Apothecary's Garden Blog
Join me as I explore the world of natural aromatics, the communities that bring them to us, the methods of working with them to sublimate their beauty.
How to make a Frankincense Resin Extract with Boswellic acids
The resin portion of Frankincense contains very valuable therapeutic compounds called Boswellic acids. You won't find them in the water-soluble gum, and you will not find them in the essential oil of Frankincense. We cannot use these resin acids to their fullest extent until we liberate the resin from the gum portion.
Sumatrana Benzoin-A New sustainable resin for Medicine, Incense and perfume
Sumatrana Benzoin is harvested sustainably by farmer families in a small area of Northern Sumatra. This resin is unique in that it has floral notes other Benzoin types Lack. It has only recently been introduced to the Western market for use in perfume, medicine, incense and cosmetics.
How to make a Medicinal Tincture of Frankincense
There are several ways we can benefit from the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer resin compounds found in Frankincense resin. A tincture is one of them and an easy product to make at home.
Frankincense as Medicine-Truth, Myth, and Misinformation
The anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory Boswellic acids are not present in the essential oil of Frankincense. They are found only in the solid resin portion of Frankincense, and the only way to benefit from the therapeutic qualities of the Boswellic acids is to utilize the resin.
Sustainable Frankincense from the Samburu women of Kenya
The Samburu tribe has a unique relationship with the land, and harming trees in any way is frowned upon. This is due to their reverent relationship with their deity, the Nature God/Goddess N’kai, who resides in the mountains, the trees, lakes and animals. One could say N’kai protects the Samburu Frankincense and Myrrh trees, making sure they are not harmed.
How to make a Tincture of Myrrh for oral health
Addressing among other things, loose teeth, inflamed gums, Gingivitis, Thrush, Halitosis and sore throat, the range of oral issues addressed by a simple tincture of Myrrh in a saline mouthwash seems endless.
Green Frankincense Demystified
If you have ever dabbled in incense or perfume making, travelled to Oman or explored traditional Arabian folk medicine, you may have come across a very special and highly valued Frankincense resin that has a lovely green hue.
How to make an oil extract of Frankincense-2 methods
There is a lot of interest in the healing compounds found in the different types of Frankincense. Notably, the the Boswellic acid family including AKBA which are ONLY found in Frankincense. With the right information these healing compounds can be incorporated in a broad range of cosmetic and therapeutic products in any kitchen.
Suhul Myrrh-A gift from the trees
Frankincense and Myrrh resins have been used for medicine, incense and perfume for over 6000 years. There are many variations of each of these aromatic treasures and in this post I will tell you about a special Myrrh resin called Suhul Myrrh. Suhul Myrrh is sweeter, lighter in colour and not as bitter as the regular type of Myrrh, and, it is sustainably harvested!
How to prepare Winter Medicine with local Tree Resins
As we enter another winter here in the Northern hemisphere we brace ourselves for the onset of coughs, colds, flus and respiratory issues. Pine and Spruce resins share a long history of use around the world as decongestants, muscle relaxants, wound healers and relievers of musculoskeletal pain.
A complete guide to Frankincense resins
With close to 20 types of Frankincense resin on the market, it can be a challenge to choose between them, especially for those that are new to Frankincense. For this reason I will start with the more familiar and common, or "Classic" Frankincense types"
The Many Benefits of Frankincense Tea
A Frankincense "Tea" is a traditional and time-honoured remedy in many cultures. It has broad therapeutic applications, is easy to make at home and puts less stress on trees that are already burdened by our demand for Frankincense essential oil.
