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Benefits of Frankincense Photo (Black)
  • Health

Frankincense Oil Uses and Benefits

Katie WellsJul 7, 2016Updated: Feb 23, 2020
Reading Time: 7 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Frankincense Oil Uses and Benefits
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What Is Frankincense?+−
    • How Frankincense is Harvested
    • What is in Frankincense?
  • What is Frankincense Essential Oil?
  • The Venerable History of Frankincense+−
    • Biblical Uses
    • Value Throughout History
  • The Benefits of Frankincense+−
    • Support Cellular Function & Circulation
    • Reduce Inflammation & Joint Pain
    • Skin Benefits
    • Relaxation
    • Oral Health
    • Hormones and Memory
    • Can Frankincense Cure Cancer?
  • Frankincense Benefits: Bottom Line
  • Home Uses for Frankincense Essential Oil+−
    • Here are Some Ideas for Using it
    • What I Use
  • Frankincense Cautions

Anyone familiar with essential oils and their benefits probably knows that lavender promotes relaxation, lemon boosts cleaning power, and tea tree disinfects. But do you know as much about the benefits of frankincense?

Just the mention probably immediately calls to mind the biblical story of the Three Wise Men and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Child Jesus. But why was this aromatic substance valued as equal to–or even above–the value of gold in ancient times? And is frankincense really an essential oil “essential” for modern times? (Sorry, I had to!)

What Is Frankincense?

This powerful remedy comes from the Boswellia tree native to the southern Arabian peninsula (especially Oman and Yemen), northeast Africa, and parts of India. Long prized for its strongly spicy, woodsy aroma when burned or extracted, raw frankincense is still harvested much as it was thousands of years ago.

There are different varieties of Boswellia trees, but most resins (and the oils that come from them) belong to the Boswellia carterii species (also called the Boswellia sacra) found in Oman, Yemen, and surrounding areas. Other varieties include Boswellia frereana (from Somalia) and Boswellia serrata (from India).

How Frankincense is Harvested

Boswellia trees are small, scrubby, and have the ability to grow well in dry, rocky areas. To harvest, farmers strategically cut the bark in light horizontal lines. A milky sap oozes out in the shape of small “tears,” or droplets. This can only be done two or three times a year without damaging the tree. After a few years the tree must be given a period of rest to regenerate.

Once the sap droplets dry on the tree, they are scraped off and allowed to harden completely over a period of time. This dried sap, or resin, looks like irregularly shaped, glossy, and slightly transparent stones.

The larger and lighter the resin, the better the quality. The purest (and most expensive) frankincense resin is almost white and comes from the second “bleeding” of the tree–and even then only under the right weather conditions. We in the Western world typically see lower quality frankincense, which is golden or amber.

What is in Frankincense?

According to Dr. Mercola:

The monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are the most valuable elements of frankincense oil. According to the book, “Reference Guide for Essential Oils,” by Connie and Alan Higley, monoterpenes help prevent and discharge toxins from your liver and kidneys, and have antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, analgesic (weak), and expectorant properties.

Meanwhile, sesquiterpenes can go beyond the blood-brain barrier and simulate the limbic system of your brain, as well as your hypothalamus, and pineal and pituitary glands.

What is Frankincense Essential Oil?

The essential oil is made by steam distilling the resin, or “tears” of the tree. This creates a very potent and earthy smelling oil that is typically relatively pricey.

This essential oil can be used aromatically and topically for its earthy balsam fragrance. The perfume industry uses this essential oil as well in various fragrances and blends.

It is important to note that this oil should not be ingested as large amounts can be toxic when consumed internally, though topical uses are considered generally safe.

But why has this particular tree sap and oil enjoyed such an honorable reputation?

Read on:

The Venerable History of Frankincense

Records of frankincense as a valuable trade commodity date back to 3,000 B.C. in regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Its history cannot be separated from its ancient and medieval roots, especially in regard to religious rites.

Babylonians and Assyrians valued this resin for its intense aroma and white smoke when burned, wafting to heaven as incense in their sacred places. Egyptians used it as incense but also in perfumes, healing salves, insect repellent, eyeliner, and mummification techniques.

The History of Frankincense Photo.pages

Biblical Uses

The Hebrew Bible mentions that frankincense was burned in the temple, and we know that frankincense was important in their burial anointings (one of the reasons it was gifted to the Christ Child.)

Around 500 B.C., this prized resin made its way to China, where Eastern medicine practitioners began to realize the medicinal value of frankincense in increasing circulation. Some cultivation of Boswellia trees took hold in southern China but has never become a primary source.

Value Throughout History

By the first century, frankincense trade had made the Arabian regions very rich. The long, dangerous journey along the Silk Road necessary for trade made it scarce and very costly. At the time of Christ, it truly was more valuable than gold.

While it may be less prized in the West than in its native parts, it is still one of the most costly essential oils in modern times. And do you know the smell of a Catholic Mass? That’s frankincense! The burning of this resin still holds a place in the Catholic liturgy today as an incense for special feast days.

