The Lowdown on Frankincense Pt 2
Frankincense: Part II
The research on essential oils indicates their uses for home cleaning, health, overall wellness, and do-it-yourself crafts. Frankincense, in its essential oil form, is no different. We’ve taken you through the history of frankincense as a resin and explored some of its many uses.
Frankincense oil is valued today in religious practices, alternative medicine, and aromatherapy. It is burned as incense in churches and during religious rituals. The oil itself has an earthy, woody, and slightly spicy aroma, according to Mercola. When transformed into its essential oil form, Frankincense is much sweeter and “fresher” smelling than its resin origin.
Because of its calming properties, Frankincense oil is ideal for use in activities such as meditation and aromatherapy. According to the NAHA, or National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the practice of aromatherapy uses extracted plant essences to relax and treat various conditions. Aromatherapy has become a more popular practice in modern times, with various oils, diffusers, incenses and scented sprays available for purchase in many large retailers.
NAHA says aromatherapists use essential oils and their scents to calm and relax their patients, with the intentions of relieving stress. Oils like Frankincense are incorporated into massage practices.
You don’t have to see a professional aromatherapist to get results, though. You can purchase high-quality essential oils after doing your research and find a diffuser that is suitable for your home and situation. Enjoy the benefits of this relaxing scent around the clock.
Frankincense Benefits
Frankincense keeps existing cells and tissues within your body healthy and treats various ailments such as dry skin, aging, and stretch marks. Frankincense’s benefits don’t stop at the physical or spiritual, though. Safe consumption of essential oil can assist in digestive problems and stomach aches as well as help to keep your intestines healthy.
Looking to lose some extra water weight? Frankincense can be consumed as a diuretic, too, according to Organic Facts’ website. Be sure to only use one to drops and mix with your water to avoid having the flavor overpower you.
Skin
Apply Frankincense topically or inhale it to reap the benefits for your skin. The oil assists in fading stretch marks, acne scars, and any boils or pox.
Astringent
Frankincense’s astringent properties makes it ideal for healing wounds naturally. It also works as a coagulant, stopping bleeding from cuts. Organic Facts says that the oil is idea for combating many oral problems like irritated or bleeding gums. It also strengthens teeth.
Immunity
Inhaling the smoke or scent from Frankincense can help keep your immune system strong. It has disinfectant properties that eliminate germs with no harmful side effects.
Cancer Research: The Facts about Frankincense Oil
Frankincense has many holistic health benefits, but the oil has also been researched for its aid in preventing cancer. According to The Truth About Cancer, the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom has conducted extensive scientific testing of the oil and examined their results.
Frankincense oil contains a compound called acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, also known as AKBA. Researchers from the University of Leicester determined that AKBA played an important role in the prevention of cancer. Additionally, they discovered that Frankincense acted as an effective yet safe remedy for women who have ovarian cancer.
Kamla Al-Salmani authored the study and is a PhD student at the University. “After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing cancer cells. Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side effects. This finding has enormous potential to be taken to a clinical trial in the future and developed into an additional treatment for ovarian cancer,” he told The Truth About Cancer.
Through the study, the researchers concluded that Frankincense may be effective at treating other forms of cancer and preventing the growth of harmful cells. The oil can also be used in place of chemotherapy if the patient is not responding, the researchers said.
Safety with Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil has no known severe side effects when used properly. However, when using the oil topically, start with a small “test” area of skin. Some individuals with more sensitive skin can experience rashes from essential oils.