Frankincense, 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, and boosting immunity. Frankincense uses even potentially apply to fighting cancer.
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense oil is from the genus Boswellia and sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii, Boswellia ferreana or Boswellia serrata trees that’s commonly grown in Somalia and regions of Pakistan. This tree is different from many others in that it can grow with very little soil in dry and desolate conditions.
The word frankincense comes from the term “franc encens,” which means quality incense in old French. Frankincense has been associated with many different religions over the years, especially the Christian religion, as it was one of the first gifts given to Jesus by the wise men. What does frankincense smell like? It smells like a combination of pine, lemon and woody scents.
Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India that produces special compounds that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer, effects. Among the valuable boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as being most beneficial, including terpenes and boswellic acids, which are strongly anti-inflammatory and protective over healthy cells.
How to use frankincense oil? Frankincense oil is used by either inhaling the oil or absorbing it through the skin, usually mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba 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, and 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 “pure essential oil” or “100% essential oil” for the highest quality essential oils. I like to take advantage of the best frankincense oils, which should feature a combination of multiple varieties of oils from boswellia trees.
10 Benefits of Frankincense Oil
- Helps Reduce Stress Reactions and Negative Emotions
- Helps Boost Immune System Function and Prevents Illness
- May Help Fight Cancer or Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects
- Astringent and Can Kill Harmful Germs and Bacteria
- Heals Skin and Prevents Signs of Aging
- Improves Memory
- May Help Balance Hormones and Improve Fertility
- Eases Digestion
- Acts as a Sleep Aid
- Helps Decrease Inflammation and Pain
Top 8 Frankincense Uses
- Stress-Relieving Bath Soak
- Natural Household Cleaner
- Natural Hygiene Product
- Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Fighter
- Relieves Symptoms of Indigestion
- Scar, Wound, Stretch Mark or Acne Remedy
- Natural Cold or Flu Medicine
- Helps Relieve Inflammation and Pain