Frankincense is derived from the French term “franc encens”, which means good incense. In ancient Babylon, up to 60,000 pounds of frankincense was burned annually for rituals and its aromatic qualities.
The biblical account of the birth of Christ mentions wise men taking gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts to Jesus. Ayurvedic medicine, a popular ancient practice, utilizes frankincense for air purification, wound healing, and female hormonal issues.
In many cultures – Indian, Arabian, Somali, and Ethiopian- frankincense is used daily. The ancient healing properties of frankincense have popularized this tree resin as one of the most crucial essential oils for health and wellbeing.
What is Frankincense?
This is a powerful remedy derived from a shrub or tree that produces a resin or gum that is steam distilled into an essential oil. The Boswellia tree grows in the Southern Arabian peninsula, India, and northeast Africa.
There are different types of Boswellia trees but most essential oils are mainly derived from the Boswellia carterii species found in Yemen, Oman, and the surrounding regions. Other species include the Boswellia serrata from India, and the Boswellia frereana from Somalia.
Elements of Frankincense
Frankincense benefits are derived from its most essential elements, the sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. The sesquiterpenes communicate with your limbic system, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands.
The monoterpenes discharge toxins from your kidneys and livers, and have antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic, expectorant, and stimulating properties.
How is Frankincense Oil Utilized
Frankincense oil can either be inhaled or absorbed through the skin by mixing it with unscented lotions. Many people use it aromatically because of its balsam fragrance.
The perfume and beauty product industry uses this oil in different blends and fragrances. The oil sends impulses to the brain and influences your nervous system. The oil can also be ingested but large amounts are usually toxic.
The Clever Uses For Frankincense Essential Oil
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Apart from its cosmetic and aromatic uses, frankincense has a lot of health benefits which are listed below.
Boosts Your Immune System
The immune system communicates with every part of your body to prevent and combat disease causing elements. The immune system’s main mechanism for defending the body is the white blood cells.
The immune system also uses inflammation to protect the body. In Phytotherapy Research, the effects of frankincense in the immune system of mice was observed. The results of the study were as follows:
- Increased immunoglobins
- Slowed hypersensitivity
- Cytokine production
- Improved T-cell interactions
The conclusion of this study is that several areas of the body’s immune system are stimulated by frankincense.
Antiseptic and Disinfectant
According to science direct, frankincense oils are essential to the immune system as antiseptics. The fumes or smoke obtained by burning act as disinfectants as well as antiseptics that get rid of germs in the space where smoke filters out.
When the oil is applied on wounds, it protects them from becoming septic and from tetanus. It also helps internal wounds from getting infections.
Improves Skin Quality
Frankincense has astringent properties that protect your skin cells. Dr Axe recommends it for preventing wrinkles, tightening skin, reducing the presence of large pores and acne blemishes, and generally slowing the signs of aging.
You can apply the oil in places where the skin is saggy like under the eyes or the abdomen. When used as a lotion, frankincense should be mixed with unscented oil and applied directly to the skin.
Related: 14 Healthy Uses of Grapefruit Essential Oil That Will Benefit Your Life
Fights Cancer
Studies have associated frankincense with curing some types of cancer cells. According to recent research, frankincense has been seen to halt the growth of cancer cells causing the cancerous bodies to shut down.
Immunologist Mahmoud Suhail has an explanation for these current reports. He says that cancer begins when a cell’s DNA code is corrupted.
Frankincense works by telling the affected cells what the correct DNA code is. Frankincense divides the brain of the affected cell from the body and prevents it from reproducing wrong DNA codes.
Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation
Frankincense has a potent agent called Boswellic acid. This terpenoid compound emulates the action of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
The argument posted in science daily is that, since most chronic diseases start with inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellic acid are essential for treating conditions such as asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s, and some types of cancers. Frankincense also has a reduced risk of harmful side effects in contrast to NSAIDs.
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Diuretic
For many people Lasix and other drugs are the solutions for urination related problems. Although these options are instantaneous, they are not safe. Frankincense to be a safe and natural diuretic.
It enhances urination and enables you to lose excess water weight together with sodium, fats, uric acid and other toxins in the body.
