Frankincense is a resin that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is sometimes used to treat arthritis, asthma, and other medical issues. In this article we will examine the benefits of frankincense essential oil and its uses.
Frankincense essential oil, also known as olibanum, derives from the resin of the Boswellia tree and comes from the genus Boswellia. This tree is found in dry, mountainous areas of India, Africa, and the Middle East. It is unique and can grow in dry and uninhabited circumstances with very little soil.
The term “frankincense” is derived from the French term “franc encens,” which means “quality incense” in old French. Frankincense has long been associated with many different religions, particularly Christianity. It was one of the first things given to Jesus by the wise men.
This essential oil appears to have health benefits in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ranging from improved arthritis and digestion to reduced asthma and better oral health. It may even aid in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
It has a woody, spicy aroma and can be inhaled, absorbed via the skin, or taken orally.
Benefits Of Frankincense Essential Oil
1. Relieves Arthritis
Frankincense essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in the reduction of arthritis-related joint inflammation.
Researchers believe that frankincense can inhibit the release of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory compounds. Terpenes, particularly boswellic acid, appear to be the most potent anti-inflammatory compound in frankincense.
In humans, frankincense extract may aid in the relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
In a 2018 study, frankincense was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility. However, more research is required.
Additionally, participants in a study took 169.33 mg of boswellia extract twice daily for 120 days. The supplement reduced inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, with no serious side effects .
Another study discovered that taking a 350 mg curcuminoid and 150 mg boswellic acid (extract from Indian frankincense root) substitute three times per day for 12 weeks lowered osteoarthritis pain. The combination was more successful than either curcumin alone or a placebo.
2. Antibacterial Activity
Frankincense is an antibacterial and disinfectant with antimicrobial properties. It can naturally remove cold and flu germs from the home and body.
According to a lab study published in Letters in Applied Microbiology, the combo of frankincense oil and myrrh oil is especially successful against pathogens. When subjected to microorganisms such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these two oils, which have been utilized in combination since 1500 BC, have complementary and additive properties.
3. Relieves Digestive Tract Problems
In a 2017 study, frankincense reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and even associated depression and anxiety in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when combined with other herbal medicines.
Additionally, one study discovered that taking boswellia extract daily for four weeks improved symptoms in people with slight ulcerative colitis who were in relapse. Likewise, another study found that taking 250 mg boswellia tablets daily for 6 months accelerated symptoms in people with IBS.
4. Helps with Asthma
According to research, its constituents may stop the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are responsible for asthmatic bronchial muscle constriction. In a short research, participants who added a 500 mg boswellia extract supplement to their daily asthma treatment were able to use fewer inhalations of their usual drugs throughout the 4-week study.
Also, researchers discovered that a supplement derived from frankincense and the South Asian fruit bael (Aegle marmelos) decreased asthma symptoms better than a placebo when participants took 200 mg of the supplement.
5. Enhances Skin Health
Properties of frankincense include its capacity to help skin and enhance its tone, flexibility, defence systems against infections or blemishes, and look as one ages. It could help heal wounds, lessen the appearance of scars and acne, and tone and enhance the skin. Moreover, it might help repair dry or cracked skin and fade stretch marks, surgery scars, or markings from pregnancy.
According to a review in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, frankincense oil evens out skin tone while decreasing redness and skin irritation. According to studies, frankincense oil’s pentacyclic triterpene (steroid-like) composition plays a part in its calming impact on inflamed skin.
6. Improves Oral Health
You caan avoid gum disease and improve dental hygiene by using frankincense. Frankincense essential oil appears to have potent antibacterial capabilities in the form of boswellic acids. This could help avoid and cure oral infections.
In one test-tube research, frankincense extract proved effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a bacteria responsible for extreme gum disease.
In another study, participants chewed frankincense-infused gum for five hours. Saliva tests showed that the number of bacteria decreased hourly.
Is Frankincense Effective Against Cancer?
According to research conducted in test tubes, the boswellic acids it contains may stop the spread of cancer cells. Test-tube studies have shown that frankincense may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the skin, pancreas, prostate, breast, and colon.
Likewise, according to a research review, boswellic acids may also impede the creation of DNA in malignant cells, which may assist to slow the spread of the disease.
Additionally, 4,500 mg of boswellic acid extract administered daily in research on patients with brain tumours helped lessen cerebral edoema, or a buildup of fluid in the brain, while also reducing the participants’ regular prescription dosage.
Frankincense Essential Oil Uses
There are numerous ways that you can utilise frankincense to cure various illnesses. You can be use it in skin creams or take it as a substitute in the form of a pill or capsule.
Moreover, it is accessible as an essential oil for topical or aromatherapy applications. Before applying this form to the skin, dilute it with a carrier oil. Frankincense is typically safe to use, but before taking it, as with any supplement, consult a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
In folk medicine, people were using frankincense to cure a wide range of medical issues, including cancer treatment and the reduction of pain.
It is a flexible oil that you can blend with a variety of other essential oils and carrier oils without raising any safety issues, and none of these combinations can produce any unfavourable side effects. Frankincense is a great place to start using essential oils, even if you’ve never done so before!
To learn more about frankincense essential oil benefits, you can read this article and Dr Axe. Finally you can check Aromavibes for a wide range of essential oils.
