Frankincense, the King of Essential Oils

The first time most of us heard about Frankincense was probably during the Christmas holiday season when we were a kid. Nativity scenes showed three Magi carrying gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Frankincense was an anointing oil and deemed just as valuable as gold in those days. Today, Frankincense is extremely valuable in the natural health world.

Frankincense, the King of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and healing properties, and today is no different. Interest in essential oils has grown exponentially in recent years and shows no signs of stopping. Frankincense is one of those oils that so many profound benefits, it deserves our attention.

Frankincense comes from two sources, the Boswellia sacra, and Boswellia carteri trees. The sap that’s extracted from the tree bark is allowed to harden into a gum resin and then scraped off into small tear-shaped beads. Frankincense can be applied to the skin with a carrier oil like coconut oil or by inhaling it via a diffuser.

Frankincense has been called the ‘king of all essential oils’ because it’s such a versatile oil. Many of the health challenges we deal with every day may be remedied by Frankincense. It has a myriad of health benefits that a lot of people may not realize.

Reducing Stress and Negative Emotions

Frankincense is very useful when it comes to relieving stress, depression, grief, or emotional trauma. Just add a few drops in your diffuser and you’ll be breathing in the healing benefits of this essential oil. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can put a few drops on your hand, rub them together and cup your nose and breathe the oil in. Or just breathe in right out of the bottle. It’s been shown to lower heart rate and high blood pressure when inhaled. Add a drop or two to some coconut oil and rub your temples. If you have neck tension, mix a few drops of Frankincense with a carrier oil and massage the area to relieve tension. Add 3 to 6 drops of Frankincense to your steamy bath water to inhale and absorb through your skin its powerful compounds. It’s a great mood booster too.

Inflammation and Pain Reliever

Topically or orally, Frankincense is great for joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, or even headaches. It improves circulation and joint and muscle pain related to conditions like arthritis and asthma. Massage a few drops on the painful areas or diffuse in your home.

Colds and Respiratory Disorders

Frankincense oil is a phlegm fighter. It can help break up phlegm deposits in your respiratory tract and lungs. It can also provide relief nasal congestion and bronchitis.

Anti-Tumor Properties

With its various compounds like alpha-pinene and Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), Frankincense is being researched and studied for its potential use as a natural treatment for cancer. It’s been proven to be effective on certain types of cancer like ovarian cancer. Many doctors have included Frankincense in their cancer-fighting protocol because it’s such a powerful immune booster.

Astringent Properties

Frankincense astringent properties can strengthen so many areas on our body from our gums to our blood vessels. It also delays premature aging by toning and lifting our skin. Its astringent qualities also reduce the appearance reduces wrinkles and acts as a coagulant, helping wounds and cuts to stop bleeding.

Supports Immunity and Dental Health

Frankincense is so beneficial when it comes to oral issues like toothaches, cavities, bad breath, canker sores, and other infections. Just added a drop to your toothpaste before brushing. You can also brush your teeth with coconut oil and add a drop of Frankincense. You can also do oil pulling with the same mixture. There are some natural products on the market that include Frankincense.

Heightens Spiritual Awareness

When you breathe in Frankincense while praying or meditating, it’s been shown to improve your experience. When meditating it raises your vibration and puts your mind in the right space for contemplation.

Anti-Aging

With anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, Frankincense is essential when treating and preventing and aging skin. It reduces the appearance of scars, age, and dark spots, and tightens and firms sagging skin. It’s also beneficial for reducing acne scars, stretch marks, eczema, and healing surgery scars. Just add one or two drops to a carrier oil or your favorite lotion and apply directly to the affected area. Never apply it to any cracked skin or any open wounds.

Hormone Health

Frankincense oil can balance hormones in both men and women. It reduces symptoms related to menstruation and menopausal issues. It can help relieve the following conditions, headaches, fatigue, anxiety, pain, cramps, nausea, and those nasty mood swings. It also helps with regulating estrogen production in premenopausal women.

Digestion 

Frankincense is also effective for our digestive system. in a number of ways. It can accelerate the secretion of gastric juices, bile, and acids, and help food to move properly through your intestines. It can also be very useful for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome as it helps the body to expel toxins out of the body.

Side Effects

No severe side effects have been reported from using this oil. In rare cases, digestive problems such as nausea and skin rashes have been noted.

Because Frankincense can thin the blood, it has the potential to increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. People with a bleeding disorder or those taking blood clotting medications should be cautious.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. If you have any health issues, see your healthcare provider before taking Frankincense.