Frankincense, a resin from tree sap, is used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce stress, support respiratory and digestive health, and improve skin condition, while its woody scent promotes relaxation, focus, and spiritual grounding. It's often diffused, applied topically (diluted), or used in incense for its mood-lifting, pain-relieving, and healing effects, though scientific evidence varies by use.
Beyond its captivating fragrance, recent studies have started to unveil the remarkable therapeutic potential of frankincense for both mind and body. Frankincense essential oil is now well-known for promoting a sense of peace and well-being, making it an excellent addition to meditation and yoga practices.
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.
One study found that the compounds found in frankincense prevent your body from making leukotrienes, which cause bronchial (throat) muscles to constrict in people who have asthma.
Frankincense and myrrh are ancient resins with significant spiritual symbolisms across various religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Paganism. Historically, they are considered extensive aids to intensifying concentration, devotion, and prayer, symbolizing spiritual awakening and purification.
Frankincense was given to Jesus by the Magi as a symbolic gift, primarily representing His deity, divinity, and priestly role, as it was burned in Jewish temples as a sacred offering to God, signifying holiness and Jesus's role as a mediator between God and humanity, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice and worship. While gold symbolized kingship and myrrh foreshadowed His death, frankincense specifically pointed to His divine nature, marking Him as God, not just a king.
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.
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.
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.
It can be used cosmetically, medicinally, and for eliminating surface and airborne bacteria. Pregnant women and individuals with bleeding disorders are warned that Frankincense is an emmenagogue that has blood thinning effects, which may increase their risk of irregular bleeding.
Helps Relieve Inflammation and Pain
Also diffuse several drops in your home, or combine several drops with a carrier oil to massage into your muscles, joints, feet or neck.
Known for its biblical connotations, this right here is frankincense resin and the oil that's extracted from this is referred to as nature's Botox because of its ability to help firm and tighten your skin without the need for injections.
HOW TO USE: This balm is meant to be applied to your chest, neck or under your nose to enjoy its fragrance and aromatherapy benefits, however, you can apply this balm anywhere on your body that you desire, as long as it's not on your lips or near your eyes.
Frankincense suits all skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and combination skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing redness and irritation, while its astringent properties help to balance oil production and reduce breakouts.
It might cause skin irritation in some people. When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is possibly safe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
Frankincense blends well with most woods and floral's and is a very versatile oil in blends. Frankincense also blends well with Basil, Black Pepper, Galbanum, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange, Melissa, Patchouli, Pine and Sandalwood.
You do not want to mix together oils that have the opposite effect. For example, lavender is encouraged for relaxation. You would not want to mix this with peppermint, which is often used to boost your energy.
Frankincense oil has been found to distinguish cancerous cells from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability. However, frankincense smoke produces a psychoactive substance, trahydrocannabinole, which helps to expand consciousness.
A large study found that older adults who took vitamin D had a 40% lower chance of developing dementia than those who didn't. You can get vitamin D from food like fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified milk.
In modern magical traditions, frankincense is often used as a purifier – burn the resin to cleanse a sacred space, or use the essential oils* to anoint an area that needs to be purified.
Add a few drops to your diffuser or create your own easy DIY pillow spray to get a refreshing sleep. To make your own pillow spray: Combine 3 drops of Ollie's Somali Frankincense oil with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix it in a spray bottle and shake right before use!
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.
People with certain health conditions should consult healthcare providers before using frankincense, particularly those with: Bleeding disorders. Autoimmune conditions. Hormone-sensitive conditions.