Frankincense Essential Oil

6/25/2016

This post will begin a series of posts about some of my favorite essential oils. Frankincense essential oil quickly made its way to the list of my favorites - not only for the many therapeutic benefits but also for the compelling scent.

I have to admit that the fragrance is not a favorite of everyone in my house. My daughter really doesn’t care for the scent, and my husband just isn’t overly impressed. This kind of shot down my idea for a wonderful aftershave recipe I had in mind to make him for Father’s Day, but all was not lost; I just added it to my facial toner that I use every day instead!

At this time I am using frankincense essential oil from only 2 companies ~ Young Living and Edens Garden. Young Living products can be purchased from their website or you can contact me (use contact page on this site) to see if I have extra on hand that you can purchase.

I generally purchase my Edens Garden products from Amazon. Here is a link where you can purchase a 10ml bottle of frankincense carterii essential oil, but you can do a search for other sizes and varieties. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 10 ml

Edens Garden products can also be purchased directly from their websit e. Be sure to compare the price on their website to the price offered at Amazon. Sometimes it is a lower price at Amazon, and sometimes EG runs specials at their site which may result in a better price.

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am currently researching and testing oils from several different companies as budget allows. Once the slow process is nearer to completion, I will be sharing my overall conclusions that will include more than just product quality. I can say here that I am satisfied with the quality of single essential oils offered by both Young Living and Edens Garden.

I have probably included more information than necessary in the paragraphs to follow so if you are not a fan of all the back story and just want to know what it’s good for, feel free to skip the parts that don’t interest you. Please read the section on precautions near the bottom, however, before using any essential oil for the first time. That being said, here’s just some of what I’ve learned about one of my favorite essential oils.

Origin:

Frankincense (Boswellia frereana, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia Serrata, and/or Boswellia sacra) is a tree that produces resin that can be steam-distilled into an essential oil with numerous health benefits. Frankincense trees are most common in the Middle East and the region of Oman. Somalia is known for producing the highest quality oils. Sap from the trees is tapped in spring and summer. The sap hardens when it is exposed to air forming globs of resin called “tears” that are harvested in the fall, . The resin is then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil.

Edens Garden has an interesting article in their blog describing the different types of frankincense that they offer and the subtle differences between them.

History:

Frankincense has been traded in northern Africa and parts of the Arab world for nearly 5,000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest documented magical resins. Ancient camel caravans were used to transport this highly prized resin which was an important source of revenue for the areas in which it was produced. In addition to being used as a fragrance, frankincense was commonly used as an ingredient in medicines and cosmetics. Frankincense was also used by embalmers in ancient Egypt.

Frankincense appears in the story of Jesus’ birth. The Bible tells of 3 wise men that followed a star to the manger, and “opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)

Frankincense is mentioned several times in the Old Testament as well as in the Talmud. Jewish rabbis used frankincense in sacred rituals conducted in the Temple of Jerusalem. Later introduced to Europe by Crusaders, frankincense also became an element of many Christian ceremonies.

What's so good about frankincense?

It has a warm, deep, rich, grounding aroma that has the ability to quiet the mind, support focus, and encourage tranquility. Because of its emotional and spiritual affect, the oil is commonly used in prayer and meditation. I personally find the aroma both compelling and soothing.

In 2008, a research study was conducted on the impact of frankincense on depression and anxiety. Pharmacologists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reported evidence indicates that the aroma of frankincense may help regulate emotions to help relieve anxiety and depression.

The high level of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in frankincense is credited with promoting the body's natural healing processes.

In an article I found at verywell.com an alternative medicine expert, Cathy Wong ND, writes,
“… inhaling the aroma of frankincense essential oil (or absorbing frankincense essential oil through the skin) is thought to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions. Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system. Aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing and immune function.”

Common Uses:

I ran across many suggested uses and claims in my research that are not mentioned here. The uses I listed in this post were the ones that appeared most consistently and from what appeared to be, in my judgement, the most credible sources.

Frankincense essential oil is typically used in aromatherapy to treat acne, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, indigestion, and ulcers. Frankincense is also used to alleviate stress, relieve pain, build and support a healthy immune system, promote cellular health, reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, reverse signs of aging, and treat a variety of skin problems.

Popular ways of using frankincense essential oil:

Clyde’s Note: I recommend that you always combine your essential oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, avocado, etc.) when applying essential oils to the skin or adding to your bath.

Apply to the bottoms of your feet to help balance mood swings and help with relaxation.
Use a drop on each fingernail to help strengthen weak or brittle nails.
Diffuse throughout your home using a diffuser.
Make a room spray or linen spray by adding a few drops to a small glass spray bottle and filling the rest of the way with witch hazel and distilled water (75:25 ratio of witch hazel to water).
Inhale to help clear and focus your mind by applying to a cloth, cotton ball, tissue, etc.
Apply behind the ears or at the base of the throat as a therapeutic perfume.
Add a few drops to a warm bath for a soothing and uplifting soak.

My favorite way to use Frankincense essential oil right now is in home-made skin care products. I literally crave the aroma of frankincense and use it in my facial cleansers, micro-dermabrasion masks, skin serums, and facial toners. I have seen great improvement in my skin since I began making and using skin care products using natural ingredients and essential oils. Frankincense essential oil is an ingredient in almost all of the products I use on my face/neck/décolletage. I have seen particular improvement on areas that are darkened from sun damage.

Frankincense is also one of the 3 oils I am currently using in a custom perfume blend. (The other 2 oils in that blend are Australian Sandalwood and Vetiver.) I have had mixed reviews on the earthy-woodsy perfume blend. I was a bit surprised that not many of my friends thought it would be a blend that they would wear, but I find this particular blend to be soothing and comforting. Easing frazzled nerves is something that has been very important to me lately. So what if I noticed a few people looking at me funny when they saw me sniffing my own wrist in the Dentist Office waiting room?

Precautions:

Pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care providers before using any essential oils.

Internal use of frankincense (and other essential oils) may have toxic effects and should not be ingested without supervision of a health professional.

Always test for skin sensitivity prior to use. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitization. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose. Not all oils are created equal, so be particular about the brand of essential oil you use.

Here are some links where you can find some of the products mentioned in this blog post:

12 New, High Quality, 2 oz Cobalt Blue Glass Bottles, with Black Fine Mist Sprayers

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 7 colors - 120 ml Portable Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aroma Humidifier with changing Colored LED Lights, Waterless Auto Shut-off and Adjustable Mist mode

Australian Sandalwood 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 10 ml

Vetiver 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 10 ml

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.

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