Benefits of Frankincense!
Anyone familiar with essential oils and their benefits probably knows that lavender promotes relaxation, lemon detoxifies, and Melaleuca 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?
What Is Frankincense?
This powerful remedy comes from the Boswellia tree native to the southern Arabian peninsula (especially Oman and Yemen), and northeast Africa. 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.
How Frankincense is Harvested
Boswellia trees are small and have the ability to grow well in dry, rocky areas. To harvest, farmers strategically score the bark in light horizontal lines. A gummy 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.
The Benefits of Frankincense
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
help reduce the effects of aging
help with headaches
Here are Some Ideas for Using it
Frankincense can be used topically, aromatically and internally. I personally use it every evening before bed to help reduce the effects of aging. Dave and I both use it internally every day to help reduce inflammation and also when we get a headache. I have found this oil helps the inflammation in my GI. I place two drops under my tongue nightly.
Frankincense Benefits: Bottom Line
The bottom line is Frankincense is the KING of oils. This ancient tree has a rich history of use for thousands of years. Recent research continues to show that it may have many benefits in modern times as well. There is so much we are still learning about this amazing oil and research continues to be done to show the amazing effects of this oil. There is nothing mysterious about natural health and wellness.
If you would like to know more about this amazing oil please send me a message. I would love to teach more on my favorite beloved oil.
*Only doTERRA Frankincense should be used topically and internally.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
