Surprising uses of frankincense oil


For centuries, essential oils have been in use for a lot of purposes ; spiritual, religious and medicinal. The oil is extracted from the leaves, stem, root and other parts and has been known especially in its use for aromatherapy. Frankincense oil is one of the most common oils used in aromatherapy and health issues.
It is common in the Middle East Region and was considered extremely valuable by the ancient Middle Easterners. The Egyptians used the leaves of frankincense for cosmetic purposes, to fumigate their homes and for religious purposes. The oil was also used for healing several conditions and to improve spiritual consciousness.
If you know your Bible stories well enough, Baby Jesus would have been the first thing on your mind when you saw “frankincense “. As the story goes, sojourning wise men gifted the oil to Baby Jesus after he was born.
Lots of studies confirm its amazing benefits, some of which we’ll be looking at.
Compiled below, is a list of the uses of frankinscence oil, and they include;

Relieves Stress

Frankincense possesses anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties that induce a relaxed feeling. The aroma calms the nerves, improving your intuition and helping you make clear-headed decisions in tough conditions . To use, add just a few drops of frankincense oil in an oil diffuser and let it work its magic.

Heals Skin and Prevents Signs of Aging

Frankincense has been found to strengthen the skin, tone it and improve its elasticity. It’s also been found to improve immunity against bacteria.
As a toner, it could help lift the skin and reduce acne and scar visibility while also taking care of wounds. You could also use it for other skin problems like dry skin, stretch marks, surgery scars, cracked skin and the likes.
A review states that frankincense is able to decrease skin irritation and redness, and produces a greater skin tone. According to studies, the soothing effect of frankincense oil on irritated skin is as a result of its pentacyclic triterpene structure.

Improves Memory

Research suggests your learning functions and memory can be improved by frankincense oil. Animal studies reveal that when frankincense is used for a pregnant mother, the offspring’s memory could be increased. For example, one study was carried out on pregnant rats in which they were orally given frankincense. It was found that the learning power and memory of the offspring was tremendously improved.

Eases Digestion

Digestive problems could be handled with frankinscence. It helps produce bowel movements and helps in detoxification. It may also relieve pain, cramping and nausea and also flush excess water out of the abdomen. This water is often what leads to bloating.
Frankincense oil has also been found to be able to relieve PMS related stomach pains.
Its ability to do this stems from the fact that it speeds up digestive enzyme secretion, relaxes the digestive tract muscles and increases urination production while also boosting blood circulation. As a result of these characteristics, it has been proven effective in treating ulcerative colitis, chronic colitis, leaky gut syndrome, IBS and Crohn’s disease.

Promotes Good Sleep

Frankincense oil has an aroma that possesses a soothing effect that is great for relieving stress, nervousness and anxiety. As a result of this ability, it helps you fall asleep faster and makes you sleep better, without interruptions.
To use, put four drops of the essential oil in a tissue paper and place it beneath your pillow. You’ll find that you’re well-rested by the time you’re up the next day.

Boosts Immunity

According to several studies, frankincense essential oil has antimicrobial properties that are useful in combating infections from fungi, bacteria and viruses. It protects the mouth and skin from infection and also helps the body generally fight against infections.

Reduces Inflammation

Boswellic acids are ingredients found in the frankinscence oil which makes it effective in treating pains, inflammations and other problems linked to the muscles, tendons and joints. Studies sag that the oil inhibits the production of important inflammatory molecules that are associated with illnesses like arthritis, painful bowel disorders and others. Frankincense oil’s anti-inflammatory nature is effective in preventing cartilage tissue breakdown. As a result of these amazing abilities, it’s one of the go-to essential oils for inflammatory problems.

Fights Oral Infections

As a result of frankinscence oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial characteristic, it is useful in preventing bad breath, toothaches, mouth sores, gingivitis, cavities, etc. If you think you have an oral infection, you should see a doctor. You can also mix a few drops of frankincense oil and a teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water and have a mouth rinse with it thrice a day. This will keep your oral health intact.

Natural Cold or Flu Medicine

Frankincense oil could be used to treat cold or flu. If you have a cough, frankincense oil can help provide relief and get rid of phlegm in the lungs.
This is also effective for people with allergies, asthma or people whose nasal passages are inflamed.
To use for this purpose, add a few drops of the essential oil in a clean cloth and simply inhale. You could also go for an oil diffuser if you prefer that.

Frankincense Interactions/Side Effects

Frankincense essential oil is well-tolerated, sometimes even better than prescribed medications. While lots of studies have been carried out, not one serious side effect has been detected. However, it’s still safe you stick to the essential oil safety and only ingest a few drops of the oil at a time, either in a beverage or in water. It’s very rare that frankincense causes any major problems. For all we know, there are just minor side effects like minor rashes, little stomach pains and nausea.
It is also known to have blood-thinning effects, so if you have blood clotting problems, it’s best you speak with a doctor first before use or not use at all. If you use without medical overseeing, the oil could react negatively with anticoagulant medications and that could be a major problem for you.

So far, these are all of the side effects we have information on.


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