In a previous blog, we defined Plant-Based Therapies and explained that it is not simply the use of the Cannabis plant, but in fact, the use of all plants. The plants you choose to incorporate into your health journey are what provide the natural resources that feed and drive the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The natural resource we are talking about this week is frankincense! It has been used as an aromatic perfume for thousands of years, but also has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Frankincense has a fragrant, earthy, musty smell and it can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or even taken as a supplement.
Earliest Uses
The oldest known reference of Frankincense is within the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus dated back to 1500 BC and the resin was prescribed as a use for throat infections and asthmatic attacks.1 And there are numerous references throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments, but look at Matthew 2:11, “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”2 While Frankincense possesses a variety of purposes, not only historically, but in modern times as well, we are focusing on the medicinal qualities it contains.
Benefits of Frankincense
Frankincense’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and potentially rheumatoid arthritis. These same anti-inflammatory properties may also help your gut health and create balance. This may in turn reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis by reducing the inflammation in your gut.3 As it was used in traditional methods, modern science is learning that frankincense not only may relieve asthma symptoms but also reduce the amount of asthma medication needed. Terpenes, including boswellic acid, provide the greatest anti-inflammatory compounds inside frankincense.
The boswellic acid provided by frankincense presents itself to have strong antibacterial properties, which could improve oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. Studies are also suggesting that boswellic acid might prevent cancer cells and tumors from spreading; giving frankincense anticancer qualities.
Terpenes in Frankincense
Frankincense’s terpene profile includes α-pinene, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, β-phellandrene, camphene4 and boswellic acid. Boswellic acid has already been discussed but let’s look closer at some of the other terpenes. α-pinene has anti-inflammatory properties, is a bronchodilator, provides asthma relief, and aids memory. Camphene is an anti-oxidant and provides pain relief.5 β-amyrin has anti-nociceptive, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory qualities.6
Where to Find Frankincense
Frankincense is available in UltraCür® Advanced – The Power of Three which is the newest formulation from UltraBotanica! It is the first US product that has their professional grade LPS curcumin that is non-dairy. UltraCür® Advanced – The Power of Three features dairy free, clinical strength LPS™ (Liquid Protein Scaffold) UltraCür®, a new material called UltraClaw™ (an LPS™ devils claw extract, widely studied for its benefits in balancing inflammation), and pure Boswellia (frankincense). These 3 powerful balancers of inflammation in one capsule utilizing our patented LPS technology. Click here to order UltraCür® Advanced – The Power of Three
Frankincense is also used in our proprietary blend of essential oils for our very own Hawkeye Relief Pain Stick! It helps to provide rapid relief for inflammation, stiffness, muscle recovery, dry/cracked skin and so much more. Hawkeye Relief is a potent, fast-acting, and soothing formula specially designed for immediate and long-lasting relief. Click here to order a Hawkeye Relief Pain Stick or call (301) 778-4295 for any questions you may have!
Sources
Source 2: New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Source 5: Beyond Buds Next Generation: Ed Rosenthal