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Relieves Indigestion
If you are experiencing digestive problems like constipation, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, stomachaches, cramps or PMS, and also for relieving these gastrointestinal conditions. It will boost the production of digestive juices in your stomach and speeds up the movement of food by initiating peristaltic motion.
When using it for stomach problems, ensure you mix a drop or two of pure frankincense oil to one tablespoon of honey or eight ounces of water.
Respiratory Issues
Frankincense relieves coughs and removes the phlegm in the lungs and respiratory tracts. Frankincense also relieves congestion of the larynx, bronchi, nasal tract, pharynx, and lungs.
This oil is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant that helps sooth the breathing passages to reduce the harmful effects of asthma attacks.
Related: 21 Fascinating Uses & Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Oral Health
As observed earlier, frankincense has antiseptic properties that make it good for oral hygiene. The properties in frankincense help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and oral infections.
Choose oral products that contain frankincense for additional oral protection. You can also mix baking soda with frankincense to make your own toothpaste or make a healthy mouthwash with frankincense, peppermint oil, and water.
Astringent
Frankincense oil has astringent properties that enable it to strengthen hair roots and gums, lift and tone the skin, contract blood vessels, intestines, and muscles, and protect you from premature hair or tooth loss.
According to Khan, a student of agricultural and marine sciences, the astringent quality in this oil helps to reduce wrinkles, fights against the loss of firmness in your abdominal muscles, intestines, and limbs. This essential oil is also a good coagulant that helps to stop bleeding in cuts and wounds.
Balances Hormone Levels
Frankincense oil relieves the symptoms that come with menstruation and menopause. This oil balances the hormone levels and helps to relieve cramps, pain, headaches, constipation, nausea, anxiety, mood swings, and fatigue.
Frankincense oil regulates the production of estrogen and reduces the risk of cyst or tumor development in women.
Carminative
If your stomach is filled with gas, frankincense oil could be the solution. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, many people produce gas 14 times a day.
The cause of this condition is eating fatty foods and swallowing air. Gas problems result in belching, bloating, and flatulence. This oil removes gas from your intestines and relieves associated problems such as excessive sweating, indigestion, uneasiness, and other related symptoms.
Stress and Anxiety
Frankincense oil acts as a sedative according to an issue of the Journal of Men’s Health by Wolfgang and Michaela Steflitsch . Frankincense induces a sensation of mental peace, satisfaction, relaxation, and spirituality.
It also lowers anxiety, stress, and anger, and makes you more introspective. Frankincense promotes relaxation and deep breathing, which opens your breathing pathways and reduces blood pressure.
You can experience this feeling by adding some frankincense oil to a vaporizer or diffuser and inhaling the gas.
Sleeping Aid
If you are experiencing insomnia and prescription pills for sleeping are becoming addictive, it is better to switch to a natural alternative. Frankincense is a sleeping aid that has no side effects.
According to David Wolfe it helps people with seizures and epilepsy get some sleep. This oil works by lowering the levels of chronic stress and anxiety that are mainly associated with insomnia.
In an exclusive video on essential oils, Dr Axe mentions Frankincense oil as one of the essential oils that has a calming effect that helps your body reach the ideal sleeping temperature.
Uterine Benefits
Frankincense oil improves uterine health. This oil regulates the secretion of estrogen and reduces the likelihood of suffering from uterine cancer. It helps keep a woman’s reproductive organs healthy by regulating menstrual cycles.
According to Jane Buckle, author of management and treatment of gynecologic infections and stressors, oil from Frankincense is also essential in treating gynecologic conditions in women that usually cause serious dysfunctions.
What Frankincense Oil Will Do For You?
Frankincense is an ancient natural product that dates back to the Babylonian era. In this modern era, just like in the ancient times, it is loved for its aromatic qualities and healing properties.
This essential oil can either be inhaled, applied, or ingested to experience its unique qualities. Frankincense is lauded for its role as an immune booster, antiseptic, natural skin product, anti-cancerous herb, and inflammation reliever.
It is also essential for healing conditions affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive system. If you are suffering from any of the listed conditions, you are better off trying out the healing effects of Frankincense oil.