Frankincense is one of the oldest minerals in the world, and is so renowned, it was also mentioned in the Bible. It is known for its aromatic properties, but it is incredible for therapeutic healing.
Frankincense oil is sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree that’s commonly grown in Somalia. You can use the oil in a variety of ways, such as inhaling it, or massaging into the skin with a carrier oil such as shea butter or coconut oil.
If you’re purchasing a frankincense oil, avoid oils that say “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” as these can be synthetic and don’t provide the desired health benefits. Instead, look for oils that say “pure essential oil” or “100% essential oil” for the highest quality essential oils.
7 natural ways to use frankincense for common health issues:
1. Stress
If you’re feeling highly stressed, frankincense oil will immediately help you feel peaceful and relaxed. Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a hot bath or to an oil diffuser to help bringing a sense of calm to your home.
2. Tooth aches
Frankincense oil has wonderful antiseptic properties and can prevent dental health issues like tooth decay, bad breath, cavities, or oral infections.
3. Digestion
If you are suffering from any digestive issue such as gas, constipation, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome or indigestion, frankincense oil can help relieve it all. This is because it helps speed up the digestion of food. Simply add 1-2 drops of 100% frankincense essential oil to a cup of water.
4. Wounds
As we get older, wounds can heal much more slowly than when we were younger. This has a lot to do with skin elasticity and our blood, but frankincense can aid in the process. It may also help reduce the appearance of dark spots and help with healing of surgical wounds. Mix 2-3 drops of oil with a carrier oil or lotion and apply directly to skin. Do not apply to open wounds.
5. Colds and flus
Next time you have a cold or flu, use frankincense essential oil to help provide relief from coughing and wheezing, as well as loosening phlegm in the lungs. Add a few drops to your hankie and inhale throughout the day.
6. Arthritis pain
To improve circulation and reduce symptoms of your arthritis, try massaging frankincense oil to the painful area or diffusing it around your home. You can add a drop of oil to steaming water and soak a towel in it, then place the towel over your face to inhale it to decrease muscle aches. You can also combine several drops with a carrier oil to massage into your sore joints and muscles.
7. Insomnia
Putting a few drops of frankincense on your pillow can help you to fall asleep. It helps open breathing passages, which is great for snoring, and can relieve stress that may be keeping you up.