Do you know the incense plant? We are talking about Plectranthus madagascariensis or Plectranthus “coleoides” Marginatus, one of the plants that, if you like the smell of incense, you will love to have at home. But did you know that besides being decorative, there are other uses for the incense plant?
We want to tell you about these uses and the ways you can use it on a daily basis. Keep reading this information to see that some plants have much more use than just decoration.
What you need to know about the frankincense plant
Before explaining the uses of the incense plant, it is advisable that you have a base on the incense, in particular so that you know its main characteristics.
The incense plant is native to Africa, Australia and India. Visually, you will have a small herbaceous plant that usually does not grow much, at least in height, as you might expect some growth in width. As for the leaves, they are much more striking. They are green, with an irregular shape and with the edge of these white or cream. In fact, this is what gives it greater visibility.
It is these leaves that give off a very pleasant fragrance for those who love incense, although we already tell you not to expect a strong smellbecause it won’t be like that. Only when it burns can you get this scent.
Finally, you should know that one thing is the incense plant, which we are talking about, and another is the Boswellia, which is in fact a plant from which the resin is obtained with which the incense is produced. They are two different plants.
Frankincense Plant Uses
Now that you have a better idea of the frankincense plant, you may already have it in your collection. EITHER maybe you were thinking of buying it and you did not know that it can have many more uses than one imagines.
Either way, we’ll talk about all of them below.
mosquito repellent
Did you know that the frankincense plant can be very effective in keeping mosquitoes away from you. What you need to do is place it on doors and windows because when the mosquitoes come and smell, they will roll over.
You can also do one thing. Forks take incense sticks and put them in a jar. You add a little water and alcohol and leave to macerate for a few days. This water and alcohol will have obtained some of the essence of these incense leaves and you can apply it on your skin. If the alcohol is too strong for you, use only water or oil (although in this case it will be more oily).
aromatherapy
Do you remember what we told you about how you can burn it and get a much stronger incense smell? Well, you know this is also used in aromatherapy.
In fact, one of the effects you can get from it is to relax and calm your nerves, which is why many people use it after a hard day’s work.
Even in physiotherapy practices, some may use it to relax patients and be able to perform treatments with less resistance and muscle tension.
You can therefore use it on a daily basis to relax and be able to disconnect a little from your problems. Some even recommend it for treating depression, anxiety, and crisis issues.
Medicine
Another of the uses of the incense plant is undoubtedly medicinal. Both in its native regions and in many other places, the frankincense plant is used to treat many different ailments. For example, To name a few, we would have liver disease, bronchitis, colds and flus, to purify the blood…
It is also useful for skin care and bites, as well as menstrual pain or mastitis and wounds and burns in general.
In some cases, it is recommended as an alternative (and joint) treatment for epilepsy as well as to improve the immune system.
Even It can help you fall asleep better.
This is why sometimes, especially among herbalists, you can find products that contain this ingredient (or are made exclusively from it).
culinary use
We continue to talk about its uses because, as you can see, it has several. In this case, we are talking about food. And it is that You can chew it and relieve toothache withor strengthen gums and tooth enamel.
It is also used to treat bad breath. This is why it is usually sold in the form of chewing gum.
esotericism
Another activity where incense can be present is on an esoteric level, in the spells and rituals that can be performed.
Frankincense is said to bring good luck. so there are times when burning it around the house so that it is infused with the scent helps you attract the good vibes and ward off the bad ones from your home.
Cleaning
This is something you may not know, but in addition to offering a characteristic fragrance, another of the uses of the incense plant is to purify the air. What it does is aromatize the environment, Yes, but also, thanks to its antiseptic capacity, it makes the air you breathe healthier.
Decor
Finally, there is no doubt that one of the uses of the incense plant is decorative. When the plant is very well cared for, it is very leafy, with long branches, with leaves and anything that will catch the eye.
If we add to this the fact that it has a very pleasant aroma, of incense, and that it can please you, especially when you touch it or brush it, you will like its smell.
Actually, if it’s too big and you need to prune it and you don’t want any more incense plants (because it multiplies like that) or if you have no one to give it to, you could burn it and thus obtain a much stronger incense smell.
Did you know these uses of the incense plant? Do you know of any others that have escaped us? We read you!