As one of the oldest known essential oils, frankincense is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, from asthma to the common cold.
Frankincense has a woody, spicy smell and can be inhaled through aromatherapy, absorbed through the skin, or taken as a supplement.
In this article, I will cover some key information about frankincense essential oil and its uses as well as some safety information you should know.
Keep reading to find out more.
8 powerful uses for frankincense essential oil
May improve cold and flu symptoms
If you’re struggling with a cold, frankincense essential oil could relieve the symptoms. This comes down to the fact that frankincense has incredible antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties – all of which can alleviate the symptoms of your cold or flu.
Additionally, frankincense is great for reducing stubborn coughs or respiratory issues, including asthma, as I go into in more detail below.
Improves asthma
If you struggle with asthma, then frankincense essential oil could significantly help to improve your breathing. Traditional medicine has used frankincense to treat bronchitis and asthma for centuries.
It has been suggested by a variety of studies that the compounds found in frankincense may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma. As a result, frankincense essential oil could help to alleviate your symptoms.
Maintains oral health
Frankincense essential oil may help improve oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. Bearing this in mind, frankincense oil is a perfect addition to a daily routine because thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which may help prevent and treat oral infections.
If you’re struggling with an infection, using natural toothpaste that contains frankincense or placing a drop of frankincense essential oil in your toothpaste may decrease sources of infection in the mouth.
May relieve joint and muscle pain
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term inflammation, especially when it occurs in multiple areas of the body, is associated with a wide range of health issues, such as arthritis. Frankincense essential oil is a great holistic option for fighting muscle aches and joint pain caused by arthritis.
Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense.
For sore muscles or joints, simply combine several drops of frankincense oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil to massage into the problem area. This could relieve your joint and muscle pain.
May reduce scars and stretch marks
When used topically, frankincense essential oil can aid wound healing and may decrease the appearance of scars. It may also help decrease the appearance of noticeable stretch marks.
To apply frankincense essential oil, take two to three drops of frankincense with equal parts of a carrier oil to dilute it. In this instance, coconut oil or a lotion would work, but it depends on your preference. Once you’ve mixed the two together, apply the mixture directly to the skin and moisturize it in.
Can kill harmful germs and bacteria
Frankincense acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant agent that has been known to display antimicrobial effects. It may even be used in place of chemical household cleaners.
Using it in an essential oil diffuser can also help to cleanse the air, especially if you or your household has recently been sick. Not only will it disinfect areas of your home or office, but frankincense essential oil acts as a natural deodorizer with its refreshing scent.
It may have anticancer properties
Studies show that frankincense may have anticancer effects. Studies have shown that the boswellic acids it contains might prevent cancer cells from spreading.
Some evidence suggests that frankincense might target cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
That being said, research into this is still relatively new and needs to be expanded for significant evidence of this being the case in humans.
May reduce indigestion and heartburn
You can try inhaling frankincense essential oil to alleviate the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. You can do this in a diffuser or straight from the bottle. Alternatively, if you don’t have time to set up a diffuser, you can try a few methods.
- Breathe deeply while hovering over a few drops of essential oil on a cloth napkin or towel.
- You could place a couple of drops in a bowl of warm water and hover over it with a towel on your head.
However, you should know that essential oils are incredibly potent. A drop or two is enough to diffuse scents throughout a room and you shouldn’t go overboard with frankincense essential oil.
Alternatively, you could try massaging the diluted oil on your chest, belly, or back can help relax the overactive digestive system.
Other essential oils that may help you are peppermint and lavender.
Safety tips when using frankincense essential oil
- People should never swallow an essential oil, and they should always dilute it with a carrier, for example, almond oil, before applying it to the skin.
- Frankincense is known to have blood-thinning effects. Bearing this in mind, people with problems related to blood clotting should not use frankincense before consulting with their health care provider.
- Inhaling essential oils in large quantities or for long periods of time may cause issues such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. When using frankincense oil, make sure that it’s in moderation.
- Some individuals may experience irritation or an allergic reaction when applying frankincense essential oil to the skin. You should always do a skin patch test before using any new essential oil.
- If you’re pregnant or have a serious medical condition, you shouldn’t use essential oils without consulting your doctor.
In summary
There are many uses for frankincense essential oil and it has been used in medicine throughout history.
Always make sure that you check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant before using frankincense essential oil.
Remember that a little essential oil goes a long way! Be mindful and only use a few drops at a time.
