It turns out there is. The difference is that Sacred Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) contains high levels of incensole acetate, known for its spiritual properties. Israeli scientist, Arieh Moussaieff created headlines around the world when he and an international team of researchers discovered unique capabilities of a constituent in sacred frankincense called incensole acetate.

Moussaieff’s team discovered that this chemical constituent triggered an ion channel in the brain with powerful effects what were previously completely unknown to scientists. The areas of the brain affected are known to be involved in emotions.

It was discovered that incensole acetate has an anti-anxiety effect and significantly improved mood in the study as well as stimulating the "spiritual" centers of the brain. Incensole acetate may be the reason frankincense has been part of religious and cultural ceremonies dating back to ancient times.

What Are The Differences Between Boswellia Carteri And Omani Boswellia Sacra?

Sacred frankincense (Omani Boswellia sacra) has only been sold in the Western world since the fall of 2010. Previous to this, the only frankincense Young Living carried was Boswellia carteri, a therapeutic frankincense which contains high levels of boswellic acid, a powerful healing element and the subject of many studies.

Out of the forty-two known species of frankincense oils in the world, the two species most researched for their therapeutic therapeutic benefits are East African Boswellia carteri and Omani Boswellia sacra. It was the extensive studies and world travels by Gary Young that helped identify the value of sacred frankincense and introduce it to the world outside of Oman.

When Young Living brought this unique and wonderful essential oil to the U.S., it was the first time sacred frankincense has been exported out of the Middle East in a thousand years! Before this, no Omani frankincense had left the county unless purchased by Saudi Royals.

Although many believed they were the same plant, it has now been proven that they are two different and distinct species and grow in different regions. The differences between East African Boswellia carteri and Omani Boswellia sacra are subtle, but distinct.

The well-known Boswellia carteri is the most studied among frankincense species because it contains many important natural constituents, including boswellic acid, which has cell-differentiating properties, anti-inflammatory properties and more.

The incensole acetate in Boswellia sacra, on the other hand, has anti-anxiety effects and can significantly improve mood and raise spiritual awareness. Omani frankincense is highly regarded as the frankincense of the ancients and the traditional spiritual oil of biblical times. When used during yoga, meditation, or prayer, sacred frankincense can deepen your spiritual experience.

Why is Sacred Frankincense So Rare?

For centuries, Omani frankincense has been regarded the world over as the rarest, most sought-after aromatic in existence. One of the reasons is it so rare is because it only grows in one small region of the world. It is the only variety of frankincense that grows in Oman. The soil and climate there are produce the extraordinary constituents in sacred frankincense.

Juliet Highet in her book, "Frankincense: Oman’s Gift to the World" states:

The international aromatic trade has a grading system for frankincense depending upon size, colour, degree of transparency, and of course fragrance, but it is generally acknowledged that the premium resin comes from Boswellia sacra.

Dr. Moussaieff’s studies have shown that incensole acetate is in fact responsible for frankincense’s remarkable spiritual effects.¹

An article about Dr. Moussaieff’s work states:

In his doctoral work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Moussaieff isolated the active compounds in the [frankincense] resin. When tested on mouse models of human head injury, he found that some of these substances provide protection for the nervous system. He later noted the resin’s mood enhancement and antianxiety properties and, investigating further, found that they act on a previously unknown pathway in the brain that regulates emotion.²

Beware of counterfeits that are sure to come. In 2009, Gary Young was granted special permission to build a Young Living distillery in Oman. Until this venture, no Omani frankincense had ever left the country, unless it was purchased by Saudi royals. Young Living is now distilling Boswellia sacra essential oil in partnership with officials in Oman in a one-of-a-kind relationship only extended to Young Living.

To learn more about Read more about Gary Young’s travels to the Middle East, research and vision on his personal blog: www.dgaryyoung.com/blog/2010/808 These trips have allowed Gary to learn more about the history, trade, production, and chemical makeup of the most therapeutic species of frankincense.

1. A. Moussaieff, et al., “Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain,” The FASB
2. Journal. 2008 Aug;22(8):3024–34.
3. http://wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/site/en/weizman.asp?pi=421&doc_id=6120&interID=6107

Click Here to Hear: The Gift of Frankincense Audio

See previous post for November's Special on frankincense – What Is So Special About Frankincense Oil?

If you are confused as to whether Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carteri is the best oil for you, please understand that this is an individual choice and that the two oils have different effects. Some people feel more drawn to sacred frankincense (Boswellia sacra) than to Boswellia carteri, and vice versa. Others have found that sacred frankincense supplements their everyday application of Boswellia carteri. Your choice frankincense oil depends on your purpose and your preference.

