FRANKINCENSE OIL – THE KING OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Yes, that’s a bold title, but this amazing essential oil truly has much to offer! It is a natural essential oil that has many benefits for both physical and emotional health. It can be used to improve respiratory function, reduce stress levels, induce relaxation and improve skin health. Frankincense oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable addition to any natural health regimen.

Let’s explore some of the fantastic benefits of Frankincense essential oil.

What Is Frankincense Oil And Where Does It Come From? 
It’s a valuable extract with a long history of use as a medicine and in religious ceremonies. The name comes from an old French phrase, ‘franc escens’, which translates to ‘quality incense’. It is still used for ceremonial purposes today in Christianity, Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The History Of Frankincense Oil 
The Egyptians used it in their religious ceremonies and also used it to embalm their dead. It is also very well known as being part of the trilogy of gifts brought to the birth of Jesus by the three kings.
It was also used in Ancient Greece and Rome for medicinal purposes. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most valuable commodities in the world. It was traded along the Silk Route and was worth more than its weight in gold. With such a long history of use, it’s easy to see how it is still one of the most popular essential oils in the world.

Varieties Of Frankincense Essential Oils 
Frankincense oil comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which is native to North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, and India. There are several varieties of the Boswellia tree, each producing a slightly different resin and subsequent essential oil. The changes occur with different climates and growing conditions, even within the same variety. Different harvest times can also yield different coloured resins. Any of these different varieties of Frankincense oils will be amazing to use.

BOSWELLIA CARTERII
This is the most commonly known one, as much research has been done on it. It has a crisp, light, soft aroma. This is what many people associate with the fragrance of quality incense.

BOSWELLIA NEGLECTA
This variety has a warm, sweet, balsamic aroma, like a mix of soft vanilla and amber with just the slightest hint of camphor.

BOSWELLIA SACRA
This resin comes from the Boswellia Sacra tree and occurs as white, green and amber depending on the growing conditions and harvest time. It has a haunting aroma that is light with a hint of sweet floral.

BOSWELLIA SERRATA
This variety has a light, refreshing, lemony top note with a balsamic, much stronger, woody aroma.

BOSWELLIA FREREANA
This variety has a powerful, deep, woody aroma with a hint of lemon. It is also called “Maydi“, which translates as “King of Frankincense essential oils“, and Copti, which refers to its use by the Coptic church of Egypt.

The Therapeutic Properties Of Frankincense Essential Oil 
Frankincense oil has quite a wide range of therapeutic and practical physical and lifestyle benefits. Used in aromatherapy, its sedative and comforting fragrance is believed to strengthen and invigorate the respiratory system. 

Its Anti-Inflammatory Protperties Can Help Decrease Inflammation
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and recent scientific studies have shown that it is effective in treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis as it reduces the inflammatory response. The boswellic acids in Frankincense essential oil inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes. The essential oil’s anti-inflammatory effects may also help individuals cope with their pain levels. It’s very popular with massage therapists for clients with muscular and joint pain. You can make your own cream containing  Adding a few drops to a plain bubble bath can really make your day start better.

It May Help To Improve Promote Relaxation
This may sound conflicting, having just read about how relaxing it is, but in a daytime environment, it is amazing for sharpening your mental focus without the side effects that caffeine would have.