Frankincense Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is still widely used today. There are many potential benefits of frankincense oil, including its ability to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve respiratory health. Frankincense oil is also said to boost the immune system, fight depression and anxiety, and promote healthy skin.

Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Boswellia Carterii

Common Names: Olibanum, Frankincense

Plant Family: Burseraceae

Countries of origin: Somalia, Oman, Yemen

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Parts Used: Resin

Absolute smell: Warm, woody, spicy

Absolute Color: Yellow to reddish brown

Viscosity: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends Well With: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, immunostimulant, sedative

Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, colds/flu, colic, Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, hair care, hemorrhoids, immunostimulant/booster, indigestion, inflammation (all types), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), mature skin care, nerve pain/damage, psoriasis, scars/stretch marks

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and for children under the age of two. Also avoid if you have gallstones or are about to undergo surgery.

Side Effects: Rare side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation.

Types: Carteri (Boswellia carterii), Frereana (Boswellia frereana), Sacra (Boswellia sacra)

Chemical Constituents: Alpha-pinene (11-17%), limonene (16-22%), camphene (trace-14%), beta-pinene (trace-12%), myrcene (trace-11%), alpha-thujene (trace-11%), sabinene (<11%), beta-phellandrene (<11%), terpinolene ( trace-16%), linalool (0.33-0.83%), terpinen-lolo (0.17-12.50%), octanol (<0.83%), incensole acetate (trace-0.50%), octyl acetate (trace-0.50%), dodecanol (0.33-0.50%), ledol (trace), terpineol (<0.17%), alpha-terpineol (trace), beta-terpineol (<0.17%), geraniol (<0.17%)

What is Frankincense?

Frankincense is an aromatic resin that is derived from the Boswellia tree. This tree is native to Somalia, Oman, and Yemen and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The resin is obtained by making incisions in the tree bark, which allows the sap to leak out and harden. Once hardened, the resin is then collected and steam distilled to create the essential oil.

Benefits

Frankincense oil health benefits include reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, relieving pain, and improving digestion. Additionally, it is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.

Frankincense essential oil for skin: Its ability to improve skin tone and elasticity, reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, and fight inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, makes it one of the best essential oils for skincare.

Frankincense essential oil for hair: It can also be used to improve hair health. It is said to stimulate hair growth, prevent dandruff, and soothe an itchy scalp.

Frankincense essential oil spiritual benefits: Frankincense has been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies for centuries. It is said to promote feelings of peace and calm, and can be used as an aid in meditation.

Uses

It can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusing it into the air, applying it topically to the skin, and taking it internally.

Internal Use

When taken internally, It is thought to help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. Do not take it internally without consulting your doctor. It may interact with other drugs.

Topical Use

When applied topically it helps reduce pain and inflammation. It can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

For bathing

To use frankincense essential oil in a bath, add five to ten drops of the oil to a warm bath. You can also add a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, to help the essential oil disperse evenly in the water.

Diffuser Blends

For stress and anxiety: Frankincense, lavender, and bergamot

For immunity: Frankincense, lemon, and eucalyptus

For inflammation: Frankincense, peppermint, and ginger

For pain relief: Frankincense, chamomile, and rosemary

For skin health: Frankincense, sandalwood, and lavender

For relaxation: Frankincense, ylang ylang, and jasmine

For focus: Frankincense, rosemary, and basil

Historical Use

Frankincense has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In ancient times, it was often used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, inflammation, and pain. Today, it is still used as a natural remedy for many of the same conditions.

For kids

It is generally considered safe for kids when used in low concentrations. However, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. It is also important to avoid giving frankincense essential oil to children under the age of six.

For Pets

It is safe for use on pets when diluted with a carrier oil. When applied topically, it can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It can also be diffused into the air to help improve digestion and boost immunity.

DIY recipes

Face Cream:

Ingredients:

-½ cup shea butter

-¼ cup coconut oil

-20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

Whip the shea butter and coconut oil together until light and fluffy. Add the essential oil and mix well. Apply to the face and neck as needed.

Body Butter:

Ingredients:

-½ cup cocoa butter

-¼ cup shea butter

-¼ cup coconut oil

-20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

Melt the cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil together. Remove from heat and stir in the essential oil. Pour into a jar and let cool. Apply to the body as needed.

Bath Bombs:

Ingredients:

-½ cup baking soda

-¼ cup citric acid

-¼ cup cornstarch

-½ tsp water

-20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

Mix the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and water together. Add the essential oil and mix well. Pack the mixture into silicone molds. Let dry for 24 hours before using.

Natural Sugar Scrub:

Ingredients:

-½ cup sugar

-¼ cup jojoba oil

-20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

Mix the sugar, jojoba oil, and essential oil together. Apply to the skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

Herbal Soap:

Ingredients:

-½ cup liquid castile soap

-¼ cup frankincense hydrosol

-20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

Mix the liquid castile soap, frankincense hydrosol, and essential oil together. Pour into a mold and let set for 24 hours. Cut into bars and use as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Frankincense–therapeutic properties

Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts

Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation, and Oral Health