Frankincense was well known during the time of Christ as a treatment for a wide range of ailments. In fact, it is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, Ebers Papyrus, which lists frankincense in hundreds of prescriptions and recipes. This "holy anointing oil" was valued more than gold during this time, and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it.

Today, there are 63 specific scientific studies on file at PubMed on frankincense's effects. The amazing thing about frankincense is that it accomplishes many effects without harming the body.

One of the amazing qualities of frankincense is that it seems to have an inherent intelligence. It has the ability to detect whether a cell is normal or not normal. It will only go after and eradicate cells that are not normal. It also has the ability to moderate inflammatory response.

Another surprising thing about frankincense is that is has a "reset" function that can tell a cell what its correct DNA should be. It has the ability to moderate inflammatory response and has a positive and calming effect on the nervous system and the brain.

Here are just a few of the studies:

Frankincense Kills Bladder Cancer
Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity

"Conclusion – Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Microarray and bioinformatics analysis proposed multiple pathways that can be activated by frankincense oil to induce bladder cancer cell death. Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intravesical agent for bladder cancer treatment."

While many essential oil companies have cited this research to sell their frankincense oil, please note that it was Young Living's Boswellia carteri that was used in this research.

Frankincense Suppresses Growth and Metastasis of Human Pancreatic Tumors:
Boswellic Acid Suppresses Growth and Metastasis of Human Pancreatic Tumors in an Orthotopic Nude Mouse Model through Modulation of Multiple Targets.

These results demonstrate that AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-?-boswellic acid) can suppress the growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model that correlates with modulation of multiple targets.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Boswellic acids from frankincense inhibit lipopolysaccharide functionality through direct molecular interference.

Boswellic acids may contribute to the observed anti-inflammatory effects of BSE during infections by suppressing LPS activity.

In the audio below, you'll hear more about some of the scientific studies about frankincense's spiritual effects and how frankincense can help stress response, inflammation, aging, and more… and how frankincense can impact our health and our mind proactively:

Frankincense is truly a gift to humanity and has a profound impact on the body, mind and spirit. Now, for the first time in over a thousand years, the rare frankincense variety, Boswellia sacra is available in the U.S. Boswellia sacra contains high levels of incensole acetate, known for its spiritual properties while Boswellia carteri has high levels of boswellic acid, the subject of many studies.

Its worth getting acquainted with both varieties of frankincense – East African Boswellia carteri and Omani Boswellia sacra.

The Many Ways To Use Frankincense:

Diffuse
In diffuser therapy, frankincense can be used for congestion and voice loss, as well as to calm the mind, reduce mental strain, and cultivate internal peace.

Blend
Frankincense can be blended with massage oil or diluted in the bath for circulatory support, respiratory support, exhaustion, and nightmares. It also has a good astringent effect on the skin; perks up older, more mature skin; and may assist the body in healing itself of wounds, sores, and ulcers.*

Creams and Lotions
Frankincense can be added to a base cream or lotion to help with general skin tone and condition while reducing oily skin and rejuvenating more mature skin.

Try frankincense essential oil today!

Order by Phone: Toll-free order line: 800-371-2928 (7am-7pm Mountain Time, 6am-6pm Pacific, 9am-9pm Eastern Time).
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* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Item No: 3550, 5 ml – Sacred Frankincense Essential Oil
Item No: 3548 – 15 ml – Frankincense Essential Oil

Now, if you're doing a double take and trying to figure out what is different between those two titles, here's what it is: one has a 't' and the other doesn't.

In a surprizing and unexpected discovery, botanists have determined that much of the Madagascar oil identified as ravensara (Ravensara aromaticum) is actually ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora). This mis-identification probably occurred as suppliers and the academic world received samples that were not botanically verified.

To add to the confusion, the aromatic trees that produce ravensara and ravintsara essential oils are very similar. Ravensara is endemic to Madagascar (known to grow only there), while ravintsara from Asia was introduced to Madagascar in the 19th century.

British essential oil expert Tony Burfield has written that ravintsara has adapted to the Madagascar climate by losing the ability to produce camphor, a part of its botanical name, Cinnamomum camphora.

What are the similarities and differences between ravensara and ravintsara?

