Frankincense Essential Oil: Benefits and Uses

What is Frankincense essential oil? 

Frankincense essential oil is obtained from the resin of Boswellia carterii which belongs to Burseracea family. The resin is graded depending on the intensity of the white colour.Among various oils, frankincense traces its value and benefits back to centuries where it was believed to remove negative energy as well as bring good fortune to home and workplace.

Frankincense oil is a thin liquid with a colourless to pale yellow appearance. It has a warm, sweet, spicy aroma. It can be used for aromatherapy, direct inhalation or even for massages due to its wide range of applications and advantages. This has significantly increased the wholesale essential oils demand globally.

Health benefits of frankincense essential oil 

• Skin Benefits

Frankincense essential oil benefits for skin and face include skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing support. It is now being used in skincare products for anti-ageing, acne and even spot reduction. The antioxidants present in it help fight free radicals and prevent the skin from damage. It also contains solid lipid nanoparticles that have been proven to protect the skin from UVB damage. The presence of such bioactive compounds in frankincense oil has gotten the attention of cosmetic manufacturers from across the globe. Due to these benefits, you can use frankincense essential oil for face serums, cleaners and toners. 

• Benefits For Stress And Anxiety  

Frankincense has been historically used to achieve a sense of calm and relaxation. It has components like limonene and α-pinene which have been proven efficient in relaxing the nervous system. The warm and comforting aroma of frankincense has an anxiolytic effect and is a good option to diffuse after a long and tiring day. Studies conducted in rats have shown that Boswellia carterii oil can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression like increased immobility. While more concrete research is yet to be done to, many household experiences agree with the stress and anxiety reducing properties of frankincense. 

• Improves Respiratory Health

Frankincense can be a blessing for the respiratory system. It can soothe any inflammation and relieve congestion. In traditional and folk medicine, inhaling frankincense is believed to work as a natural expectorant. Some preliminary findings also suggest the anti-microbial properties of frankincense, giving light to its usage in reducing infection in the body.

• Oral Health benefits

Studies show that the antibacterial properties of frankincense make it efficient in eliminating any germ buildup in the mouth. A healthy oral environment eliminates bad breath as well as infections.Frankincense oil enhances oral health and can be used in making toothpaste and mouthwashes. The natural compounds in it can help reduce inflammation in gums and reduce symptoms of gingivitis. 

• Benefits For Reducing Pain

Boswellic acid found in frankincense can help control pain induced by inflammation. Other active compounds present in it are analgesic in nature. it can be used to relieve various kinds of pains like headaches, muscle pain or joint pain. Study also shows its efficiency in controlling pain induced by osteoarthritis. It has been reported to reduce knee pain, enhance mobility, reduce swelling and increase the walking distance covered by patients of knee pain. Many individuals find relief from chronic joint discomfort by incorporating diluted frankincense essential oil for pain into their targeted massage routines.

• Spiritual Benefits

Frankincense essential oil spiritual benefits include cleansing, purifying and grounding. Historically, it has been used to get rid of any negative energies in the environment. A clean slate creates the perfect atmosphere for meditation practice. The aroma also helps quiet the mind, making it a perfect choice for spiritual growth. Many religions also consider the gum to be sacred and use it as an offering to their deities. Many aromatherapists believe it to be beneficial for promoting focus as well.

• Frankincense Essential Oil For Knee Pain

Knee pain could be caused by various reasons like arthritis, injury, excessive walking. Irrespective of the reason, knee pain could affect daily activities and overall quality of life. If you are looking for a natural remedy then try frankincense essential oil for knee pain relief. Its natural compounds like boswellic acids reduce inflammation and associated discomfort. 

It also has natural pain relieving properties. Massage your knee with a diluted blend of frankincense oil twice a day to alleviate ache. 

• Benefits For Sleep Quality

Anyone facing trouble falling asleep or getting quality sleep should try diffusing a few drops of frankincense as a part of bedtime ritual. It is considered to be mildly sedative and efficient in calming the mind. This paves the way for a relaxed body and a good night’s sleep. Frankincense oil is like a tonic for brain, it reduces irritability as well as restlessness. 

A study conducted on rats showed that frankincense essential oil reduces oxidative stress and helps the body sleep better. To use frankincense oil to improve sleep quality, you can either use it in a diffuser or massage a diluted blend and experience its relaxing effects. 

In essence, frankincense shows various therapeutic and healing benefits. The following table demonstrates and sums up the same for medicinal and cosmetic usage.

• Medicinal benefits: Nervine, anti-depressant, antiseptic, expectorant
• Skincare benefits: Anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial

Uses Of Frankincense Essential Oil

Some of the therapeutic uses of frankincense essential oil are:

• Cough and cold medicines
• Bronchitis medicines
• Urinary tract infections
• Knee pain relief oils
• Mental fatigue 
• Inability to communicate
• Stress and irritability
• Achieving calm during meditation
• Cosmetic and skincare products for infection and scars
• Oil pulling
• Toothpastes and mouthwashes

Side Effects And Precautions

While there are no serious contraindications known, it is always advisable to approach essential oils with some caution. Some people might experience mild sensitivity to frankincense so make sure to do a patch test on the elbow before using it extensively. Do not apply undiluted oil on any part of the body. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid using it or consult a medical expert. Some animals might also show sensitivity so in check with a vet before diffusing it around pets. Individuals with underlying medical issues should avoid using it completely. With so many options out there, make sure to use a good quality, pure and natural oil. This will help achieve maximum benefits. Always remember that individual reaction to different oils varies so proceed with patience and complete knowledge.

Conclusion

Frankincense essential oil has a rich history of multiple uses and benefits. Today, Science continues to study the long list of benefits it holds for mankind. From efficient sleep elixir, and pain relief to skincare friend, frankincense can be a great natural solution. This sacred oil has rightfully earned its position as the ‘king of oils’ by aromatherapists. It can truly transform daily life and help achieve vitality given that proper caution is followed. 

FAQs

What essential oil is frankincense good for?
Frankincense is a versatile oil and is great for reducing stress, clearing congestion, preventing germ build-up and relieving pain. It also prevents the skin from UVB damage and controls signs of premature ageing. The warm aroma helps focus and ground the mind which makes it great to use for meditation and spiritual practices.

Can you apply frankincense oil directly to skin?
Yes, you can apply frankincense oil directly on the skin but not without proper dilution with a suitable carrier oil. Applying without dilution can cause severe irritation and allergies.

What does frankincense oil do to the brain?
The sweet, warm and incense-like aroma of frankincense oil has a calming effect on our brains. It balances the limbic system and helps achieve positive thoughts. However, more studies are needed to understand the exact chemical changes it causes in the brain.

What does the smell of frankincense do?
Frankincense has a rich, woody and resinous smell which, when inhaled, causes the mind to relax. This smell can improve focus, enhance breathing and uplift the spiritual journey.

Where to Buy Frankincense Essential Oil
You can buy pure frankincense essential oil from your local departmental or aromatherapy stores or from a reliable wholesale supplier online like Aromachology. Make sure to check the botanical name and certificate of purity while purchasing.