What Everyone Must Know About Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is used as an incense as well as for Ayurvedic medicine for a very long time. It’s also known as olibanum which is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. This can be found in India, Africa, and the Middle East. There are many benefits of frankincense that people still didn’t know about. It’s best to learn more about it as well as the benefits of Boswellia oil for you to see if it can help you with your current condition if you have one.

Brief History of Frankincense

It is already being traded for more than 6,000 years from the Arabian Peninsula and it was used for some early religious rituals throughout Mesopotamia and East Mediterranean. Its resin is called olibanum which is referring to the milky sap from the Boswellia tree. Southern Arabia exported this as far as China during the earlier days.

There are thousands of tons of Frankincense that are being traded every year. It is being used for religious ceremonies as incense. Perfume makers are also buying them for their products. It is also being used to make essential oils and is used as natural medicines. This can be inhaled or applied to the skin since it is known to have many health benefits.

Some Uses of Frankincense

Essential Oil

Ayurveda therapy is popular all over the world and most of these therapists are also using frankincense essential oil for aromatherapy.

Incense

Known for its scent, frankincense is widely used to make incense. Some religious group uses them for rituals and other occasions. In Christianity and other religions, it is also being used for newborn religious initiation to their spiritual lives.

Perfume

Olibanum is the main source of the scent of perfumes, incense, and essential oils. It has a balsamic-spicy scent and also has a slight lemon scent that is perfect for some perfumes and other products.

Benefits of Frankincense

1. Asthma

If you have asthma, you can imagine how hard it is just to catch your breath. It can also cause you to make wheezing sounds which are not an exciting thing experience. The good part is that based on some research, frankincense can prevent the production of leukotrienes. It’s the reason why your bronchial muscles constrict resulting in an asthma attack.

Studies show that when people with asthma had been given 300 mg of frankincense three times a day, for six weeks feels more improvement with their condition. It can also reduce the symptoms and reduce asthma attacks to those with chronic conditions. It is even more effective than placebos so you may want to consider this before taking the usual medication.

2. Arthritis

This is a condition that can be caused by inflammation. Since frankincense is found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, it can be a good treatment for people who are suffering from arthritis. Since it can happen when you least expected, it’s best to have something to control this condition before it attacks you.

Based on some studies conducted, a group of people with arthritis were given one gram of frankincense extract for eight weeks. They were able to see improvements with their condition and can there are fewer reports about joint pain and improves mobility. In other studies, Boswellia oil reduces stiffness in the morning with people who are suffering from rheumatism.

3. Digestive System

Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both painful conditions in your gut. These are caused by inflammation as well and the benefits of frankincense can also be noticeable for people with these conditions. Some studies were being conducted to help improve these. However, further studies are still needed to make a strong conclusion on how effective Boswellia oil for these gut conditions.

In some studies, people with chronic diarrhea were given 1,200mg of Boswellia and the other group was given placebo. The results are amazing since more people who were given Boswellia were abe to be cured of their diarrhea. Another benefit of frankincense is for people with ulcerative colitis who improves their condition with lesser side effects.

4. Oral Health

Nothing is more shameful than having a bad breath especially if you are trying to mingle with people your age. Not only it will affect your social life but other oral problems like cavities, toothaches, and mouth sore can be a painful experience. One of the benefits of frankincense is that it has an anti-bacterial effect which can help you to get rid of these mouth issues.

Studies were conducted and one of them proves that frankincense can cure gingivitis better than placebos. It was some high school students who participated in a gum testing with 200 mg of frankincense powder and extracts. After two weeks, their gingivitis was gone and they also end up having fresher breath. Although, more human testing is needed to prove how effective it is for everyone.

5. Fighting Cancers

The effects of Boswellia oil in fighting cancer are still under research but it might be the way to prevent the spread of cancer. Some lab test shows that frankincense oil can distinguish which are the cancer cells from the normal ones. It can kill the cancer cells and it may be the most effective way to stop them to spread. With more studies and human testing in the future, it’s a very promising way to cure cancer.

It is found out that the compound in frankincense can help to kill cancer cells and will prevent tumors from spreading. Although that effect is not yet solid, they are conducting small studies. Some people with brain tumors were provided 4.2 gms of frankincense every day and another group takes the placebos they usually being treated for. It ends up that 60% of these patients reduced brain edema compared to those who took the placebos.

Frankincense Effective Dosage

The dosage depends on the condition you are trying to treat so you need to still consult your doctor if you are planning to add frankincense with your treatment. There are recommended dosages as per condition but make sure that you will seek medical advice before using this product. Since there might have a contraindication with your current medication, it’s best to check it with your physician before using any type of supplements.

Here is the recommended dosage:

Rheumatoid arthritis: 200–400 mg, 3x times per day

Ulcerative colitis: 350–400 mg, 3x times per day

Gingivitis: 100–200 mg, 3x times per day

Asthma: 300–400 mg, 3xtimes per day

Crohn’s disease: 1,200 mg, 3x times per day

Osteoarthritis: 200 mg, 3x times per day

Frankincense Myths

There are some myths or false beliefs of frankincense effects. Although there are many health benefits it can provide, there is no further evidence that it can treat some conditions. Most people claim that frankincense was able to help them with their diseases. However, it is best to be careful about the application of any products since it can do you more harm than gives you a good effect.

Here are some health claims:

Prevent Diabetes

Some studies from the past show that frankincense can lower blood sugar levels. However, from most previous studies, it shows no effects. So it may not be a good treatment for this condition.

Helps with Fertility

It can help increase fertility but the study was conducted with rats. No human testing has been done yet when it comes to its effect on fertility.

It Can Balance Hormones

Unfortunately, no research confirms that frankincense can help balance hormones. Some people believe that it can delay menopause, menstrual cramps, mood swings, and other hormonal imbalance.

Helps with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Studies were not done in humans when it comes to its effect regarding these conditions. But there are studies with mice that show that it might help with depression.

Boosts Memory

It can help boost memory based on the studies that were administered for rats. Unfortunately, no human studies have been done yet so no proven fact that it can work with humans as of the moment.

Gives you a Smoother Skin

There are no studies conducted about the effects of frankincense on skin. However, it is believed that it is an effective anti-acne and anti-wrinkle remedy from the old times.

Prevent Heart Diseases

It’s possible but until further studies, no scientific evidence that it can prevent heart disease just yet. Due to the anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense, it might be the case but you have to wait until it’s proven.

Conclusion

The benefits of frankincense when it comes to your health is good enough to help you improve your condition. Since many studies had been conducted to come up with these health benefits, it should be safe for anyone to use. Frankincense had been used for thousands of years to treat some conditions from ancient times. It is best to take advantage of this natural remedy instead of always resorting to chemical treatments since it’s best for our body. It’s one of nature’s gifts so it should be good for humans as well. With further studies, it can unlock more potential and use of frankincense for everyone.