The Benefits of Frankincense

So besides its aroma, what makes frankincense so alluring?

Studies are quite limited in scope, but holistic experts claim quite a few health benefits on the testimony of its long history.

Put simply, frankincense* seems to have powerful properties that:

  • support healthy cellular function
  • increase blood flow and circulation
  • reduce inflammation
  • reduce skin discoloration and imperfections
  • promote feelings of wellness and relaxation
  • promote oral health (the resin can even be chewed)
  • balance hormones
  • improve memory
  • in some studies, have been shown to suppress proliferation of cancer cells (1)
Benefits of Frankincense.pages

Support Cellular Function & Circulation

Sources claim that Frankincense has the ability to penetrate cells and promote healthy cell regeneration. There aren’t many studies to back this up but a great deal of anecdotal evidence from people who used the oil topically for this reason.

Reduce Inflammation & Joint Pain

Recent studies have tried to narrow in on the reason why frankincense might offer these health benefits. The potent active agent seems to be a property called Boswellic acid, which can be extracted from the resin through various methods.

Boswellic acid is a terpenoid compound that mimics the action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen).

Since inflammation is at the root of much chronic disease, the anti-inflammatory action of Boswellic acid shows promise for treating diseases like arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s, and even bladder, pancreatic, and skin cancers. Frankincense also shows a lower risk of unpleasant or dangerous side effects compared to NSAIDs.

Skin Benefits

The astringent properties of Frankincense make it an excellent choice for topical uses. Anti-aging products use the oil for the skin benefits. It also may help speed healing of minor wounds and insect bites.

I personally use it in homemade beauty products for its scent and for reducing scars or tightening skin. I have a few scars where I had moles removed when I was younger and I’ve been rubbing shea butter and frankincense oil on it to help it fade.

Relaxation

Though we don’t completely understand why, this oil seems to promote relaxation and sleep. The effect may be due to the aromatherapy benefits. This is especially relevant with the rising number of disorders related to stress and sleep.

Oral Health

The astringent and antiseptic properties of this resin make it beneficial for oral health as well. The resin and essential oil can be used in homemade toothpastes recipes or mouthwash recipes for a natural way to reduce bad bacteria in the mouth.

Hormones and Memory

Frankincense is also credited with helping balance hormones and improve memory. I wasn’t able to find any studies that back up this claim, but it is also important to realize that studies on essential oils are expensive and hard to fund.

There is some evidence that the compounds in the resin can help balance estrogen production. Many women use it topically for this reason to help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms during menopause. One study found that the compounds in Frankincense reduced cyst and tumor formation in the uterus after menopause.

Can Frankincense Cure Cancer?

Finally, the cancer-protective benefits are the most well-known claim attached to this ancient tree.

Research has found a protective effect against some kinds of cancer cells. Emerging research is even showing that Frankincense may halt cancer cell growth and cause the cancer cells to shut down.

Immunologist Mahmoud Suhail and researchers from the University of Oklahoma think they understand why:

Cancer starts when the DNA code within the cell’s nucleus becomes corrupted. It seems frankincense has a re-set function. It can tell the cell what the right DNA code should be.

Frankincense separates the ‘brain’ of the cancerous cell – the nucleus – from the ‘body’ – the cytoplasm, and closes down the nucleus to stop it reproducing corrupted DNA codes.

The researchers have isolated 17 compounds that may produce these effects and as a result are now conducting further studies to identify which one is responsible.

There are also claims that frankincense’s cancer-fighting benefits might be overstated or at least widely misunderstood.

Frankincense Benefits: Bottom Line

This ancient tree has a rich history of use for thousands of years. Recent research shows that it may have many benefits in modern times as well.

There is still much we don’t understand about how the compounds within frankincense work. Much research remains before we can understand the role of this promising but mysterious substance in alternative medicine treatments.

*Note: Most existing studies (see resources below) focus on the benefits of a specific extraction, Boswellia serrata extract (BSE), which is different from the essential oil. Although a few studies claim otherwise, it is possible that the essential oil contains far less (if any) Boswellic acid. This article is a good summary of the difference between extraction methods.

Home Uses for Frankincense Essential Oil

I love the scent of frankincense and the earthy, deep tone it adds to oil blends. I also use it in several beauty recipes for its cosmetic and health benefits.

Here are Some Ideas for Using it

  • Whip up a restorative natural face cream.
  • Make frankincense and myrrh lotion bars
  • Burn incense sticks or add to a room diffuser with lavender and sandalwood for a calming scent
  • Make Three Kings’ lotion (flecked with gold) with the kids at Christmas
  • Add it to a masculine spiced soap recipe
  • Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to scars and skin imperfections
  • Add it to my sleepytime foot spray or homemade magnesium butter and apply at bedtime

This essential oil pairs nicely with lemon, lavender, patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood, black pepper, ylang ylang, pine, rose, and of course myrrh. Play with different combinations and find your favorite!

