Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits

Overview

Frankincense oil is one of the popular essential oils. Frankincense oil is known as the king of essential oils. Frankincense oil is extracted from the frankincense resin of Boswellia tree, and is being used since ages as a part of traditional medicine (1). It has many different properties that help in overcoming several health and skin conditions. This article aims to discuss in detail the health benefits, skin benefits and frankincense oil uses. There are many uses and benefits of frankincense essential oil for skin, hair, body, and overall health.  

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Guide to Frankincense Oil Benefits | Health Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil

1. It helps in reducing arthritis

This is one of the key health benefits of frankincense essential oil. Frankincense oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that helps in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation which are common symptoms of arthritis (2). It can be used in the form of massage oil. Though, avoid using any essential oil directly on the skin in undiluted form.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation, itching, or inflammation, or can also lead to certain allergic reactions. So, to avoid these negative side effects, it is recommended to always dilute essential oil with any carrier oil say coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, castor oil, avocado oil, etc. and then apply it on the skin.  Frankincense can be used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. 

2. It promotes effective gut functioning

The anti-inflammatory property of frankincense oil can help improve the gut function. It has properties that helps in reducing pain, bloating, etc. that are usually seen in people suffering from gut issues. It also has the ability to treat the issue of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties help in dealing with the issue of ulcerative colitis and its symptoms. Though, scientific studies are required to prove this fact. 

3. It helps improve asthma

This is one of the most effective health benefits of frankincense essential oil. One of the traditional uses of frankincense oil is seen in the form of treating the issue of asthma and bronchitis (3). There are many supplements for treating asthma that includes frankincense oil in it. Frankincense oil may also help release congestion. 

4. It helps improve oral health

Frankincense oil has been used as a part of oral care since a very long time. Frankincense may help improve oral hygiene and also helps treat many gum diseases. Frankincense oil contains antibacterial properties that help in treating any sort of oral infections. Also, it helps in preventing from oral infections. It also contains antimicrobial properties that helps in restricting the growth of microbes within the mouth and thus promotes oral care (4). 

5. It is believed that it contains anticancer properties

According to few studies and experts it is believed that anti-cancerous properties are found in frankincense essential oil may help treat symptoms of cancer (5). Also, it is believed that it can help prevent the spread of cancer cells to a certain extent and restricts the growth of cancer. It is believed that it can help treat cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer. It can also be used to treat side effects of cancer or cancer treatment.

6. Helps induce sleep

Frankincense oil has properties that help in reducing stress and anxiety and thus promotes relaxation and calmness. It has soothing properties that help you instantly calm down. There have been studies that prove the anti-stress effects of frankincense oil on rats that help induce sleep (6). Diffusing this essential oil before bedtime helps in promoting good sleep. You can also spray few drops on your pillow to induce sleep. 

7. It may help improve fertility and balances hormones

Frankincense oil help in balancing hormones during menstruation as well as menopause (7). It is believed that this oil contains fertility promoting agents, though there are not much studies available to support this statement. 

8. Helps improve memory

This essential oil helps improve focus and concentration, and thus boosts memory. It can be diffused while studying to improve focus and concentration. It helps improve cognitive functioning and also improves memory and learning functions. 

9. Helps prevent signs of aging

Frankincense oil has anti-aging properties that helps fight signs of aging. Frankincense oil can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dull skin, etc. It can improve skin elasticity and fights free radicals. It is believed that frankincense oil help improve skin tone and even tones the skin by improving complexion. It also contains properties that help reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, stretch marks, etc. It has skin cells regenerative properties that help improve skin texture. 

10. It helps heal wound

Frankincense essential oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that help heal wounds quickly (8). It has ability to treat infection and restricts the spread of infection. It also contains antiseptic properties that help in treating infections and wounds, and promotes speedy recovery. It also contains astringent properties that promotes wound healing. 

Top 10 Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil

Skin Care

There are a lot of frankincense oil uses and benefits for your skin. Frankincense oil is a great addition to your skincare routine. It contains anti-aging properties that help in fighting signs of aging. It has high moisturizing content that helps in keeping the skin hydrated for a longer period of time. Frankincense oil improves skin elasticity and also improves skin tone.

It has natural calming and soothing properties that help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. It can be used in the form of facial serum, though always remember to dilute the essential oil with any carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc., and then apply it on the skin. Avoid using undiluted essential oils directly on the face. 

Aromatherapy

 Frankincense oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. It has calming and grounding effect that helps calm and relax both mind and body. Using frankincense oil in aromatherapy helps in promoting relaxation, reduces stress, and also improves sleep. 

Digestive Health

It is found that frankincense essential oil can be used to improve digestive health and get relief from digestive issues. It helps in overcoming issues like constipation, bloating, and indigestion. Frankincense oil can be used to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and improve the health of your gut. 

