Many of us have heard of frankincense. It’s mentioned in the Bible and many other ancient texts. But it isn’t just a material that’s been lost to history. It’s a tree resin that is still used for many purposes, including creating an essential oil.
What Is Frankincense?
Trees that produce the resin that is made into frankincense oil are from the Boswellia genus. Steam distillation is used to create essential oil from the resin that leaks out of the trees when the bark is cut. Frankincense resin can also be used in its dried form, which is then warmed up.
Some people can have reactions to frankincense essential oil, including skin eruptions. Use with care, always dilute in carrier oil before applying, and see how you respond. Diffuse for 30 minutes at a time and start with one or two drops of oil in a diffuser full of water.
How Is Frankincense Essential Oil Used?
Frankincense oil can be used topically or placed in a diffuser to be inhaled aromatically. When it is applied topically, it should first be diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, grapeseed, or jojoba. You might have to experiment to see which carrier oil agrees best with your skin.
Some of the potential benefits of frankincense include:
- Combatting anxiety and depression and lifting mood when inhaled.
- Boosting the immune system to aid in fighting viruses, bacteria, and cancer.
- Killing germs in the home.
- Improving skin health by fighting acne, scars, and wrinkles.
- Relieving pain, especially from headaches and hormonally-induced cramps.
- Helping improve sleep by boosting calm and decreasing anxiety.
Frankincense Might Fight Cancer
There have been many studies in the past few years that have indicated that frankincense oil can help fight cancer cells. In the future, these discoveries might lead to the development of medications that can cure cancer more gently and with fewer side effects than many current medications. More studies are necessary in humans, but it is a promising area of medical research.
Thank you for this helpful article. I have recently been learning more about essential oils and keep seeing frankincense oil but wasn’t sure what it is used for. I didn’t realize it was so good for skin health. Followed the link to your frankincense recipe for skin and am excited to get the ingredients together to try it this week. Will let you know how it goes. Many thanks.