In a world filled with toxic chemicals everywhere you turn, essential oils are a trusted alternative to most of these chemical-filled products. They have been used for centuries by various cultures around the world. Today I am going to dive into one oil in particular that I personally use every single day and have leaned on in many different situations: Therapeutic grade Frankincense essential oil.
Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula for around six thousand years. The essential oil itself is known as “holy anointing oil” in the Middle East and is used to deepen meditative states and spirituality as well as religious ceremonies. The name Frankincense is derived from the medieval French word for “real incense.” Frankincense oil is made from the gummy sap on the boswellia tree, which lives exclusively in the harsh and arid lands on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. The resin leaks from the cut bark and hardens when it hits the air. It is then scraped off the trunk of the tree and steamed to yield the essential oils. It was one of the gifts given to Christ on the day of His birth, and was “used to treat every conceivable ill known to man.” That is why it was also a luxury item that was valued more than gold in ancient times.
In today’s world, frankincense oil is known to be an immunostimulant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighter as well as an amazing skincare product. This is thanks to boswellic acid, which has been shown in numerous studies to help fight inflammation in muscles and joints. And when it comes to skincare, the same anti-inflammatory properties also help to close pores and tighten the skin, leaving your skin vibrant and clean. Additionally, frankincense has potent antibacterial properties: a study published in the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences found that it’s even effective against E.coli and S.pneumoniae. On skin, frankincense inhibits the growth of “bad” bacteria to re-balance and clear blemishes.
So how do you use frankincense? What are the easiest ways to incorporate it into your everyday life? An essential oil diffuser is an easy way to get the aromatic benefits of frankincense and help refresh the smell in your home. One of the fastest and easiest ways to get a shot of this miracle worker into your life is by pouring a few drops into the palm of your hand, rubbing your hands together, and cupping them over your nose to get a big ‘ole whiff. The oil is sent straight through your nose and to your brain for a seemingly instant release of tension. You can also add the oil with other oils and a carrier oil into a roller ball bottle. This will dilute all the oils a bit and allow for an easy on-the-go application throughout your day. Roller ball bottles are my favorite thing to make. They are quick to make and last a long time! If you want to use Frankincense for its skin care benefits, you can easily make face serums and lotions infused with the oil.
I personally love how this essential oil smells. Smelling it diffused in my house is enough to help me relax and become happier. I am someone that is always battling with anxiety and OCD thoughts and tendencies. This oil helps remind me to slow down and breathe. That being said, I love to pair it with the Stress Away blend made by Young Living or lavender essential oil. This promotes a healthy mental state for me almost instantly. It’s an extremely versatile oil, and has proven time and time again to keep me away from antidepressants as well as medications like Aleve and Tylenol.
If you would like to try some recipes on your own time, I have included some of my favorites below:
Daily Face Serum:
Yields: one 15mL dropper bottle
– 20 drops Sweet Almond Oil
– 10 drops of Frankincense
– 10 drops of Lavender
– Fill the rest of the bottle with a base of Grapeseed oil
Breast Health:
Yields: one 10mL roller ball bottle
– 20 drops of Frankincense
– 10 drops of Rosemary
– 10 drops of Lavender
– Fill the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil base like Grapeseed oil
Easy Frankincense Infused Lotion:
Yields: one bottle of lotion
– Simply take the lotion you use daily (you want to choose one that isn’t scented)
– Add 1-2 drops of Frankincense to your daily application of lotion
– Mix together with your hands and apply
Perhaps you don’t have the time or patience to create your own blends and roller ball bottles al the time. No biggie! Here are some ready-made store bought products that are easily accessible and infused with Frankincense oil:
CornerstoneHomestead Frankincense Boo Boo Salve*:
A great alternative to over-the-counter medicine for the small aches and pains.
This salve is sold in 2oz tins and sold for around five dollars. It is a great product at a great price. A little bit goes a long way with this stuff and helps with any inflammation you may be experiencing. *This product contains beeswax for those of you who avoid all bee products. At Peaceful Dumpling, we advocate for organic, local, and sustainably harvested bee products as an ethical alternative because a plant-based diet would be impossible without beekeeping-dependent crops.
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter:
Say goodbye to dry and dull skin with this amazing lotion!
This 4oz jar of shea butter is infused with Frankincense and Myrrh. Promoting vibrantly moisturized skin. It is also effective in free radical damage protection. Shea butter goes on thick. You do not need a lot of this stuff to get the deep moisturizer you are looking for.
RootedEarth Anti-Aging Serum:
This is a healthy natural alternative to all of the chemically packed skin care products in the market today.
This serum is infused with Lemon, Rose and Frankincense oils among others. Helping to even out discoloration and scarring. As well as nourishing and moisturizing for healthy skin. It comes in a 1oz cobalt blue dropper for around fifteen dollars.
Have you tried frankincense essential oil for beauty and wellness?
Also by Lindsey: Vegan Spicy Curry Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli
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Photo: Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash; Young Living, Etsy, Pinterest, and Amazon
