The benefits of frankincense oil have long been known. It gets its name from the term "franc encens" meaning "high quality incense" in French and is one of the most popular essential oils in NZ.
What Is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense oil is taken from the distilled resin of the Frankincense tree. The substance has a milky white look to it and typically grows in dry mountainous areas.
Frankincense has a distinct woody, highly spiced odour and may be inhaled using an oil diffuser, absorbed via the skin, steeped in tea or taken as a supplement. Many people swear by it and love that it is easily available to them worldwide.
Frankincense Oil Benefits
There are many benefits that Frankincense oil provides. People love that they can get all these just from this one type of oil without mixing and matching with other essential oils.
1. May reduce Arthritis
Frankincense seems to have anti-inflammatory properties and numerous studies have examined the potential benefits in reducing joint inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cardiff scientists believe they have been able to demonstrate that treatment with an extract of Boswellia frereana -- a rare frankincense species -- inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules which helps prevent the breakdown of the cartilage tissue which causes the condition.
2. May Improve Gut Function
Frankincense also speeds up the secretion of digestive enzymes, assisting digestive system detox as well as helping to soothe the gut lining. For those with irritated digestive systems, frankincense can be essential to producing regular bowel movements, relieving discomfort, flushing out excess water and reducing occasional cramping and bloating.
3. May Improve Asthma
Traditional medicine has used frankincense to treat bronchitis and asthma for centuries. Research suggests that its compounds may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause your bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma.
Frankincense essential oil is an ideal agent for asthma, as it is both calming and supportive to the respiratory tract. A small placebo controlled study in adults reported that subjects taking Boswellia had fewer asthma exacerbations and improved lung function.
4. May improve Oral Health Maintenance
When it comes to oral health, Frankincense oil will assist in keeping it in check. People love how it helps their gums and reduces the likelihood of getting cavities. It will also help with freshening the breath so that people aren't embarrassed at the way theirs smells. The boswellic acids it provides appear to have strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent and treat oral infections.
5. May reduce Anxiety
Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a musky, sweet aroma that’s thought to ease anxiety. According to a 2008 study, an aromatherapy hand massage using a blend of frankincense, lavender, and bergamot improved anxiety, depression, and pain in people with terminal cancer.
A study by South Korea’s Department of Nursing at Keimyung University showed that, when used with massage, frankincense reduced anxiety and depression among patients. Aside from that, many have used frankincense to quiet the mind and deepen meditative practice.
6. May Stimulate The Immune System
Frankincense essential oil also helps to stimulate the immune system. This will help to ward off colds and the flu. Not only can frankincense help to constrain harmful microorganisms, but the boswellic acids are also able to support the immune system, thereby creating a strong defense against infections, injury, inflammation, and associated health conditions.
7. May Strengthen Skin and Prevent Signs of Aging
When Frankincense is used as an ingredient in skin-care products it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, relieve dry skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, age spots and scars.
8. May Act as a Sleep Aid and Assist a Great Nights Sleep
Frankincense is a wonderful sleep aid because of its aromatherapeutic benefits. It is said to help relieve stress and promote relaxation. Place a few drops of oil in your oil diffuser or into your hands, rub your palms together, and inhale before laying down to sleep by following these DIY Essential Oil Blends.
Frankincense is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. This resin may benefit asthma and arthritis, as well as gut and oral health. It may even have cancer-fighting properties.
Something we always stress is essential oils are safely used in low doses and should be used with care. We always suggest consulting your family doctor regarding use of our essential oils around babies and pregnancy and suggest contacting your local vet if you are considering using around pets especially cats and dogs as some oils can be toxic.
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