To be quite frank… Frankincense has a long history of uses, which mostly included religious ceremonies and perfume production in the past. But thanks to its pharmacological properties and clinical effectiveness, Frankincense has been and continues to be appreciated by its users today. Ready to reap its renowned benefits? Learn how to use Frankincense oil here!
What Is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense is the resin from Boswellia trees native to Arabia and India. While there are different varieties of the Boswellia tree, Frankincense essential oil is often derived from the Boswellia carerii and serrata species. Harvesting Frankincense involves farmers cutting back the tree bark, exposing milky sap droplet “tears,” allowing them to dry on the tree, scraping them off the bark, then having them completely harden over a length of time. The end product resembles glass and slightly transparent stones, with the purest of Frankincense being almost white in color. Amidst the Western world, Frankincense is lower in quality and often golden in color. But by steaming the “tears” of the tree, we are granted a very potent and earthy, woody, and spicy essential oil that lends numerous health benefits and uses.
Frankincense Essential Oils Uses
Air Freshener
Freshen up your bedroom, office space, and other areas with Frankincense essential oils. Nonetheless, Frankincense offers an earthy and uplifting aroma to any room!
Room Sanitizer
Along with granting a fresh aroma, it also acts a room sanitizer thanks to its antiseptic properties. Use as a natural household cleaner or diffuse in any room to help eliminate bacteria and pollutants.
Skin Moisturizer
Whether combatting against dry hands or razor bumps, Frankincense can moisturize, soothe, and rejuvenate skin. Add a few drops of the oil to your lotion, moisturizer, and shaving gel and apply or simply massage into the skin.
Stress Reliever
Stressed? Calm your anxiety and nerves by diffusing a few drops of Frankincense. And to promote even greater tranquility, simultaneously diffuse the oil and practice your yoga poses and asanas.
Sleep Inducer
Though we don’t completely understand why, this oil seems to promote relaxation and sleep. The effect may be due to the aromatherapy benefits. This is especially relevant with the rising number of disorders related to stress and sleep.
Inflammatory Disease Fighter
Boswellic acids found in Frankincense have shown to be effective in treating a range of inflammatory conditions. In fact, according to a systematic review of Frankincense in The BMJ, “Boswellia extracts showed some promise in treating asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, knee osteoarthritis, and collagenous colitis.
Anti-Cancer
While Frankincense is not the answer to the cure for cancer, the essential oil does show to offer some anticancer properties. Along with pine needle and geranium essential oils, Frankincense has shown to suppress and inhibit tumor growth and induce tumor cell apoptosis (death) in breast cancer.
Oral Health Promoter
The astringent and antiseptic properties of Frankincense make it beneficial for oral health, as it can be used in a homemade toothpaste or mouthwash to naturally reduce bad bacteria in the mouth. The oil may also alleviate mouth sores and toothaches.
Words of Caution
A little goes a long way with Frankincense oil… Though there is no established dosage recommendation according to WebMD, they further warn to “keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.” Additionally, pregnant and nursing women, babies, and children should avoid the oil, especially without consulting with a practitioner first. However, the use of Frankincense oil has shown to be safe, particularly when diluted in a carrier oil or other form of liquid. First-time users can also do a spot test first to verify their own personal sensitivity and safety to the oil.
