Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies due to its ability to induce a sense of spiritual awareness and connect the mind with the divine. Along with myrrh oil, it is considered a sacred oil that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and was primarily used for spiritual and religious purposes.

However, frankincense oil is more than just a tool for spirituality. It has a variety of benefits that can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of frankincense essential oil, its history, and the risks associated with it.

What Is Frankincense Oil?

Frankincense oil is obtained through steam distillation of the gum or resin from the Boswellia sacra tree found in Africa and the Middle East.

It has a woodsy, sweet, and spicy smell that is calming and uplifting and has a pale yellow or colorless appearance.

In addition, frankincense oil is one of the few essential oils that can be ingested without any adverse effects.

The History of Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It was considered a sacred oil by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

It was also mentioned in the Bible as one of the gifts given to Jesus by the three wise men.

The Egyptians were some of the first people to use frankincense oil, and they used it in cosmetics, perfumes, and as an embalming agent.

The Greeks and Romans also used frankincense oil for various purposes, such as treating respiratory problems, skin conditions, and digestive issues.

The Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil

The health benefits of frankincense oil are vast. Here are just some of the benefits that frankincense oil has to offer:

Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Frankincense as an essential oil may help to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also a potent antioxidant and may help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Frankincense oil has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies.

Antiseptic and Disinfectant Agent

Frankincense is also used as a disinfectant agent for mouth sores, gum disease, and oral infections.

It can kill harmful germs, and it is even a cleansing alternative in place of chemical household cleaners.

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Frankincense essential oil, when inhaled, can calm nerves and helps lower high blood pressure and heart rate. This is because the oil has a balancing effect on the body and mind.

It also induces a feeling of peace, relaxation, and spirituality, which can be helpful for people who are struggling with stress or anxiety disorders.

Strengthen Immune System

Studies have shown that frankincense oil helps boost the immune system, fighting off bacteria and viruses.

Frankincense oil can also break up phlegm in your respiratory tract and lungs, helping alleviate congestion and reduce coughing.

Improve Skin Health & Reduce Skin Imperfections

Frankincense has moisturizing properties and is used as an ingredient for skin treatment. It has been found to improve skin tone, lift and tighten skin and reduce stretch marks.

Frankincense can also help cell regeneration and fading of scars.

This powerful and sacred oil promotes overall skin health and supports a healthy inflammatory response in skin cells.

Improve Gut Health

When combined with curcumin, it has been found to improve the digestive system, relieve irritable bowel syndrome, and reduce symptoms of Chron’s diseases and ulcerative colitis.

Moreover, frankincense oil helps detoxify the body and also improve liver function.

Balance Hormones

Frankincense is said to balance hormones in females and has been used to help with menstrual problems, infertility, and menopause.

The components in frankincense oil can help regulate the production of hormones and keep them in check.

How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil Safely

When using frankincense oil or any other essential oils, always do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

Here are some ways to use the oil safely:

Inhalation

Inhaling it from the bottle is the quickest and easiest way to get Frankincense’s benefits. You may also blend it with other essential oils, such as lavender, rose, or lemon oil, and inhale the aroma directly from the bottle.

Diffuse

Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a diffuser or humidifier, or mix it with an unscented carrier oil to get its benefits. It can eliminate airborne bacteria when sprayed, too, and its aroma can be uplifting and calming.

Mixing a few drops of Frankincense essential oil together with floral or citrus oils can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

Topical Application

Mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or other popular carrier oils before using it on the skin.

Applying Frankincense topically can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lift skin, rejuvenate tired skin, and improve your complexion.

For best results, blend a few drops of pure frankincense essential oil with a few drops of geranium oil in one tablespoon of jojoba oil and apply them on dry skin.

Massage

Frankincense essential oils can also be used along with other popular essential oils of your choice for massage. Frankincense oil helps in reducing stress and tension, improving circulation, and relieving pain.

Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil, and massage it into your skin.

When it comes to essential oils like frankincense oil, less is more, so start off with just one drop and increase the dose gradually if needed. As always, consult your health care professional before using any essential oil for treatment.

Risks of Frankincense Oils

Just like any other essential oils, Frankincense essential oil should be used in small doses and diluted with a carrier oil before use. It is potent but should also be used with caution as there are some risks, just like any oil.

Here are just a few:

Skin irritation or an Allergic reaction

Some people may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction when using frankincense oil topically. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult your health care professional.

Pregnant & Nursing Women

Based on scientific evidence, frankincense oils and other essential oils are generally safe to use. However, it may cause side effects in pregnant and nursing women.

As with any supplement, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before trying it. It should be used with caution during pregnancy as it may stimulate the uterus.

Interactions with medications

Frankincense essential oil can also interact with medications, so consult your health care professional before using it if you are taking any medications.

It is important to note that not all essential oils are safe for everyone. So, before using any essential oil, it is best to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

While frankincense oil has been used primarily for religious and spiritual purposes, it is now also being recognized for its many beneficial properties. Frankincense oil can improve your mental and physical health and be a powerful self-care tool. If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, consider using frankincense oil in your daily routine.

Note: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a medical professional before using essential oils.