Frankincense oil is one of the oils that has been used since ancient times as part of aromatherapy because it has a range of benefits including reducing stress, reducing pain and inflammation and improving immunity.
What is frankincense oil?
Frankincense oil comes from a tree called Boswellia serrata which is a tree native to India and produces special compounds that have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Frankincense oil benefits
- Helps boost immune system function
Studies have shown that frankincense benefits extend to its immune-boosting capabilities that may help destroy bacteria and viruses and even frankincense can help prevent some other dangerous diseases.
Because of the anti-bacterial benefits of frankincense, it helps in improving oral and dental health.
- Helps reduce stress
Inhaling frankincense oil is believed to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. It may also have anti-anxiety and depression-reducing abilities while at the same time it has no negative side effects and does not cause drowsiness.
- May reduce arthritis
Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation
Studies have also found that terpenes including boswellic acid, the most powerful anti-inflammatory compound in frankincense, helped reduce cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in lab mice with osteoarthritis.
It was also found that frankincense extract helped reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in humans.
- An astringent that kills harmful germs and bacteria
Frankincense is an antiseptic agent with antimicrobial effects, and it has the ability to naturally eliminate cold and flu germs from the home and body, and can be used in place of chemical household cleaners.
- Protects the skin and prevents signs of aging
Frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen the skin, improve its color and elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria, and reduce aging with age. It may help even out skin tone and firmness, and reduce the appearance of scars and acne.
- Helps sleep
Frankincense uses include lowering levels of anxiety and chronic stress that can keep you awake at night, as it has a calming scent that can help you fall asleep naturally.
Its scent also helps open the breathing passages and this helps in making your sleep stable and comfortable.
How to use frankincense oil
You can use frankincense essential oil for a body massage before bed, and it can be mixed with some other essential oils.
Note: Essential oils may be allergic to some people, so you should try it on a small area of skin first to make sure your skin is not sensitive to it.