OIL SPOTLIGHT | TOP USES AND BENEFITS OF FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Essential oils have been such a part of our lives, making their way into our natural medicine cabinet and the first thing I reach for when we’ve got a cut, bug bite, or ailment. Frankincense essential oil is one that has always piqued my curiosity.

It’s an oil that usually has a higher price tag, and has been considered the gift of kings since Biblical times. But it’s popularity is for a good reason, boasting so many uses, both topically, aromatically and therapeutically.

The benefits of it being a disinfectant, antiseptic, expectorant, astringent, digestive, anti-inflammatory and diuretic make it a great addition to your essential oil collection. Today I’m sharing some great common – and not so common – uses for Frankincense essential oil!

Frankincense Essential Oil as a Stress Reliever. 

How to use it:

Just a drop or two of this oil can go a really long way in relieving stress.

Using on your temples or dilute in a carrier oil and rub on the back of your neck to help handle stress. Rub a little oil between the palms of your hand and take a deep breath to promote a sense of calm.

Diffuse the oil to battle anxiety and promote relaxation and when diffusing in your bedroom, take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out of your mouth to fall asleep quickly and soundly.

Add a few drops to a hot bath for a relaxing soak. If you prefer a shower to melt away stress, add a few drops to a washcloth and breathe in the soothing aroma once the hot water hits the cloth.

If you get restless legs when laying down or relaxing, apply Frankincense to the bottom of your feet, and rub into palms, cup hands, and inhale deeply to relax your body and mind.

Related: Check out these top must try essential oil diffuser recipes that will make your home smell amazing, clean the air, and boost immunity too!

Frankincense Essential Oil for the Skin. 

How to use it:

After a wound or cut has healed, Frankincense can help fade scars – apply to the affected areas to promote skin healing.

You can also use to reduce the visibility of stretch marks by rubbing directly onto the stretch marks several times a day.

Frankincense essential oil is also a powerful astringent, which means it can help protect skin cells. Apply directly to the problem areas to help reduce acne blemishes and prevent wrinkles. If you’re noticing sagging skin in the abdomen, neckline, or other areas, apply daily to help tighten skin and naturally slow the signs of aging.

Add a drop of Frankincense essential oil to your moisturizer morning and night, or make your own Glow Oil Roller! You can mix at a 50/50 (MAX) ratio in a roller bottle with a non-comedogenic carrier oil, like grapeseed, hempseed, or sweet almond oil, to ease application. I would always do a patch test first for possible allergic reactions.

Some noncomedogenic oils have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also contain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. This may make them especially beneficial, whether used alone or as an ingredient.

healthline

You can reduce swelling and discomfort from insect bites by placing a drop on the bite several times a day.

Because of its antiseptic properties, Frankincense also helps to speed up wound healing including burns, scrapes, and cuts and keeps infection at bay. Make a healing salve or put a few drops of lavender oil on the wound followed by a few drops of Frankincense.

Frankincense Essential Oil for Natural Hygiene. 

How to use it:

Due to its antiseptic properties, Frankincense oil is a great addition to so many hygiene regimens.

I use it in our simple and easy deodorant recipe.

Combine Frankincense, coconut oil, and baking soda to make your own chemical-free all-natural toothpaste to help keep bad breath, canker sores, toothaches and cavities at bay.

Massage directly onto gums near the source of pain for painful gums or toothaches.

You can use Frankincense essential oil to make an amazing natural healing salve and update your natural medicine cabinet as well.

Frankincense Essential Oil is a Pain Reliever. 

How to use it:

Because Frankincense can act as an anti-inflammatory; add a few drops to a carrier oil or base salve, and rub into affected areas for relief.

This oil helps inhibit the production of key inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like arthritis, asthma, the pain of IBS, and so many other conditions.

Heat a towel in steaming water with a drop of oil and place the towel on the affected area or over your face to inhale it and decrease muscle aches.

Also diffuse several drops in your home to aid in relief, especially for headaches and tension.

For stomach pain and issues like gas, constipation, IBS, PMS or cramps, swallow a drop of Frankincense combined with 1 tablespoon of honey to find relief. It helps speed up the digestion of food, similar to a digestive enzyme. If you do choose to ingest an oil orally, make sure it is 100% pure.

Related: Check out our list of the most effective pain relieving oils and how to use them!

Frankincense Essential Oil for Maternity and Baby. 

How to use it:

I’ve used Frankincense on all my babies from birth as it can be one of the most grounding, calming, and yet gentle oils when used properly. I still use it post-bath as a massage oil for Aria and because it helps to heal broken skin, irritation, and prevent scarring, it was so helpful for a speedy recovery after birth in a perineal spray.

Related: Don’t miss this post on how to make your own natural and effective diaper cream for baby!

Frankincense Essential Oil for Health and Immunity. 

How to use it:

Massage into feet and diffuse through the home to boost immunity – especially useful during cold and flu season.

But if you’re already battling a cold or flu, use Frankincense to help with relief from coughing. Inhaling Frankincense can relax your breathing passages and lower congestion and phlegm in the sinuses, throat, and lungs. Inhale, diffuse, or place a few drops in hot water to inhale the steam for relief.

You can also help bring balance to hormones by using Frankincense aromatically, so again, inhale, diffuse or apply to chest to keep the aroma near you and reduce symptoms like pain, cramps, constipation, headaches, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings.

Because Frankincense is an antiseptic and disinfectant, it has the ability to eliminate cold and flu germs from the home as well and can be used in natural homemade household cleaners.