The Green Bioplaneet Dictonary: Frankincense

Frankincense…more than just a pleasant scent
Frankincense is known for its aromatherapy benefits. It also has other benefits that you may not be familiar with, such as helping with acne and dandruff. The frankincense oil used in skin and hair care is made by the steam distillation of resin from the Boswellia tree. This tree can be found in Northeast Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula and parts of India and Pakistan. Frankincense has a kind of citrus, spicy and woody aroma that is both soothing and relaxing to the body and mind. It is also beneficial for your hair and skin.

For the body and mind
In addition to the scent of lavender, the scent of frankincense is also known to reduce negative feelings such as stress and helps you fall asleep. Because the scent helps to slow down and relax overwrought nerves, it can help reduce stress. Body and mind can thus come into a relaxed state. You will find frankincense in the sleep-inducing Sleepy Head Balm and the Calm Natural Scented Candle, both from Made by Coopers. Frankincense also acts as a natural air freshener and is ideal for giving your room a fresher scent. It balances your mood and calms a busy mind. You can do that, for example, with the Calm Room Spray or the Sleepy Head Room & Pillow Spray, both from Made by Coopers.

Good for your skin
Do you suffer from pimples and small scars? Frankincense oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps the skin to heal faster and ensures the fading of scars. It also has a mild astringent effect, which makes it ideal for oily skin. It helps regulate the production of sebum and prevents large and clogged pores. The anti-inflammatory effect also helps to reduce existing breakouts and fight new ones. Frankincense oil contains boswellic acids that kill acne bacteria. You can find frankincense in various skin care products, such as the Dull Faace Cleanser from Faace. Frankincense can also make fine lines and wrinkles less visible. It stimulates cell renewal and the production of collagen. It also protects both new and older skin cells from free radical damage that causes wrinkles. The astringent effect also has a firming effect on the skin. The Rose Divine Hydrating Face Mist from Made by Coopers, for example, stimulates cell renewal and soothes dry skin.

Also for your hair
Frankincense essential oil stimulates the blood circulation of the scalp, resulting in nourished hair follicles that in turn helps with healthy hair growth. It also helps prevent split ends and knotted hair. You will therefore also find frankincense in the Volumizing Foam from John Masters Organics. And just as frankincense helps regulate sebum in oily skin, it also helps reduce the production of sebum on the scalp. An excess of natural hair oil can lead to dandruff build-up, scalp infections and scaly patches. The Hair Paste from John Masters Organics has a mattifying effect and you can style both short and long hair with it. It does contain frankincense oil but will not leave your hair or scalp feeling oily.