Frankincense oil uses, benefits & side effects

Frankincense Essential Oil is distilled from the aromatic resin of frankincense trees. The essential oil tends to smell sweeter, cleaner and fresher than the resin, and more people prefer the aroma of the essential oil to that of the resin when it is burned as incense.

Frankincense Essential Oil is used most often for spiritual, perfumery and incense /room fragrancing applications, but it is useful as an expectorant and sometimes is used in respiratory and cough formulations.

Frankincense is a tree resin that has been used and valued since ancient times as the resin produced by the tree offers numerous medicinal, cosmetic, aromatic and spiritual benefits and uses.

How is frankincense essential oil extracted?

The oil is extracted from the sap of the Boswelia tree when the bark is cut open. The resin is left to harden and then is scraped off the tree. Although it can be used dry, it’s steamed to make essential oil.

It can be used as an essential oil in a diffuser to induce relaxation due to it’s relaxing woody aroma. A few drops can be used to assist peace, harmony, and meditation.

This oil can also function as a massage oil. It can be used as a calm air spray in the bedroom to assist with sleep. Frankincense is safe for topical use, and even consumption in a capsule, medicine, and in water.

Natural frankincense oil health benefits

May Reduce Arthritis

Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory substance, which may help to ease pain and symptoms of arthritis. Frankincense does not just ease pain but can target inflammation itself.

Studies show that the acids from the Boswelia sap can prevent the release of leukotrienes which are inflammatories. Animal studies found that boswellic acids inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes.

Research has shown that frankincense has been more effective than placebos when it came to managing swelling, pain, and joint movement associated with arthritis. While other studies concluded that oil of frankincense can be beneficial for easing morning stiffness, and can even help reduce reliance on NSAIDs.

It can be used topically on inflamed muscles and joints, as well as orally.

May Improve

Frankincense oil may also help to improve symptoms of and manage asthma and bronchitis.

In a 6 week study, 70% of participants with bronchi asthma who were given Boswellia over a placebo experienced fewer asthma attacks, as well as fewer instances of wheezing and shortness of breath.

A supplement made up of both frankincense and the bael fruit was found to be more effective than the placebo at easing symptoms of asthma. Those who took it had an easier time breathing.

Anti-aging Properties

Frankincense is a powerful anti-oxidant which is why it has anti-aging properties.

Anti-oxidants help to combat free-radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. As the free radicals move around the body, looking for an electron to pair with, it can damage DNA, which accelerates the aging process.

Also, anti-oxidants help to slow down and halt the damage caused by free radicals. This helps with the rejuvenation of the skin.

Anti-inflammatory

One of the reasons frankincense can help treat asthma and arthritis is due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which also benefit skincare. Frankincense essential oil can help to manage acne, as it soothes inflammation.

Antibacterial

The Boswellic acids can kill acne-causing bacteria to prevent further breakouts. A combination of frankincense and myrrh essential oils have been promising skincare ingredients, and for general health, due to their antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Antiseptic

Frankincense is also antiseptic. The oil has been used for centuries for cleaning, disinfectant, aromatherapy, and general health. This can help prevent infections from setting in.

Protects The Skin

Together with it’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant qualities, frankincense protects the skin by helping it heal from damage, reducing inflammation, and negating the effects of free radicals.

Oils are popular in skincare as deep moisturizers which helps protect the skin from damage caused by dryness. It keeps skin cells strong, plump and maintains elasticity.

Hair Maintenance

Frankincense oil is not just popular in skincare products but in hair care too. The oil can help keep hair shiny and moisturized but can even prevent dandruff. Frankincense wards off dandruff by preventing the scalp from getting dry and flakey. It can also soothe hair follicle which helps to facilitate hair growth at the root.

Does frankincense oil help with pain?

Frankincense is beneficial for painful conditions such as arthritis. It may act as an analgesic too. One study found that Frankincense increased pain threshold and pain tolerance in participants. More studies are needed to confirm the efficiency of this as pain treatment, and if it is a potential alternative to NSAIDs.

Frankincense oil myths and contradictions

Although Frankincense is known as the "king of essential oils", there are still some myths and contradictions surrounding it. Many misconceptions about purported benefits come from positive results in animal studies. Some of these have not been replicated in human studies or taken place at all. Frankincense improved memory in rats but there have been no studies on humans. It enhanced fertility in rats, but there have been no human trials. The compund eased depressive symptoms in mice, but there is no information on Frankincense and depression in people. There have been no articles confirming any benefits for menstruation, menopause, or if it can balance hormones for women.