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Frankincense essential oil is one of the most popular and well-known oils. Frankincense comes from the Boswellia carteri tree, and has a host of benefits for both physical and mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Frankincense oil, how to use it, and some recipes you can make at home!
Table of Contents
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense oil has a woody, sweet smell and is golden-yellow in color. The main chemical components of Frankincense oil are alpha-pinene, limonene, octanol, and terpinen-linalool. Frankincense oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its many health benefits.
Some of the most well-known Frankincense oil benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Boosting immunity
- Improving digestion
- Relieving pain
- Reducing stress and anxiety
How is it extracted?
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the resin of the Frankincense tree. The resin is then steam distilled to extract the oil.
Health Benefits
Reducing inflammation: Frankincense oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, meaning it can help reduce inflammation in the body. This is especially beneficial for conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and asthma.
Boosting immunity: Frankincense oil has been shown to boost the immune system, helping your body fight off infection and illness.
Improving digestion: Frankincense oil can help improve digestion by stimulating the digestive tract. This is beneficial for conditions like IBS, constipation, and diarrhea.
Relieving pain: Frankincense oil is a natural analgesic, meaning it can help relieve pain in the body. It is especially effective for pain relief related to conditions like arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
Reducing stress and anxiety: Frankincense oil is a natural sedative, meaning it can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. It can be used aromatically or topically to achieve this effect.
Helps Reduce Stress Reactions and Negative Emotions
Frankincense oil has a long history of being used to reduce stress reactions and negative emotions. A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that Frankincense oil helped to decrease emotional reactivity and improve moods in healthy women.
The authors of the study suggest that Frankincense oil may be useful for people with anxiety or mood disorders due to the presence of checmials that activate ion channels in the brain. These help to ease some symptoms of depression.
Helps Boost Immune System Function and Prevents Illness
Frankincense oil has also been shown to boost the immune system and prevent illness. A study published by the Mansoura Univesity in Egypt found that Frankincense oil was effective at preventing the spread of bacteria.
The authors of the study suggest that Frankincense oil may be useful for people with chronic illnesses or who are immunocompromised. It also helps to stop germs forming on the skin or in the mouth.
May Help Fight Cancer and Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects
One of the most promising Frankincense oil benefits is its ability to fight cancer. A 2019 study found that Frankincense oil was effective at killing cancer cells. Breast and skin cancers showed particular reaction to frankincense and myrrh essential oils in lab conditions. Another study showed potential for the ingredients in the oil to help kill cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.
Astringent and Can Kill Harmful Germs and Bacteria
Frankincense oil is also a natural astringent, meaning it can kill harmful germs and bacteria. A study published in the journal Letters in Applied Microbiology found that Frankincense oil was effective at killing E. coli bacteria. This is part of why the oil has been used for centuries to help people when they are sick.
The authors of the study suggest that Frankincense oil may be useful for people with bacterial infections.
Protects Skin and Prevents Signs of Aging
Frankincense oil is also beneficial for skin health. It can protect the skin from sun damage and prevent signs of aging. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that Frankincense oil was effective at reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
Improves Memory
Frankincense oil has also been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. A study found that Frankincense oil improved working memory and reaction time in healthy adults.
May Help Balance Hormones and Improve Fertility
Frankincense oil has also been shown to help balance hormones and improve fertility. The oil has also shown potential to help reducing anxiety and stress in women undergoing fertility treatment.
Eases Digestion
Not only does the oil help with digestive issues but can also work as a detox and to stimulate bowel movements. It has been shown to ease pain and cramps in the stomach and sooth nausea and bloating. Some women even found it helps with PMS-related stomach pains.
Acts as a Sleep Aid
Frankincense oil has also been shown to act as a sleep aid. It has the ability to lower stress levels to help calm the body before sleep. It also helps with opening the nasal passages to help with breathing and to better sleep.
Helps Decrease Inflammation and Pain
Frankincense oil has also been shown to help decrease inflammation and pain. Elemeents in the oil have been shown to inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules that are associate with conditions such as arthritis, asthma and conditions like IBS.
How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil
There are a number of ways you can use Frankincense oil for health and wellbeing. Here are a few suggestions:
- Add a few drops of Frankincense oil to a diffuser and inhale the aromatherapy benefits. This is a great way to relax and promote sleep.
- Mix Frankincense oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil and use it as a massage oil. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Add Frankincense oil to your bathtub for a relaxing soak.
- Put a few drops of Frankincense oil on a tissue and sniff it when you need to focus or concentrate.
- Add Frankincense oil to a homemade vapor rub for congestion relief.
Stress Relieving Bath Soak
Simply add a few drops of the oil to a hot bath and this will help with a stress relieving soak. You can also use it in a diffuser in the same way.
Natural Household Cleaner
Ingredients:
- Frankincense oil
- White vinegar
- Water
- Lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Add Frankincense, vinegar, water, and lemon to a spray bottle. Shake well and use as you would any other household cleaner. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.
Natural Hygiene Product
Ingredients:
- Frankincense oil
- Castile soap
- Tea tree oil (optional)
- Witch hazel (optional)
Instructions:
Add Frankincense, castile soap, tea tree oil, and witch hazel to a spray bottle. Shake well and use as you would any other hygiene product. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.
Natural Cold or Flu Medicine
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Add Frankincense, cinnamon, and clove oils to a diffuser and inhale the vapors. This is a great way to relieve cold or flu symptoms. Be sure to avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.
Risks and Side Effects
Frankincense oil is generally safe for most people when used properly. However, there are a few risks and side effects to be aware of.
Frankincense oil can cause skin irritation in some people. If you experience any skin irritation, stop using the oil and see a doctor if the irritation persists.
Frankincense oil can also interact with certain medications, so be sure to speak with a doctor before using Frankincense oil if you are taking any medications.
