Frankincense was believed to be one of the gifts that the wise men brought baby Jesus. Historically, Frankincense oil was used to rid evil spirits from the sick and purify the body. It was also an important part of many religious rituals in both the East & West. 

Today, Frankincense is praised by aromatherapists for its unique calming and meditative properties. Used in a diffuser, added to a bath or just inhaled on its own, Frankincense encourages a state of relaxation and tranquillity.

Chemical Composition of Frankincense Oil

Frankincense's health benefits can be attributed to its chemical composition, which includes 

• Acid Resins
• Gum
• 3-Acetyl-Beta-Boswellic Acid
• Alpha-Boswellic Acid
• 4-O-Methyl-Glucuronic Acid
• Incensole Acetate
• Terpenes
• α-Pinene
• Phellandrene
• Pentacyclic Triterpenoids

Key Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil 

Due to that long list of chemical components, Frankincense has many health benefits. Due to its natural astringent properties, frankincense can be used as a household cleaner to kill bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for topical use to lower inflammation of the muscles or arthritis. Frankincense is an expectorant which helps relieve congestion and it also helps to boost skin health and diminish signs of aging as well as it is very calming, grounding and meditative. 

Different Ways To Use Frankincense Oil

This earthy, warm oil can be found as pure oil or pre-diluted in a base of grape seed oil. When using Frankincense topically, it must be mixed with a carrier oil or face or body cream. In aromatherapy, frankincense is excellent when diffused to help with anxiety. It is considered to be grounding and calming without having a sedating effect. 

When used in a steam inhalation, frankincense can help to treat asthma and bronchitis, as well as reduce extreme coughing. When used topically, Frankincense is commonly used to treat scars and stretch marks on the skin. 

Other Essential Oils Frankincense Mixes Well With

Frankincense Essential Oil is divine all on its own, but also mixes well with other spicy oils, as well as:

• Bergamot oil for a grounding effect. You can blend these 2 in a diffuser when meditation or needing to destress. 
• Cinnamon oil can be mixed with grapeseed oil and applied to sore muscles. 
• Grapefruit oil can be paired with frankincense and carrier oil to be applied to the skin for hydration and a lovely glow. 

Cautions & Considerations When Using Essential Oils

When using essential oils, it's important to remember to dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. If you don't properly dilute them they can burn your skin. Just as important, you should never ingest essential oils and the only edible oils will be marked as food grade. Lastly, keep essential oils out of reach from pets and kids, many essential oils are highly toxic to pets and can be harmful to kids if they get ahold of them unattended. 

When shopping for an essential oil, it's important to choose quality products that are steam distilled or cold pressed, pure, potent and organic when possible.