doTERRA Frankincense EO

Description

It is known as the king of the oils, not only because of the large number of benefits it provides but also because it is one of the most precious and prized things having deep roots in the old tradition and Christianity.

Frankincense is obtained from the Boswellia tree. These trees are found in the middle east, Africa and India. 

After it is taken from the tree, the frankincense is transformed into the essential oil known as frankincense oil. Frankincense can also be used as a resin. 

Preparation method 

Frankincense oils are collected by the process known as hydrodistillation. The gum resins are collected from the Boswellia tree, and through the distillation, the frankincense oil is prepared. 

Main constituents 

• – pinene 
• – thujene 
• Limonene 

Health benefits that you get with frankincense oil 

Anticancer properties 

Many studies have revealed that frankincense can have anti-cancer effects. Frankincense oil has boswellic acid that gives this oil the ability to fight cancer. 

Test-tube studies have revealed that boswellic acid can help in controlling cancer by inhibiting the spread of cancerous cells. 

Boswellic acid could also prevent the formation of DNA in cancerous cells and thus helps in limiting the growth of cancerous cells. 

Till now, test-tube studies suggest that frankincense can be beneficial in fighting the following types of cancerous cells.

• Breast 
• Skin  
• Colon  
• Prostate 

Can reduce arthritis

The anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense can assist in decreasing the inflammation of the joints caused by arthritis. 

Leukotrienes are compounds that may cause inflammation, and experts are of the view that frankincense can inhibit the release of this compound. 

Boswellic acid present in frankincense oil is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds. 

In one study conducted in 2014 on mice, the boswellic acid showed the ability to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis. Frankincense can also assist in minimizing arthritis symptoms in humans. 

Helps in asthma 

In traditional medicines, frankincense has been used to treat asthma-related problems. Studies are showing why it is helpful in asthma and bronchitis problems. 

Frankincense prevents the production of leukotrienes and also affects the Th2 cytokines. The former can cause bronchial muscle constriction, and the latter is involved in the mucus overproduction in asthma.

Gut function improvement

The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense oil help in gut function improvement. It was found in one study in 2017 frankincense helps in bloating issues and abdominal pain when combined with herbal medicines. 

In addition, researchers found that it may help with depression and anxiety linked with irritable bowel syndrome. 

Oral health 

Frankincense is effective in preventing gum diseases and maintaining oral hygiene. It contains boswellic acid, which possesses strong antibacterial properties. 

One study revealed that frankincense was effective against bacteria that cause gum diseases. 

Another study showed that participants who chewed the gum that contained frankincense had fewer microbes in their saliva.

Other uses

• You can apply frankincense topically to improve skin smoothness and fix imperfections
• You can message your feet bottoms with frankincense oil
• You can take a couple of drops in a veggie capsule for better cellular function 
• Rub it on your hands after a tiring day of gardening 

How to use it 

After knowing the benefits, it’s important to know how to use it to get its full benefit and avoid any complications. 

Internal use →  dilute 1 drop in 4 fluid ounces of any liquid

Topical use → apply 1 or 2 drops on the desired area of your body

Diffusion → 3 – 4 drops in any diffuser you want 

Note 

While using topically, dilute it with a carrier oil for minimizing skin sensitivity. 

Caution

• Possible skin sensitivity 
• Avoid contact with eyes 
• Consult your doctor before using frankincense if you are pregnant