Overview
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) essential oil has since ancient times been considered by many many cultures as the “holy annointing oil” and was given as a gift to Jesus. It has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Frankincense was used as an anointing oil for healing and was used to treat every conceivable ill known to man. Frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times and only those with great wealth and abundance possessed it. It is mentioned in one of the oldest known medical records, the Ebers Papyrus (dating from sixteenth century BC) an ancient Egyptian list of 877 prescriptions and recipes.
Medical Properties of Frankincense
The medical properties of Frankincense essential oil are antitumoral, immuno-stimulant, antidepressant, and it is used to treat depression, cancer, respiratory infections, inflammation and to stimulate the immune system. It contains sesquiterpenes which stimulate the limbic system of the brain (the center of memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. The hypothalamus is the master gland of the human body, producing many vital hormones including thyroid and growth hormone.
Benefits of Frankincense
The fragrant influences of Frankincense increase spiritual awareness, improves attitude and uplifts spirits. Frankincense essential oil along with Sandalwood is also well known for enhancing and supporting the skin’s natural ability to rebuild DNA.
- Concentration – Use 1-2 drops Frankincense oil on temples and back of neck to improve concentration.
- Immune System – Apply 1-3 drops Frankincense oil on each foot to strengthen the immune system.
- Blisters – Dilute Frankincense oil 50/50 with V-6 mixing oil and apply to a blistered area 3-5 times daily.
- Insect Bites – Put a drop of Frankincense oil on an insect bite to help reduce swelling and speed healing.
- Depression – Diffuse or inhale from the bottle to help with mood elevation.
- Brittle Nails – Apply 1-3 drops Frankincense on nails and at base of nails, 3 times per week.
- Stretch Marks – Rub a few drops on stretch marks 2 times a day.
- Cysts – Apply 1-2 drops on cyst 2 times a day until it disappears.
- Skin Health – Apply 1-2 drops Frankincense oil on sun damaged skin spots 2 times a day until it disappears.
- Warts – Put 2 drops on wart 2 times a day until disappears completely.
- Health Maintenance – Dilute 1 drop Frankincense oil in 1tsp. honey or 4 oz. rice milk and ingest daily for health maintenance.
Quality Matters
Frankincense essential oil is hard to find in an un-adulterated state. The frankincense resin, or gum, that is sold in Somalia costs between $30,000 and $35,000 per ton and when steam distilled is very expensive. Most producers and importers of Frankincense essential oil distill the oil with alcohol and also cut it with other synthetics to stretch the oil.
Frankincense that is sold for as low as $25 per ounce is distilled with alcohol and cut with synthetics. When these cut, synthetic and adulterated oils cause rashes, burns or other irritations, we wonder why we don’t get the benefit we were expecting and come to the conclusion that essential oils don’t have that much value.
That’s why it’s critical to use only 100% therapeutic grade essential oils. Anything less than pure un-adulterated essential oils will not provide the benefits desired and will also be extremely toxic. I personally use and recommend Young Living Oils as all of their essential oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.
View the latest research on Frankincense essential oil.
View a video on Frankincense production.
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