Frankincense essential oil is one of the most widely used, most versatile oils in the world. Extracted from the Boswellia tree found in both Africa and the Middle East, frankincense gets its name from the French phrase “franc encens”, meaning “high-quality incense”. It has a sweet, spicy, and woodsy scent that makes it a perfect bottom note for all essential oil blends, and is used for many due to its multiple benefits in skin, hair, and overall wellness. Here are some of the biggest benefits!
Meditation aid
Meditation can be a powerful tool for relieving stress and anxiety, enhancing focus and concentration for a deeper spiritual connection, and promoting relaxation and overall well being. However, many people struggle to quiet their minds and enter a meditative state. This is where frankincense essential oil can be helpful.
Frankincense oil has been used for centuries for its calming and grounding effects on the mind and body. It has a warm, woody, and slightly spicy aroma that can help to promote a sense of relaxation and focus. When used during meditation, frankincense oil can help to quiet the mind and reduce distractions, allowing you to enter a deeper state of meditation.
There are several ways to use frankincense oil during meditation. One of the easiest ways is to add a few drops to a diffuser and let the aroma fill the room. Alternatively, you can apply a diluted solution of frankincense oil to your temples and neck before beginning your meditation practice. Take deep breaths and focus on the calming aroma of the oil to help quiet the mind and enter a meditative state.
Stress relief
Stress and anxiety can be debilitating, affecting not just our mental health but also our physical well-being. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help alleviate these symptoms, and one of the most effective is frankincense essential oil.
The therapeutic properties of frankincense essential oil are due to its chemical composition, which includes compounds such as caryophyllene. This compound in particular has been shown to have analgesic properties that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It calms racing thoughts, promotes sleep, calms nerves, and can even help treat seizures.
Using frankincense for stress relief is similar to using for meditation and yoga since they’re related to the same parts of your brain. Like before, you can add a few drops to a diffuser and let the aroma fill the room. Or, you can also apply a diluted solution of frankincense oil to your temples, wrists, or neck whenever stressed. Take deep breaths and focus on the calming aroma of the oil to help quiet the mind and promote a sense of peace.
Skincare
Frankincense oil is one of what I call the “skincare superheroes”. It has both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which make it a valuable ingredient in many skincare products. It’s a versatile oil with many applications to these properties. Here are the best examples of these benefits!
Frankincense oil is also known for its anti-aging properties. Its antioxidant properties can help to protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to premature aging. By incorporating frankincense oil into your daily skincare routine, it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote a more youthful appearance.
Another benefit of using frankincense oil for skincare is its ability to reduce the appearance of pores. Its astringent properties help to tighten and firm the skin, which can help to reduce the appearance of pores and give the skin a smoother, more even texture.
To use frankincense oil for skincare, it can be added to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and applied topically to the skin. Because jojoba is rated a 2 on the comedogenic scale, it will not contribute to clogging pores and is suitable for all skin types, including acne prone and oily skin. By using frankincense oil regularly as part of your skincare routine, it can help to promote healthy, radiant skin.
Scar healing
One of the most well-known benefits of frankincense oil for skincare is its ability to promote scar healing. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce the appearance of scars and promote healthy skin regeneration. In addition to being effective for new scars, frankincense oil can also help to reduce the appearance of older scars. By applying frankincense oil to the affected area, it can help to stimulate the growth of new skin cells, which can help to fade the appearance of scars over time.
To use for scar treatment and healing, combine frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply to scars twice daily to help fade their appearance and support skin regeneration.
Immune support
One of the most beneficial properties of Frankincense oil is its immune-boosting properties. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of this oil can help to protect the body against harmful pathogens and support overall immune function.
One of the primary ways that frankincense oil supports immune health is by reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. By reducing inflammation, frankincense oil can help to support immune function and promote overall health.
Frankincense oil is also known to have antiseptic properties that can help to protect the body against harmful pathogens. It has been shown to be effective against a variety of bacteria and viruses, making it a useful addition to any wellness routine. By incorporating frankincense oil into your daily routine, you can help to protect your body against harmful pathogens and support overall immune function.
To use frankincense oil for immune support, it can be applied topically to the skin. It is important to dilute frankincense oil before applying it to the skin, as it can be too strong on its own. Simply dilute with your favorite carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of your feet and chest. By using frankincense oil regularly as part of your wellness routine, you can help to support your immune system and promote overall health.
Respiratory relief
Frankincense oil is a natural alternative to traditional respiratory medications. Many traditional medications can have negative side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. Frankincense oil, on the other hand, is a natural and safe way to support respiratory health without the risk of negative side effects.
One of the primary ways that frankincense oil supports respiratory health is by reducing inflammation in the airways. Chronic inflammation can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies- or more sickness, like pneumonia. By reducing inflammation, frankincense oil can help to support respiratory function and promote overall health.
Frankincense oil is also known to have expectorant properties, which can help to clear the airways and promote easier breathing. By using frankincense oil as part of a respiratory support routine, it can help to loosen mucus and promote clearer breathing. This is especially helpful in the summertime or any other time of the year when allergies start to creep up.
To use for respiratory support, the best way is to diffuse throughout the day to relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe coughs. You can also put it in a personal inhaler and use it that way if you’re on the go and don’t have access to a diffuser.
Muscle and joint discomfort
Since frankincense is anti-inflammatory, it can help ease pain and symptoms of issues like arthritis or achy joints. It targets the root of the issue by targeting inflammation itself by preventing the release of leukotrienes in your body when you’ve strained a muscle. Frankincense takes it one step further by inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes, stopping the process after it’s started.
Because of these properties, it can help manage swelling, joint pain, stiffness, and muscle aches. To use, mix frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil and massage into sore muscles or achy joints for relief and relaxation.
Hair care
Frankincense does many things to help you have the best hair of your life. It can strengthen it, reduce dandruff and itchy scalp, reduce thinning, and promote hair growth. It does this by stimulating blood circulation on your scalp, which stimulates your hair follicles. It nourishes the dry frizzy strands of hair by detangling knots, which will help reduce hair loss when you brush your hair. Because it breathes life into your hair, it naturally prevents scalp dryness and flakiness, which is how it treats dandruff.
To use frankincense for all these hair care benefits, simply add one drop into shampoo with every wash!
Relaxing bath
We’ve already talked about how frankincense essential oil can be relaxing while meditating or dealing with anxiety. This makes frankincense a good choice to add to a bath simply because of the benefits that are from the aromatherapy. But, there are benefits to your skin that will help the frankincense work even better for your overall health.
Frankincense is an effective remedy at healing the skin, particularly if it’s irritated or damaged. It restores your skin by stimulating rejuvenation of your cells- which will help your skin look radiant and glowy. It restores, soothes, and nourishes areas with sunburns, rosacea, breakouts, and any skin that needs extra moisture because of its antioxidant properties.
To use for your skincare in the tub, add a drop of frankincense to a bath bomb or use frankincense oil with epsom salts for 15-20 minutes each bath.
Massage oil
Because of all the benefits we’ve talked about, it’s no surprise that frankincense makes an excellent addition to a massage oil. It doesn’t matter what your needs are for your body that day, frankincense is a great way to unwind and relax. Frankincense helps with pain management, relaxation, skin rejuvenation, and just overall wellness. Add frankincense essential oil to a carrier oil like sweet almond or grapeseed oil, and then massage into your body to unwind and end the day on a peaceful note.
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