Frankincense is best known for its biblical ties, but organic frankincense oil has lots to offer modern-day users. The oil is harvested from the boswellia tree (boswellia carterii) tree. Though frankincense is native to parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it has been appreciated by different cultures for over 5,000 years.
Frankincense is commonly used as a gift — best known from the Biblical stories in the New Testament. However, the oil is also a great type of herbal medicine. It can help aid in digestion and has benefits for skin, among many other uses.
Read on to find out why you should keep frankincense in stock year-round and not just at Christmastime.
Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil for Hair
Add a few drops of frankincense oil to your favorite shampoo to help strengthen the roots of your hair.
Mixing a few drops of frankincense with castor oil and massaging it into the scalp before shampooing and conditioning will moisturize the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and fight hair loss.
What Does Frankincense Smell Like?
Frankincense has a woody base with a complex array of aromatic blends. It has a delicate smell. The smell is an earthy mix of citrus with a balsamic pine scent.
Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin
When diluted with a carrier oil, such as rose or almond oil, frankincense can have many skin-healing properties.
Frankincense helps with treating dry skin and lessening the appearance of scar tissue. The oil helps even out skin tone and treats minor scratches and abrasions.
Is Frankincense Edible?
Essential oils are not recommended for internal consumption; however, it is possible to take frankincense extract by mouth.
You should be careful not to exceed specific limits because you may experience uncomfortable side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset.
5 More Frankincense Magical Properties
It takes nearly ten years for a boswellia tree to reach full maturity.
In addition, there is about a one-in-ten acceptability rate for a frankincense-producing tree that is capable of harvest.
But the time and patience necessary is more than worth the wait. In addition to its hair-strengthening and skin-rejuvenating benefits, frankincense has an array of magically healing properties.
Organic Frankincense Oil is an Immune System Booster
Frankincense aids the respiratory system and helps you breathe easier, and it also helps rid your lungs of phlegm and reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Try the vapor bowl method the next time you come down with a cold, using a warm towel to trap the vapor. Breathe the diluted vapors in for at least one to three minutes.
Respiratory Relief Treatment
Add seven or eight drops of frankincense to your bath water to help calm and relax your breathing, temporarily ease asthma symptoms, or treat tough coughs and colds.
Alternatively, mix three to four drops with a warm bowl of water, and inhale the vapors from the bowl for one to three minutes.
Dental Care Assistant
Diluted frankincense oil has been used to treat toothaches, and it works as an antibacterial astringent on abscesses, cavities, and infections. You can also find frankincense as an ingredient in natural toothpaste and mouthwash. The oil is a natural antiseptic, which will draw out impurities and freshen your breath.
Calming and Relaxing Effects
Aromatherapists use frankincense for its calming, relaxing scent. Use the oils and incense during meditation or to combat anxiety and stress.
Try using diluted frankincense oil as an addition to massage oil or, like a perfume, rubbed into the neck or temples.
Conclusion
Organic frankincense oil is full of so many benefits, and it can revitalize hair and skin, help with a cold, or just help you relax after a stressful day. The next time you’re in a natural health food or supplement store, be sure to look out for this oil.
Sources: [Livestrong, Livestrong, Medicine News Today, Reader’s Digest, Web MD]