Ancient Ties to Aromatherapy: Frankincense & Lavender

From a plant with Biblical ties to one decorating the fields of France, ancient civilizations have learned how to transform common plants into aromatic healing oils. Through the process of aromatherapy, people can enhance the energy levels, stimulate the body, relax, rejuvenate, and improve the overall health of a person by inhaling aromatic oils. In this article, you will learn what frankincense and lavender can do for you.

Frankincense

If frankincense sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because it gained notoriety for being one of the gifts brought by the three wise men to Christ when he was an infant. Throughout history, the gum part of the plant was burned in temples, churches, and other places of worship. When frankincense is vaporized, it creates calm surroundings. Because of this, it has found a place in circles of people that practice yoga, meditate, or simply want to relax in a quiet setting.

Frankincense is a small tree that grows spiky leaves and pink-colored flowers. The gum forms in the bark of the tree, which is where the aromatic oil originates. The scent of frankincense is described as sharp and fresh. When looking for other scents that blend nicely with frankincense, consider grapefruit, orange, rose, patchouli, lemon, lavender and sandalwood. The scent could be used to calm anxiousness and nervous tension. It has a calming effect that is also connected to a spiritually uplifting experience.

Other uses of frankincense outside of aromatherapy include stimulating the immune system, healing scar tissue, treating eczema, and treating dry skin conditions.

Lavender

The ancient Romans were one of the first civilizations to utilize lavender for aromatherapy purposes. Later on, the Romans would introduce the plant to Great Britain and other cultures. Throughout history, the plant was a fixture in gardens. Lavender oil is a popular product in the south of France (mainly Provence), as well as in the United Kingdom. Through the process of distillation, lavender water is created, which has a place in facial care. When used as a toner, it can treat dry or combination skin.

Lavender comes from an evergreen shrub that can reach three feet tall. The leaves are light green in color and narrow. On the long stalks, violet blue flowers grow. The essential oil of the plant comes from the flowering tops. The fragrance is described as fruity and fresh with floral and woody undertones. Lavender is considered one of the most calming oils and can help people battling insomnia or anxiety. Make a lavender sachet to add a perfumed scent to linens or for slipping inside of a pillowcase for a restful sleep at night.

You can maximize the properties of lavender when blending with other oils, such as peppermint, sandalwood, neroli, and lemon. Other uses of lavender outside of aromatherapy include treating facial blemishes, healing cuts and burns, as well as sedating agitated nerves.