Why I Love Frankincense Essential Oil
My new favorite saying, “When in doubt, use frankincense.” There are over 10,000 different uses for frankincense and is sometimes referred to as olibanum, is a common type of essential oil used in aromatherapy that can offer a variety of health benefits, including helping relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation, boosting immunity and even potentially helping to fight cancer.
If you’re like me, you might of first heard of frankincense when hearing the story of baby Jesus and the 3 Wise Men brought him gold, frankincense and myrrh as a gift. As a child I assumed it was something rare and valuable (which it is), but assumed it was more like a gemstone (not so much). The more I learn about frankincense, I have a better understanding why this was such a precious gift to bring to Jesus.
A Little History…
Frankinscense is one of the oldest documented magical resins–it’s been traded in northern Africa, and parts of the Arab world for nearly 5,000 years. This resin, harvested from the Boswellia family trees. This tree is different from many others in that it can grow with very little soil in dry and desolate conditions.
What is Frankincense Used For?
Frankincense oil is used by either inhaling the oil or absorbing it through the skin, usually mixed with a carrier oil.
It’s believed that the oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. A little bit of oil goes a long way; it should not be ingested in large quantities as it can be toxic.
If you’re purchasing essential oils, avoid oils that say “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” as these can be synthetic and don’t provide the desired health benefits. Instead, look for oils that say “100% therapeutic grad essential oil” for the highest quality essential oils. You even want to avoid the oils that say “100% pure oil.” That’s not the same as therapeutic grade and that means that they could contain pesticides or the use of chemicals to extract the oil from the plan.
5 Reasons Why Frankincense is a Staple in My House…
#1 Stress Relief
Frankincense oil immediately induces the feeling of peace, relaxation and satisfaction. Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a hot bath for stress relief. You can also add frankincense to an oil diffuser or vaporizer to help fight anxiety and for experiencing relaxation in your home all the time. Some people believe that the fragrance of frankincense can increase your intuition and spiritual connection.
#2 Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Fighter
How can you not be excited about this? I’ve been eliminating toxins around my house for the past year because they severely interfere with my health. One of those toxins in my skin care. Most skin care is filled with toxins that are harmful for your body. When you apply a moisturizer or serum, it’s absorbed into your blood stream within 26 seconds. Those toxins and chemicals go to your vital organs and can cause cancer and other chronic health problems.
Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging. The oil can be used anywhere where the skin becomes saggy, such as the abdomen, jowls or under the eyes. Mix six drops of oil to one ounce of unscented oil (like coconut oil, another amazing all natural anti-aging tool) and apply it directly to the skin. Be sure to always do a small patch area test first to test for possible allergic reactions.
#3 Relieves Symptoms of Indigestion
I’ve struggled with this for year. And for year, I’ve taken over the counter medications that have only made the problem worse, not better. That’s for another blog… So, to find something natural that helps when my stomach is on fire, I’m game.
If you have any digestive distress, such as gas, constipation, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, PMS or cramps, frankincense oil can help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. It helps speed up the digestion of food, similar to digestive enzymes. Add one to two drops of oil to eight ounces of water or to a tablespoon of honey for GI relief. If you’re going to ingest it orally, make sure it’s 100 percent therapeutic grade oil; do not ingest fragrance or perfume oils.
#4 Scar, Wound, Stretch Mark or Acne Remedy
I’ve carried two beautiful children and both were delivered via c-section, so I’m loving frankincense for scars and stretch marks.
Frankincense oil can help with wound healing and may decrease the appearance of scars. It may also help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused from acne blemishes, stretch marks, eczema and help with healing of surgical wounds. Mix two to three drops of oil with an unscented base oil or lotion and apply directly to skin. Be careful not to apply it to broken skin, but it’s fine for skin that’s in the process of healing.
#5 Helps Relieve Inflammation and Pain
To improve circulation and lower symptoms of joint pain or muscle pain related to conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders and asthma, try massaging frankincense oil to the painful area or diffusing it in your home. You can add a drop of oil to steaming water and soak a towel in it, then place the towel on your body or over your face to inhale it to decrease muscle aches. Also diffuse several drops in your home, or combine several drops with a carrier oil to massage into your muscles, joints, feet or neck.
Some great ways to use Frankincense include:
- Add a few drops to a hot bath to relieve stress.
- Diffusing it in your home has all kinds of uses.
- It can help fight anxiety or produce a sense of relaxation in the home.
- It acts as a natural deodorizer & reduces indoor pollution.
- It may provide relief from coughing and help eliminate phlegm in the lungs.
- Frankincense acts as an anti-inflammatory in the nasal passages, making breathing easier, even for those with allergies or asthma.
- At night it can help open nasal passages and eliminate pain that keeps you awake.
- Use with oral care products to help prevent dental health issues like tooth decay, bad breath, cavities, or oral infections.
- Add 6 drops of Frankincense oil to 1 oz of an unscented oil and apply it directly to the skin to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, to prevent wrinkles, and help lift and tighten skin. Use anywhere where the skin sags. Always do a small patch area first to test for possible allergic reactions.
- It may also help reduce dark spots caused from acne, stretch marks, eczema and help with healing of surgical wounds. Mix 2-3 drops of oil with an unscented base oil or lotion and apply directly to skin. Do not use on freshly broken skin, but it is okay for skin that is healing.
- Diffuse or massage with a carrier oil into your muscles/joints/feet/neck or other painful areas of the body to improve circulation and lower symptoms of joint pain or reduce muscle pain related to conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, and asthma.
I just can’t say enough about why I love my Frankincense Essential Oil. It makes me happy.Now you know why I say, “When in doubt…Frankincense!” I live by those words now! Plus…it’s just fun to say.
Do you use Frankincense essential oil? What is your favorite way to use it? Share it in the comments below.
DISCLAIMER: I do have to say that I am not a medical professional. The information shared in this class is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any illness, nor is it meant to replace professional medical attention or advice. My intentions as a Certified Holistic Health Coach is to talk about wellness, not illness. Information shared is about Young Living brand of oils specifically. Use and application of this information is done solely at your own risk.
