it. I’m surprised, but I do. See you next week.” I watched as she practically skipped to her car and drove off. In fifteen minutes, I’d get to do it all over again with the next client; I felt very satisfied.
A few days later, I received a call from my new patient. “Lisl, my husband couldn’t believe the change in me! He’s agreed to sign up for the Auriculotherapy class with me. Can you take my card over the phone? Oh, and he wants to book a session with you too.”
“No problem. How are you feeling?” I asked her.
“I’m feeling great! My knee is a little stiff in the morning, but as soon as I’m up and moving around it feels fine. Next time I see you I want to know more about the herbs and essential oils you use to keep the healing going.” She sounded clear and upbeat, a big difference from the woman who had called a few weeks before to set up her initial appointment.
“Absolutely, I’m at your service!” My heart swelled for her happiness and I knew once again how fortunate it is to love your work, especially when that involves helping others.
 

Lisl Meredith Huebner, Dipl.CH (NCCAOM), RH (AHG) is a nationally board certified Chinese Herbalist, and a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. Lisl is also a certified Medicinal Aromatherapist, a level II Reiki practitioner, an Acupressurist, an Auriculotherapist, a photographer, a renowned diagnostician, a teacher and a published writer in private practice for over a decade. She is available by appointment. HerbaLisl.com

Please call 8 6 0 - 4 8 0 - 0 1 1 5 or email HerbaLisl@hotmail.com if you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, attend meditations, weed walks, or are interested in taking classes.