What I Use

It’s important to always use high quality essential oils, as the cheaper options tend to be diluted are are less effective. I personally used both the resin and essential oil.

Frankincense Cautions

Of course, I can’t write a post on essential oils without a reminder that they should be applied with care and caution. Always dilute in a carrier oil and only apply topically. It is also extremely important to avoid the use of frankincense if you are pregnant or nursing (without consulting a practitioner first), and do not diffuse around babies and small children.

Do you use frankincense around your home? Tell me how!

Sources
  • History Channel Article: A Wise Man’s Cure: Frankincense and Myrrh
  • ITM Article on History
  • Frankincense: A Systematic Review
  • Ancient Spices of Southern Arabia and Judea  (PDF)
  • Study: Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity  (PDF)
  • Study: Use on pancreatic cancer cells
  • Study: Use on basal carcinoma cells
  • Study: Antiplatlet and anticoagulant activities of Boswellia serrata gum resin
Category: Health

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (70 Comments)

  1. Monica

    July 10, 2016 at 5:59 AM

    Wonderful oil. I used a very high grade frankincense and coconut oil blend to tray my babies labial fusion. And it opened up in less than 6 weeks!! Also used as abdominal massage to prepare my uterus before conception and on my babies head and spine at birth.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      July 11, 2016 at 6:46 AM

      I have recently been diagnosed with lichen sclerosis and have some scarring and fusion going on.. I have used Emuiad with some success but am interested in frankincense as well.. Would you mind elaborating on what you did for your baby? Which brand of oil, what recipe, and how often you applied? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Monica

        July 15, 2016 at 9:45 AM

        Hi, I used DoTERRA oil 6 drops to one tablespoon of coconut oil . Twice a day. It is amazing and it really does help with so many things!

        Reply
  2. katherine trujillo

    July 10, 2016 at 2:57 AM

    I love frankincense and burn it in my incense bowl. I make lotion bars and soap and lip balms. Can’t wait to add it to my lotion bars. Thank you for all of the great info.

    Reply
  3. Dimi

    July 9, 2016 at 8:56 PM

    I’m Greek & our church uses/burns frankincense during each service. So I’m very used to the scent but had no idea of its healing properties. When I do a clean & blessing at home it too burn frankincense. It has a very strong smell. Not unpleasant unless you leave it burning indoors. So I usually take it outside to burn off.
    I had no idea you can buy it as an oil. I will do some research to see it its stocked somewhere locally in Adelaide.
    I have many health issues & from reading your blog I think I need to start using the oil as well as keep burning it (I think I’ll stick to a weekly burn off).

    Reply
    • Patsy

      September 8, 2016 at 6:19 PM

      Where can I. Get incense to burn.

      Reply
      • Vicki

        September 4, 2017 at 8:46 PM

        I purchased the incense on VitaCost.com

        Reply
  4. Cindy

    July 9, 2016 at 12:52 PM

    How do you use the resin?

    Reply
  5. Caroline

    July 9, 2016 at 11:15 AM

    I add it to the skin care oils and healing salves I make. I have successfully substituted it (diluted in carrier oil) for cortisone cream in treating skin problems. Until I started using frankincense with home made skin care oils and salves my skin never felt, looked (or smelled) this good. Seriously!

    Reply
    • Daniel

      November 29, 2022 at 7:25 PM

      Very interesting blog post. I have recently become interested in frankincense and the healing claims made. I am interested in knowing if you know of any company in the world that uses a long distillation process of only the highest quality resin (zero impurities). I have come across one producer but would like a comparison.

      Reply
  6. Sue

    July 8, 2016 at 11:19 AM

    Thank you! Both my husband and myself really look forward to your postings. It is obvious how much care and research you put into each entry!

    Reply
  7. Madison

    July 8, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    I love your posts! One of my friends went to a holistic doctor and she said that your eye color can change depending on how healthy you are. Is this true? Thanks ?

    Reply
  8. ANNE

    July 8, 2016 at 3:04 AM

    Turmeric was also rare and expensive in ancient times and because of its colour was often called gold, I am inclined to think the Magi (king makers) gave this spice to baby Jesus and not real gold, since it has many medicinal qualities for healing.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie

    July 7, 2016 at 8:29 PM

    I love using it topically when I’m feeling super stressed out. A little behind the ears and under my nose, POOF! Relaxation 🙂 It’s a strangely enjoyable scent in aromatherapy as well! Can’t wait to try it out in my facial DIY <3

    Reply
    • adrien

      July 9, 2016 at 12:42 AM

      Jeepers, thanks for this…I have a hectic weekend ahead and am feeling really stressed…I’m going to try this right now for sure. Have a good weekend.?

      Reply
  10. Faith

    July 7, 2016 at 7:54 PM

    Thank you for posting this!!!

    Reply
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