Aromatically, the two oils are very similar. However, GC-MS testing shows that the major compounds are as different as night and day:

• Ravensara (Ravensara aromaticum) has a high profile of methyl chavicol, which is also found in basil, fennel, and tarragon.
• In raventsara (Cinnamomum camphora), however, the constituent 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol) is found in amounts of more than 50 percent, making it ideal for soothing respiratory complaints.

By traveling to Madagascar and taking botanically identified samples, Young Living determined through GC-MS testing that the oil it carries — with its high 1,8 cineole content — is indeed ravintsara. They are pleased to note that while authentic ravensara is becoming an endangered species, ravintsara is ecologically sustainable, making it the ideal species for sourcing.

This information means that Young Living will be updating their labels for the blend Raven,™ the single oil ravensara, and other materials to reflect the new common name, ravintsara, and its botanical name, Cinnamomum camphora. Watch for these changes in the coming months!

Now you can get several essential oils directly from Young Living that you used to have to go to Creer Labs to get. There are thirteen new essential oils in all. Creer Labs has closed their doors, so Young Living will now be selling their most popular oils. Most of these are availabel in 5ml bottles.

I'll be putting pages up for them soon, but you can always call YL direct if you want to order one now, or Click Here to order online and go to the Single Oils page.

The full list of new products includes:

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica) essential oil - the oil that envokes angelic protection. A must-have!
• Blue cypress (Callitris intratropica) essential oil – supports the body’s natural response to irritation and injury as well as aiding normal breathing.
• Blue tansy (Tanacetum annuum) essential oil – often called Moroccan chamomile, it is rich in sesquiterpenes similar to those found in German chamomile.
• Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oil – related to the ginger family, Cardamom has also been used traditionally to alleviate mental fatigue and nervous strain. My favorite use for it is in cakes. It adds a wonderful, rich depth of flavor to pound cakes and many other cakes.
• Carrot seed (Daucus carota) essential oil – Wonderful for the skin, carrot seed oil has traditionally been used for digestive issues and joint conditions due to its tonic properties.
• Celery seed (Apium graveolens) essential oil - used historically used to soothe physical discomforts.
• Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil – most popularly used as an insect repellant. But its also used traditioanlly to prevent food spoilage due to fungus and bacteria.
• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil - used historically to support the body’s natural response to irritation and injury. German chamomile contains chamazulene, researched for its ability to help the body’s natural inflammatory response.
• Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) essential oil – helps boost the body’s natural defenses* and is also often used as a cleansing agent to purify household surfaces.
• Melaleuca quinquenervia (Niaouli) essential oil – gently supports skin health.
• Neroli (Citrus sinensis) essential oil – this citrusy, floral oil was highly regarded by the ancient Egyptians for its healing properties.
• Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) essential oil – this lovely oil is both stimulating and soothing to the body and mind.
• Petitgrain (Citrus sinensis) essential oil – mentally refreshing and emotionally balancing also beneficial for skin and hair health.

*These statements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

The resin comes from inside the tree, under the bark. Frankincense is tapped from the very scraggly but hardy Boswellia tree by slashing the bark and allowing the exuded resins to bleed out and harden. These hardened resins are called tears.

To collect frankincense properly, a slow and carefully executed process must be followed. The process can only take place twice a year – once in the spring (March to May) and then again in the fall (September to October) and takes two weeks.

Harvesting the resin requires a small axe – A week before the harvest begins, the bark of the frankincense tree needs to be cut to allow the liquid resin to ooze out. When the resin hits the oxygen, it starts to crystallize and harden. The longer it is left on the tree, the harder it gets.

It takes about a week for the resin to harden up enough to be cut it off as a hardened resin crystal. It takes another week to come back and collect the crystal resin.

Only then can the crystal resin go into the distillery where it is crushed into powder, put into an oil bath, and steam distilled to extract the oil from the crystal resin.

The Different Types Of Frankincense Resins

This process produces different types and grades of frankincense resins. Frankincense quality is based on color, purity, aroma, and age, and in some cases, where it is grown affects the quality.

There are numerous species and varieties of frankincense trees, each producing a slightly different type of resin once they are about 8 to 10 years old. Differences in soil and climate create even more diversity of the resin, even within the same species.

The frankincense tree's ability to grow in harsh and unforgiving environments is considered extremely unusual. They sometimes grow directly out of solid rock. No one know how they initially attach to the rock or stone they grow on, but is accomplished by a bulbous disk-like swelling of the trunk. This disk-like growth at the base of the tree prevents it from being torn away from the rock during the violent storms that frequent the region they grow in.

This feature is slight or absent in trees grown in rocky soil or gravel. The tears from the hardy survivors are considered superior due to their more fragrant aroma.

