I’ve saved Frankincense essential oil for last because it is one of my very favorite essential oils. If I could afford to slather myself in this stuff every day, I would. It has provided more relief than any other essential oil for my autoimmune-related joint and muscle pain.
Frankincense is one of the more expensive essential oils on the market. There are reasons for the high price tag. Frankincense essential oil (the sacred version known as Boswellia sacra that I use) is sourced from Oman where frankincense trees have had to adapt to harsh environments, including growing out of almost solid rock in the mountains. The Boswellia sacra trees grow naturally in Oman and have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Essential oils harvested from plants in their natural habitat make the highest quality oils.
There are other types of Frankincense essential oils, grown in other parts of the world (India and Africa, for example). These oils are also quite beneficial and carry a lower price tag. For most uses, the less expensive types of frankincense essential oil are fine to use. I have both in my oil box. The way I decide which one to use depends on my reasons for use them. If I am creating a skin formula, like the face moisturizer below, or a blend for my diffuser, I use the cheaper version. To treat my joint pain, I use the Sacred Frankincense. So the more “medicinal” my reasons for using it, the more likely I am to use the more expensive type. You will reap benefits from either one though.
Frankincense essential oil has many benefits and uses. It is a great essential oil for promoting a strong immune system, and is also an excellent skin care product, known to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Frankincense is also known to help relieve stress and anxiety, reduce pain and inflammation, and booste immunity.
The most common benefits of Frankincense essential oil include:
- Stress Relief
- Antiseptic
- Oral Hygiene
- Skin Care
- Digestive Aid
- Scars. Wounds. Stretch Marks
- Coughs and Congestion
- Anti-inflammatory
Here are some everyday uses for Frankincense essential oil:
Add a few drops of frankincense essential oil to your bath to help relieve stress.
Add frankincense essential oil to your diffuser to deodorize or disinfect your home.
Add 5-10 drops frankincense essential oil to your diffuser and run at night to help with sleep issues.
Add 2 drops of frankincense essential oil to coconut oil for oil pulling as part of your daily oral hygiene.
Add 12 drops frankincence essential oil to 1 oz aloe vera gel for spot treating blemishes.
Add 10 drops frankincense essential oil to a teaspoon of rose hip oil and massage into scars or stretch marks.
Add 2-3 drops of frankincense essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and breathe deepling for relief from cold and flu symptoms, such as cough and congestion.
Add several drops frankincense to carrier oil and massage into sore joints or muscles. Diffuse or inhale to help decrease overall inflammation.
Warnings
Frankincense Essential Oil has no safety concerns.
Essential oils are highly concentrated, strong, and powerful liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully and properly. Essential oils can cause irritation when applied to the skin, even in diluted amounts. Use caution when using them. Please keep essential oils out of reach of children. Please do not use this essential oil on babies, toddlers, or children under the age of 2 years.
When I first began learning about Frankincense essential oil, apart from the pain-reliving qualities, I discovered it has amazing properties for skin care. When I was younger, I had very oily skin, and not understanding how to care for it, I often stripped the oils with harsh chemical skin care products. Now that I’m <ahem> not so young, and also deal with some skin issues related to autoimmune disease, taking care of my skin has become a priority for me.
I no longer have the oily skin of my youth; menopause took care of that. If you are peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal, I think you will find the following recipe helpful. But even if you are still dealing with some oily or combination skin, don’t be afraid to use great oils to care for it. Oil is not your enemy, and many oils actually help balance things out better than those harsh ingredients you may be using.
After some trial and error with a couple of different base oils, I am happy with this formula I am sharing today.
