The five key benefits of frankincense, supported by both traditional use and modern research (primarily in lab and animal studies), are its ability to fight inflammation, support skin health, improve mood and reduce anxiety, aid digestion, and support respiratory health.
Applying frankincense oil to the soles of your feet is a traditional practice that may help you feel more balanced and calm, especially before rest.
While frankincense oil can be applied to skin, direct application of undiluted essential oil is generally not recommended due to its high concentration and potential for causing skin irritation, allergic reactions, or chemical burns.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in your brain and unleash your memory. Frankincense is also associated with limbic system function—the part of the brain that's in charge of your fight or flight response.
Frankincense has been used for centuries as a remedy to treat ulcers, dysentery, asthma, diabetes, vomiting, tumors, and chronic inflammatory diseases including osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel [3,4]. Frankincense is composed of essential oil (5–9 %), gum (20–23 %), and resin (60 %).
Those with bleeding disorders or those on anti-coagulant medications are warned that Frankincense has blood thinning effects that may increase their risk of irregular bleeding.
Derived from the resin of Boswellia trees, Frankincense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, skincare, and holistic healing. Known for its earthy, calming aroma, Frankincense promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports emotional balance.
Vitamin D supplements are linked to a significant reduction in dementia risk, with a major study showing users had a 40% lower incidence of developing dementia compared to non-users, particularly benefiting older adults, with even greater effects seen in women and those without existing cognitive issues. This reduction highlights Vitamin D's role in brain health, possibly by clearing amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's.
You Miss Out on Sleep
You do a few things you know you shouldn't -- we all do. But some of those bad habits can take a toll on your brain. For example, lack of sleep may be a cause of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It's best to have regular sleeping hours.
Donanemab, like lecanemab, is a type of drug called a monoclonal antibody. Antibodies form part of our immune system and bind to harmful proteins to destroy them. Donanemab contains antibodies that bind to a protein called amyloid, which builds up in the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Also diffuse several drops in your home, or combine several drops with a carrier oil to massage into your muscles, joints, feet or neck.
Frankincense oil is not only effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines but also in protecting and strengthening the skin's barrier. The skin barrier is essential for keeping moisture in and harmful environmental pollutants out.
What to mix with frankincense oil for skin? Excellent carrier oil options are jojoba oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, and rosehip oil. For a fragrant synergy, combine frankincense with other essential oils such as lavender for soothing relaxation or geranium for balancing the skin's oil production.
Boswellia serrata is a popular variety known for its anti-ageing and calming properties, while Boswellia carterii is known to be especially helpful for skin conditions like acne and eczema.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
If you tend to run hot at night (or in general), coconut is a good choice. If you tend to have cold feet, sunflower or sesame work well. If you're not sure which oil to use, sesame or castor oil generally work for most people; experiment to see what works for you.
The cause of roughly 70% of all dementia cases is Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, leading to memory loss and impaired thinking that interferes with daily life, making it the most common form of dementia.
Many habits contribute to poor brain health, but four areas can have the most influence. They are too much sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress.
The vitamins that support overall brain wellness include B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, as well as vitamin D and vitamin E. These nutrients contribute to cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Many foods — blueberries, leafy greens, and curcumin (found in the spice turmeric), to name a few — have been studied for their potential cognitive benefit. These foods have been thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or other properties that might help protect the brain.
By the age of 75-80, 40% of people have a diminished ability to absorb food-bound B12, says Mason. This deficiency leads to a decline in nerve health, particularly in the spine and brain, which can contribute to the risk of developing dementia in older adults.
Frankincense was a gift for a priest, since it was mixed with oil and used to anoint priests. In Jesus' day, frankincense was used as an offering of thanksgiving and praise to God in temple worship. The final gift was myrrh, a gift for the Savior.
Frankincense is one of the most sacred essential oils for spirituality. It has been used in different spiritual rituals and ceremonies – for healing, cleansing and enlightenment – in many different cultures, for thousands of years. It helps to increase our faith and connection to higher self.
In the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture, frankincense plays a central role in religious and cultural traditions. Revered as a sacred incense, it is burned in temples, mosques, and homes to purify the air, ward off evil spirits, and invoke blessings from the divine.