The first grade of frankincense resin is the most common. It is a brownish resin that has a great deal of bark particles in it. Because there’s more of it available, it is the most commonly sold and used.

The Highest Grade of Frankincense

The rarest and the purest of the all frankincense is the Hojari, also known as Boswellia sacra. It is considered the highest grade of frankincense and has only been available locally until now. It grows only in the Dhofar region of Oman and this very special frankincense was reserved just for the kings and queens.

The ultra-high-end Omani hojari is beloved of Omani royalty and the royal family of Saudi Arabia. According to trade officials in the Ministry of Agriculture in Salalah, Oman, the only species of frankincense that grows in the kingdom of Oman is Boswellia sacra.

This species has a higher content of the constituent alpha pinene than frankincense oil from Boswellia carteri, even though both varieties carry frankincense’s therapeutic power.

After a rigorous process, Young Living Essential Oils has fulfilled all Omani government requirements and established two distilleries in Oman. For the first time in modern history REAL Omani hojari (Boswellia sacra) frankincense is being exported from Oman.

Click here for more information on Omani hojari (Boswellia sacra) frankincense (Sacred frankincense). Resin coming soon.

Helichrysum is Back in Stock!

The benefits of Helichrysum essential oil are legendary. But high-quality helichrysum is not easy to find, as it grows in only a few locations on earth. This is one of the reasons it is so costly.

Young Living grows and produces most of its essential oils.  But some, such as helichrysum, grow in specific localities and can only be obtained from growers in those areas.  While stocks of lower-grade Helichrysum are always available, Young Living only accepts the highest quality.

Young Living's supply of Helichrysum had been depleted for years.  They only had enough to mix into their blended oils – not enough to sell individual bottles.  Gary Young was always on the lookout for a reliable supplier of therapeutic-grade Helichrysum essential oil. It appears he's finally found one!

This announcement appeared on the Young Living website today:

Gary Young, founder and president of Young Living Essential Oils, and his team of sourcing specialists, have scoured the globe testing samples of helichrysum from dozens of distilleries. They have identified an international source that could provide an ongoing supply of helichrysum while meeting our stringent therapeutic-grade standards.

Young Living's therapeutic-grade helichrysum provides a defense against harmful free radicals, making it a vital ingredient in several Young Living essential oil blends, including the popular PanAway® and Deep Relief™ Roll-On.

Helichrysum has been known to increase circulation and aid in clearing skin blemishes and bruises. It is also know for its restorative properties and provides excellent support to the skin, liver, and nervous system.

Be one of the first to get your 5 ml bottle of helichrysum and experience the powerful effects of Young Living's therapeutic-grade standard for yourself.

More on Helichrysum essential oil here…

Item No. 3563   5 ml

Pricing:
Whsl. $77.75
Pref. cust. $90.03
Retail $102.30

How to Order

If the above link doesn't work on your computer, click here

Toll-free order line: 800-371-2928 (7am-7pm Mountain Time, 6am-6pm Pacific, 9am-9pm Eastern Time). If you are a new customer, you'll need this referral number when placing your order: #87339

Cinnamon essential oil is one of the most powerful, antimicrobial essential oils in existence.  People often wonder what ancient societies used before the era of antibiotics. The assumption is that there was nothing, when in fact, ancient people used many powerful substances for health and medicinal purposes, cinnamon among them.  (Unfortunately, many of them were expensive. This often restricted their use to the upper class.) 

One of the health "secrets" of ancient times was cinnamon essential oil. Cinnamon is anti-infectious and antibacterial for a wide spectrum of infections.  It is used as a general tonic and increases blood flow when blood flow was previously restricted.  It is also a light anticoagulant and is used as a sexual stimulant.

Not only was cinnamon prized for medicinal purposes and food preservation, but also for the purpose we know it most today – as a flavoring and spice.  It was so prized and so effective in earlier times that military force was used to get access to it.  Although it's hard to believe, cinnamon was the main reason behind the occupation of Ceylon – first by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch, and then by the British.

That raises the obvious question – is cinnamon essential oil worth fighting for?  Obviously, earlier civilizations thought it was. It's  anti-infectious and antibacterial properties are reason enough.  For others, the flavor of cinnamon is enough.  But if that's not enough for you and you're still wondering why, the only way to find out is to try it for yourself.

More about Cinnamon essential oil here…

How to Order

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Having trouble sleeping and wondering if there is an effective natural melatonin releaser?

