Frankincense- Boswellia Carterii) The Aromatic Dog

HISTORY AND CHARACTER
Frankincense is a small tree or shrub with masses of pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It grows wild throughout the deserts of Northeast Africa. It has been an important incense in all the religions of the world since the ancient Egyptians. Frankincense slows and deepens breathing, which is why it is useful in asthma.

It is also said to " distance the mind from worries and fears". Frankincense eases the passage through major transitions, including death, and can be offered to dogs approaching the end. Frankincense also helps to let go mof the past and old attachments that have outgrown their usefulness. It calms and centers the mind, allowing us to focus on the present.

PRINCIPAL USES - Physical
Astham - Diarrhea, espicallyu triggered by nerves, Dry, sensitive skin, Scars, ulcers and wounds, Skin growths, To ease the passage into death

BEHAVIORAL
Anxiety and restlessness, Noise sensitivity, Specific fears, e.g., fireworks, Stereotypical behaviour (cribbing, pacing, spinning)

I MOST OFTEN USE FRANKINCENSE FOR:
Anxious and fearful dogs, especially if there are signs of claustrophobia( such as pacing or refusing to go into enclosed areas) asthma, or loose stools.
Fear of fireworks and other known triggers. When considering euthanasia

EXTRACTION and CHARACTERISTICS
Steam distilled from the oleo gum resin. It is a pale yellowish to green liquid.

FRAGRANCE
Sweet, balsamic top-note and resinous, smoky bottom-note.

ACTIONS: Analgesic, anticatarrhal, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, cicatrizant, energizing, expectorant, immunostimulant.

SAFETY & CAUTIONS
Generally held to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

MAXIMUM dilution: 5 drops in 5 ml/ 1 tsp.

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag