Frankincense is known as “The King of Essential Oils” for many good reasons! It has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and powerful healing properties. Frankincense supports healthy cellular function, promotes relaxation and balanced moods, boosts the immune and respiratory systems, and supports smooth, healthy, beautiful skin.
When in doubt, use Frankincense!
Frankincense oil is used by inhaling the oil, taking it internally or absorbing it through the skin, usually mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. It’s believed that the oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. A little bit of oil goes a long way, and it should not be ingested in large quantities as it can be toxic.
I use Frankincense primarily in my hand-crafted skin care products for their amazing anti-aging qualities and during my quiet times of prayer and meditation. This combination keeps me grounded, healthy, young and clear minded. Frankincense (paired with meditation) is my fountain of youth!
Top 9 Frankincense Uses
1. Stress-Relieving Bath Soak
Frankincense oil immediately induces the feeling of peace, relaxation, and contentment. Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a hot bath for stress relief. You can also add frankincense to an oil diffuser to help ease anxiety and to create a peaceful vibe in your home all the time.
2. Natural Household Cleaner
Frankincense oil is an antiseptic, meaning it helps eliminate bacteria and viruses from your home. The plant has been commonly burned to help detoxify and disinfect indoor areas and is used as a natural deodorizer. Use it in an essential oil diffuser to help reduce indoor pollution, deodorize, and disinfect any room or surface in your home.
3. Natural Oral Hygiene Product
Because of its antiseptic properties, frankincense oil is a great addition to any oral hygiene regimen. Look for natural oral care products that contain frankincense oil, especially if you enjoy the aroma. It can help prevent dental health issues like tooth decay, bad breath, cavities, or oral infections. You can also consider making your own toothpaste by mixing frankincense oil with baking soda.
4. Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Reducer
Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging. Ancient Egyptians used frankincense as part of their embalming process for its preservation properties and in beauty rituals. I use it daily in my home-made moisturizer (Charlene’s Magic Moisturizer recipe). Be sure to always do a small patch area test first to test for possible allergic reactions.
5. Relieves Indigestion
If you have any digestive distress, such as gas, constipation, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, PMS or cramps, frankincense oil can help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. It helps speed up the digestion of food, similar to digestive enzymes. Add one to two drops of oil to eight ounces of water or to a tablespoon of honey for GI relief. If you’re going to ingest it orally, make sure it’s 100 percent pure essential oil. Do not ingest fragrance or perfume oils.
6. Scar, Wound, Stretch Mark or Acne Remedy
Frankincense oil can help with wound healing and can decrease the appearance of scars. It may also help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by acne blemishes, stretch marks, eczema, and help with the healing of surgical wounds. Mix two to three drops of oil with an unscented base oil like castor oil or apricot kernel oil, and apply directly to skin. Be careful not to apply it to broken skin, but it’s fine for skin that’s in the process of healing.
7. Natural Cold or Flu Medicine
Next time you have a respiratory infection from a cold or flu, use frankincense essential oil to help provide relief from coughing. It can help eliminate phlegm in the lungs. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory in the nasal passages, making breathing easier, even for those with allergies or asthma. Add a few drops to a cloth and inhale for the respiratory benefits, or use an oil diffuser.
8. Helps Relieve Inflammation and Pain
To improve circulation and lower symptoms of joint pain or muscle pain related to conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, and asthma, try massaging frankincense oil into the painful area or diffusing it in your home. You can add a drop of oil to steaming water and soak a towel in it, then place the towel on your body or over your face to inhale it to decrease muscle aches. Also, diffuse several drops in your home, or combine several drops with a carrier oil like castor oil to massage into your muscles, joints, feet, or neck.
9. Prayer & Meditation
Frankincense is my go-to for my spiritual practice. It began as a child during church, as frankincense was burned during Mass. Many religions use frankincense in their rituals. It opens the third eye and crown chakras, enabling a sense of peace, insight, knowing, and connection to Divine Intelligence. You can rub frankincense directly on your temples and between your brows. Diffuse a few drops while practicing yoga, sitting in meditation, or prayer. Inhale deeply as you diffuse for added health benefits and feel the energetic clarity happen!
Make sure you get the good stuff, so you don’t invite more toxins into your home. My favorite botanical provider is Mountain Rose Herbs for their quality and affordability. Check them out and get your Frankincense there.
Bonus: If Frankincense is beyond your current budget, use Elemi. I swear by it! It’s not called “poor man’s Frankincense” for nothing 🌿
