Frankincense is an essential oil that can be used for a variety of reasons for wellbeing which stands out from the rest. It is made up of elements called Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes which are the most valuable elements of the oil. Other constituents include alpha-pinene, octanol, linalool, octyl acetate, bornyl acetate, incensole and incensyl acetate.
Monoterpenes are good for your health as they work
in the liver and kidneys. They help lower cholesterol activity in the liver. Also,
monoterpenes have antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumour2 and
expectorant properties. Secondly Sesquiterpenes may cross the blood-brain
barrier which can help stimulate the limbic system. The limbic system is the
emotional centre of your brain, and stimulates antibodies, serotonin,
endorphins and neurotransmitters. All this makes you a healthier person.
Frankincense oil is nontoxic and generally won’t irritate
your skin but it is always important to test it before using the oil undiluted
straight on your body. It’s a good idea to dilute the oil with a carrier oil
such as almond or jojoba.
What are the health benefits?
Some of the health benefits of this oil can include
the speeding up of healing a wound, helping with the appearance of stretch
marks, age spots and wrinkles. It can help to reduce inflammation and
inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma, it reduces
stress hormones, boosts your immune function and it can help improve your oral
health. It does this by preventing bad breath, cavities, toothaches, mouth
sores and infections. Frankincense can also help to support women’s uterine
health, by regulating oestrogen production and menstrual cycles in
premenopausal women. It also helps remove skin tags, helps promote sleep,
improves digestion, and helps with digestive issues such as chronic colitis,
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Frankincense can also help with respiratory
issues like the common cold, allergies, asthma and bronchitis. It helps as it reduces
phlegm build-up and congestion. It may also help fight cancer.
How to Use Frankincense
You can use essential oils in a few different ways.
You can apply a drop or two of the frankincense onto your pulse points while meditating
or doing yoga. Frankincense can be used undiluted, but there are other oils
that must be diluted with a carrier oil. If you have sensitive skin though
always dilute the oil. Another way to use the oils is to add a drop or two to a
teaspoon of a carrier oil such as Moringa Oil or Coconut oil. Or you can put a
few drops into a bath and soak in it. Your body may also absorb some of the oil
this way. To stop the oil from separating from the water and floating to the surface,
mix the oil with a small amount of full-fat milk. You can also add a few drops
of the oil to a hot compress or you can put the oil into a diffuser or
vaporiser. Make sure you have one made specifically for essential oils and
don’t add the oils to a standard humidifier.