Try cedarwood aromatherapy – using cedarwood essential oil at bedtime.  It can actually help your brain release melatonin. That's because cedarwood is very high in sesquiterpenes.

If you're not sure what that is, in brief, sesquiterpenes are some of the naturally occuring chemical constituents in essential oils.*  The combination of Sesquiterpenes and other constituents are what allow essential oils to have specific effects on your body.

Because the sesquiterpenes are at high levels in Cedarwood essential oil, they can stimulate the limbic region of the brain (the limbic region is the center of our emotions), having a calming effect.

Cedarwood oil also helps stimulate the pineal gland, which releases melotonin (an antioxidant hormone asociated with deep sleep).

And because cedarwood essential oil is so divinely scented, it's easy to take advantage of it's melatonin-boosting effects.  Simply open a bottle of cedarwood, place it close to your nose and inhale deeply several times before going to bed. 

Another way to take advantage of it's melatonin-boosting effects is by diffusing cedarwood.  Some people put their diffuser on a timer so it goes off for 10 to 15 minutes every hour thoughout the night.

Cedarwood aromatherapy is a lovely way to fall asleep.

More info on cedarwood essential oil here…

 *Sesquiterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of three isoprene units and have the molecular formula C15H24. Like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes may be acyclic or contain rings, including many unique combinations. Biochemical modifications such as oxidation or rearrangement produce the related sesquiterpenoids.

Love the taste of pepper? Looking for new ways to experience it?

Here's a suggestion – try black pepper essential oil.
 
Black pepper essential oil is a "total emmersion" type of pepper experience.  Wonderful for those who love its pungent, crisp aroma.  It's quite a taste sensation… and it does wonders for your digestion.

More info about black pepper essential oil here…

Its Bergamot. 

West Coast chefs are proclaiming it's fresh and exciting new flavor.  Bergamot is turning up flavoring roast chicken, salmon marinade,  vinaigrettes, and glazing bundt cakes.  Some aficionados proclaim it "indescribably delicious."  Its citrus-based flavor has been described as perfumey, fragrantly bitter, somewhat earthy and most decidedly unique. 

Most importantly, bergamot seems to transform dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Fans of bergamot claim that once you try it, you're hooked.

California growers are planting bergamot trees in their orchards, wholesalers are stocking and selling more bergamot than ever before as it pops up on more and more menus of upscale restaurants.

All this is well and good if you're eating out at pricey restaurants, but where can you find bergamot if you are cooking at home?  The truth is, it is very hard to find.  If you live in a bigger city and you're lucky, you might be able to spot it a few weeks out of the year at a local market or a gourmet grocery store. If you live in the perfect climate for it (Mediterranean, as in southern Italy), you can try growing it yourself as many do.  Otherwise, where can you find that "make-your-taste-buds-sit-up-and-listen kind of flavor?"

You're in luck, there is a way to get that bergamot flavor year round, anytime you want it.  You see, it's been bottled.  But I don't mean canned or preserved. 

Since ancient times, people have been pressing the oil of the bergamot orange from the rind, the most potently aromatic part, and bottling it.  It's known as bergamot essential oil.  

Just a few drops of bergamot essential oil lends unbelievable and nearly indescribable flavor to your dishes. Try it when you want to add depth to a citrus sorbet or infuse your ice cream or creme brulee with tantalizing flavor. Add a few drops to your glaze after removing from heat and transform your cake from just dessert to divine! 

Need to whip up an unforgettable mousse?  Add 10 drops or so of bergamot essential oil to your favorite recipe for an incredible taste sensation.  Or add it to main dish sauces to turn plain into exotic.

With bergamot essential oil you can impress your friends with your culinary secrets anytime of the year… and it only take a minute to add the "secret" ingredient. 

There's a great deal of expertise that goes into the extraction of the rind to get a premium bottle of bergamot essential oil.  Like anything else, if you buy it from a knowledgeable, reliable and ethical manufacturer, you'll get the best money can buy.  But if you buy from a second rate dealer, you'll be disappointed.

One of the highest-quality manufacturers of Bergamot essential oil is Young Living Essential Oils. This company specializes in obtaining the most potent, the most flavorful essential oils possible. They take special pains in every step of the process to use premium fruit, pick it at the perfect ripeness and to extract the oils in the safest, most careful way so as to preserve as much of the fruit's natural constituents as possible.  Order a bottle or two of Bergamot today and experience the West Coast's newest culinary secret.

Find out more about bergamot essential oil here…

How to Order

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