Pain Relief

Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that helps in releasing pain and inflammation from the body. It can be used to treat menstrual cramps, muscle pain, as well as arthritis. It can be used in the form of massage oil and applied topically on the affected area. Though, remember to dilute the essential oil with any carrier oil. Studies prove that you can use frankincense and myrrh oil to treat chronic pain (9).

Respiratory Health

Frankincense oil has properties that help clear congestion in the respiratory system. Thus it can be used to treat health conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis. For congestion relief, you can add few drops of oil to an inhaler or diffuser. 

Immune System Support

This is one of the best frankincense essential oil benefits. Frankincense essential oil has immune-boosting properties that help boosts your immunity and prevent you from diseases (10). It has properties that fight infections and illnesses. Frankincense oil stimulates white blood cell production and promotes healthy immune function. You can diffuse this essential oil in your home to help purify the air and support your immune system.

Meditation and Spiritual Practices 

Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries in meditation and spiritual practices for its grounding and calming properties. It promotes spiritual awareness and helps build a connection to the divinity. You can diffuse this essential oil during your meditation practice or apply it topically to your third eye or crown chakra for a more profound spiritual experience. Frankincense essential oil is effective in promoting relaxation. 

Oral health

Frankincense essential oil has antibacterial properties that helps kill bacteria and restricts bacterial growth and thus can help improve oral health and hygiene. It has been shown to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. You can add a few drops of frankincense essential oil to your toothpaste or mouthwash for a fresh and healthy mouth.

Anti-aging properties

Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries in skincare for its anti-aging properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and elasticity, and soothe dry and irritated skin. You can add a few drops of frankincense essential oil to your moisturizer or create your own facial serum by combining it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or argan oil.

Hair Care

You can use frankincense essential oil for hair. Remember to dilute it with any carrier oil before applying it directly on scalp. It is shown that frankincense oil may have potential benefits for hair and scalp (11). Frankincense oil is also known to treat dry scalp issues, reduce dandruff, scalp irritation, and itchiness. You can add a few drops of frankincense oil to your shampoo or conditioner to enjoy its many benefits. 

How To Use Frankincense Essential Oil?

There are many different ways to use frankincense essential oil. Following are some of the most commonly used ways:

• Diffusion: Add a few drops of frankincense essential oil to a diffuser and enjoy its therapeutic benefits. 
• Topical application: You can apply frankincense oil topically, though remember to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil and apply it topically to the skin. This is one of the best ways to use frankincense oil. 
• Inhalation: Inhale frankincense essential oil directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
• Massage: You can use frankincense oil in the form of massage oil to get rid of pain and inflammation. 
• Bath: Adding a few drops of essential oil to your bath can help you enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic bath. 

Precautions and Side Effects of Frankincense Essential Oil

Essential oils are plant extracts and, thus are natural ingredients that are safe for the skin and health. Though, it is recommended to take certain precautions while using essential oils. Frankincense essential oil is generally safe for most people when used properly. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy or by individuals with certain medical conditions.

Before using frankincense essential oil, it is important to do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. 

Dilute the oil with a carrier oil and apply a small amount to the skin on your inner arm. Wait for 24 hours and check for any redness, swelling, or itching.

If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare provider before using frankincense essential oil.

Conclusion

To conclude, it can be said that frankincense essential oil has a variety of uses and benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties make it a popular choice for pain relief, respiratory health, digestive health, oral health, and immune support. It is also a great choice for stress and anxiety relief, meditation and spiritual practices, and oral and skincare.

Always ensure to adopt precautionary measures to use the essential oil safely and enjoy its maximum benefits without any side effects. Also, make sure that you use pure frankincense essential oil. This article is a complete guide to frankincense oil uses and benefits. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Analgesic effects of crude extracts and fractions of Omani frankincense obtained from traditional medicinal plant Boswellia sacra on animal models https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764514602790
• Boswellia Gum Resin and Essential Oils Potential Health Benefits − An Evidence Based Review https://journals.lww.com/ijnp/Fulltext/2019/09020/Boswellia_Gum_Resin_and_Essential_Oils__Potential.1.aspx
• An updated review of the therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense
•        http://futurenatprod.skums.ac.ir/article_239464_5a89d466cd5d1522a2c0cb079bb38105.pdf
• Evaluation of anticancer effects of frankincense on breast cancer stem-like cells https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cnr2.1693
• Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/psjproc/2007/0/2007_0_192_2/_article/-char/ja/
• Frankincense oil help in balancing hormones during menstruation as well as menopause. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UBBQDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT471&dq=Frankincense+oil+help+in+balancing+hormones+during+menstruation+as+well+as+menopause.&ots=QSMvQdxBqf&sig=D4sc2U7Y1j9kAfDFo0fBf2P0tuo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
• Volatile composition and antimicrobial activity of twenty commercial frankincense essential oil samples https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629910001705
• The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomised controlled trial https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830723001027
• Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214008517300020
• Material Characteristics of Hair Cuticles after Hair Oil Treatment https://sensors.myu-group.co.jp/sm_pdf/SM1452.pdf