Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is an aromatic resin extracted from the trunk of the Boswellia tree in East Africa or Arabia. The essential oil is procured through steam distillation. It has a spicy and woody aroma with soft, sweet, and citrusy elements. The essential oil is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is also backed by research for its multifaceted benefits. It is used to treat arthritis, gut infections, asthma, and even cancer. It also alleviates dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, muscle pain, aging skin, scarring, irregular menstruation, postpartum depression, uterine bleeding, and breathing difficulties. Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil • Relaxation: The Frankincense essential oil exudes a warm and woody aroma with a touch of fruitiness that induces the mind and body to breathe deeper and slower, allowing them to relax and soothe themselves. It is often used as a sleeping aid as it helps in relieving stress and anxiety, bringing the body to a calm and peaceful state which can help lull you to sleep. The oil stimulates the olfactory or smell receptors that send a signal to the limbic area of the nervous system responsible for controlling emotions. Inhaling frankincense molecules eases the mind and allows it to let go of negative emotions. It works as a good accompaniment while meditating.

1. Add a few drops of the Frankincense essential oil along with water to a traditional diffusing lamp or an electric diffuser and allow the sweet smell of rose oil to immerse into the air to provide aromatherapeutic benefits.
2. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your bathtub and soak in it before sleep for similar relaxing benefits.

• Skincare: Being a natural astringent, Frankincense has the ability to heal wounds on your skin. This property also balances oily skin, treating both acne and acne scars. It further restores the skin’s elasticity and tightens the pores. Being anti-inflammatory, this essential oil can also relieve dry, inflamed, and sensitive skin. Add 3 drops of Frankincense essential oil to the face wash and put it in a towel. Wring out the water and apply it by gently pressing the face with your hands, back and forth several times to treat dry, inflamed, and peeling skin. It also has an anti-aging effect on the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Frankincense is being used by people as early as ancient Egypt, to make face masks to maintain youth. You can also add the essential oil to hot water for a foot bath to boost blood circulation and the flow through the meridians of the body. It can also help to reduce the odor released from your feet.

1. Add the essential oil to your everyday skincare products with a ratio of 5 drops in 10 grams of the product.
2. Use a mixture of 3 drops of frankincense essential oil and 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil in a 5ml rosehip base oil for a facial massage.
3. To diminish wrinkles, massage in a mixture of 2 drops of frankincense essential oil, a drop of rose essential oil, and 10ml of jojoba oil on your face.
4. Two drops of Frankincense with a drop of lavender essential oil in an olive oil base, when massaged, can promote the regeneration of skin cells.

• Enhance Respiratory System: According to traditional Chinese Medicine, Frankincense aids Qi circulation in the lungs, allowing you to breathe slower and deeper. It also clears lung congestion and phlegm in the bronchi, larynx, and nasal tract. It is often used to alleviate respiratory problems such as acute or chronic bronchitis, cough, asthma, dyspnea, and shortness of breath caused by long-term smoking.

• To relieve cough and asthma, mix 5 drops of frankincense essential oil, 2 drops of juniper essential oil, and 5ml of sweet almond oil and massage this concoction on the throat, chest, and back.

• Improve Reproductive System: For the female reproductive system, Frankincense is found to improve uterine health by stimulating estrogen and preventing post-menopausal cysts and tumors, nephritis, and other vaginal infections. It has a beneficial effect on the genitourinary tract and relieves excessive uterine and menstrual bleeding with its astringent properties. Several studies indicate that Frankincense also has a protective function for the male reproductive system preventing testicular damage and improving fertility. • Promote Menstrual Health: Frankincense possesses anti-inflammatory, de-stressing, and immunity-boosting properties, which help to cure a variety of menstrual woes. It reduces inflammatory agents, balances hormone production, and alleviates emotional and chemical stress that causes menstrual cramps. It can also reduce irregular periods, delay the onset of menopause and relieve the symptoms of PMS.

• Add 3 drops of Frankincense and rose essential oil to 10ml of Jojoba oil and massage the mixture on the abdomen.

• Anti-Inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory effects of Frankincense helps in reducing inflammation and swelling. Research suggests that this can help reduce joint inflammation caused in patients with arthritis. It can also help to improve gut function and remedies abdominal pain, bloating, and other IBS-related symptoms.

• For soothing inflammation and allergic reaction, use a mixture of 3 drops of frankincense essential oil, 2 drops of rose essential oil, and 5ml of jojoba oil to massage the affected area.

Warning:

• Do not use essential oils internally.
• Do not apply the essential oils directly on the skin. Dilute them with a carrier oil before application to prevent skin damage.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact with essential oils with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not use citrus oils if you are going to be exposed to UV light. Wear sunscreen for extra protection
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the aroma of essential oils without adequate ventilation.
• Store the essential oils and carrier oils in their original packaging away from sunlight to prevent degradation and rancidity