Frankincense (olibanum) like its close relatives in the Boswellia genus has medicinal properties which are especially important in controlling reproduction. This particular species is found in the arid regions of Africa, India and the Middle East. The gum resin contains boswellic acids and various other pentacyclic triterpenes which have chemical structures similar to steroids.
Regulating fertility using plant extracts has been known since ancient times and has been an important part of traditional medicine as in the Ayurvedic system and Frankincense has been associated with alleviating a variety of medical issues.
The resin is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-arthritic and anti-proliferative agent. People have used it to treat ulcers, tumours, prevent vomiting, dysentery and fever. It is used in steam inhalations, baths, massage lotions and creams – especially ones for anti-wrinkle. It was used in ancient times as an antidote for hemlock.
The Chinese use it to treat leprosy and leukemia whilst the Jordanians and Lebanese use as an aphrodisiac and fertility promoting agent.
I but frankincense from a a number of suppliers but I would recommend ‘Old India’. They do 750g bags and it costs around £20. I usually move to a better sealed bag because I just don not want to lose that wonderful aroma.