Frankincense Oil
Proven Health Benefits of Frankincense Oil:
- Has immune-boosting and anti-cancer characteristics.
- Relieves pain in Osteoarthritis patients.
- Aids in stress reduction.
- Has anti-aging and skin toning properties.
- Boosts brain functions.
- Aids in digestion and gut health.
What is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense is also referred to as Olibanum is derived from the resin of the frankincense tree through the process of drying and distillation.1 It has two well-known varieties - Boswellia carterii Mostly cultivated in Yemen, UAE and Oman and Boswellia serrata Mainly cultivated in India. Frankincense oil’s usage history is traced to the medieval age where it served spiritual purposes highly regarded for its strong aroma and production of white smoke after burning. Its potent fragrance is described as woody, sweet and earthy makes it suitable for steeping into tea, skin application, use as a supplement.
What is Frankincense Oil useful for?
Frankincense oil has been used for centuries in aromatherapy. Inhaling its aroma stimulates the limbic system - the part of the brain responsible for emotional and nervous responses. The aroma through inhalation; relieves stress, ulcers, coughs, and colds. -. There is a strong belief that its aroma brings about perfect health, freshens clothes, and brings cleansing at home.2
In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for decades. It has proven useful in combating arthritis, improving digestion, better response for asthma patients, and improved oral health. It has been beneficial in treating some cancers and hormonal imbalances in women. It is also used as a component in perfumes and beauty products. In beauty products, it helps delay wrinkles, has anti-aging properties, and eliminates scars and stretch marks.3
Health Benefits:
- Boosts brain functions by sensitizing the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for memory formation.
- Has immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties due to the boswellic acid present which is believed to hinder the spread of cancer cells.
- Treatment of osteoarthritis through hindering the production of leukotrienes, which cause inflammation.
- The musky, woody fragrance after inhalation causes stress reduction.
- Improves the skin’s appearances by having anti-aging and skin toning properties by helping in the reduction of sunspots. This improves the tone of your skin and delays the development of wrinkles.
- Helpful in digestion and gut health through speeding up gastrointestinal tract enzymes and relaxes intestinal muscles.
- Used in the treatment and relieving symptoms of ulcerative colitis, chronic colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Nutrition
The hydro distillate of Frankincense oil contains:4
- Octyl acetate- 39.3%
- Thujene- 12%
- 1-octanol-11.9%
- Pinene -10%
- 11-triene-6%
- Cembrene-2.1%
- Linalool- 2.1%
- Camphene-1%
Toxicity:
Frankincense oil is safe for most adults. However, research indicates some intermittent side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and fever. Also, it has exhibited blood-thinning characteristics. Therefore, if you have problems with blood-clotting, do not use the oil without your doctor’s advice.5