Frankincense oil is probably one of the most mysterious essential oils. It hasn’t always been. Frankincense has been around since 7,000 BC so our ancestors understood all of its benefits; however in recent years it’s fallen out of favor because of new fragrances, new drugs, and new ways of doing things. Also, the price might keep a few people away. I had to look twice at the price when I first saw how much this oil sold for compared to other oils. Yikes. Turns out though, the process and the amount of resin that needs to be harvested warrants the price. Then truth be told, since you only use a drop or two for any one application it really is a bargain if you can eliminate some of those new drugs or new fragrances.
Perhaps adding to the mystery of this oil is its fame. Frankincense was one of the oils brought to the baby Jesus by the 3 wise men. Even back then it was almost worth its weight in gold. At this point I might say that Frankincense might not cure cancer but it’s tried and true for many things that might ail you and if you had nothing else this oil would be a great asset to have. Then I came across an article where they actually are researching frankincense because it could help cure cancer. So, yeah, probably a good oil to have in your arsenal.
I wish I could share a ton of stories about how I use this oil. I’ve provided a few blends that I use below, but honestly because of its expense I’m just getting started with it. If you’ve been reading my blog you know I’m pretty frugal, so no surprise there. I went ahead and took the plunge after doing a lot of research, you can see from the picture above. Yup, that’s my bottle of frankincense oil. Another great thing is Spark Naturals makes it a little less painful on the pocketbook and they have a 5ml bottle that is reasonably priced so you don’t have to buy a huge bottle to try it.
Blends Well With:
Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cinnamon Bark, Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Wild Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang
Plant Parts Used:
The dried sap or resin of the Boswellia Sacra tree.
Extraction:
Frankincense Oil is extracted through steam distillation.
How To Use Frankincense Oil
Health
Compress—Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of frankincense oil. Then place on sore muscles or over your head for a headache.
Relieves Minor Congestion—If you have a stuffy nose or a minor cough diffusing a few drops of frankincense can help clear your head and ease your cough.
Joint and Muscle Pain/Arthritis –Add a few drops of frankincense to a massage oil and apply to painful joints or muscles.
Immune Booster—Because frankincense has antiseptic properties it can help boost your immune system. Diffuse a few drops if you feel a cold coming on or you’re in the middle of flu season.
Helps with Stretch Marks and Scars—Frankincense has been used for centuries to help fade scars and stretch marks. Place a few drops in a massage oil or carrier oil and apply to effected area.
Improves Digestion—Frankincense helps remove built-up gas in the intestines. Place a drop in a glass of water and drink.
Mood
Meditation—Frankincense has been used for centuries as a calming oil and is thought to open the mind and increase understanding. Diffuse a few drops and try meditating for a few minutes each morning to focus your mind on your day.
Stress and Anxiety—Frankincense is known as natural sedative and can help calm the mind. Rub a few drops of oil mixed in a carrier oil on the back of the neck when you feel anxious or simply inhale the aroma of the oil.
Cleaning/Other
Antiseptic—Frankincense can be added to homemade soap or other homemade cleaners to help kill germs.
Air Freshener—Frankincense has been used for it’s pleasant smell for centuries. Diffuse a few drops to make a house smell fresh and clean.
Perfume—Apply a drop or two of Frankincense mixed with a carrier oil in the same places you would apply perfume. It’s much healthier for your skin than artificial perfume.
Blends
Grounding Blend
Diffuse:
3 drops Frankincense Oil
1 drop White Fir Oil
1 drop Lime Oil
Bath Blend for Dry Skin
1 part Rose Geranium Oil
1 part Tea Tree Oil
1 part Rosemary Oil
2 parts Lavender Oil
2 parts Frankincense Oil
Skin Cream
(Mix all of the following ingredients)
1 T Aloe Vera Gel
1/8 C Distilled Water
1 T Beeswax
1/8 C Lanolin
3 drops Frankincense Oil
1 drops Lemon Oil
1/8 cup + 2 tsp Jojoba Oil
Headache Relief Blend
(Use a mixing bottle to create this blend)
30 drops Peppermint Oil
30 drops Lavender Oil
10 drops Frankincense Oil
10 drops Wintergreen Oil
10 drops Birch Oil
Place a few drops mixed with a carrier oil on forehead and back of neck.
Cautions:
There are no known side effects to using Frankincense, however, pregnant women should not use this oil because it is an emenagogue (an oil that stimulates blood flow in the uterus) and an astringent.
Don’t forget that I highly recommend Spark Naturals for all your essential oil needs and when you use coupon code AWCOW you’ll get 10% off your purchase. Click here to order their frankincense oil.
