Peaceful & Powerful : Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense essential oil is one of the gifts from the three Kings to baby Jesus and was considered the King of Oils. It was among the most prized and costly substances in the ancient world, and it’s still ideal for the winter season.

This beautiful essential oil comes from a small tree native to North Africa and Arabia. The name itself derives from mediaeval French: “franc” meaning free, pure or abundant and Latin “incensum” meaning to smoke. Trade in this remarkable substance was a source of great wealth for the Nabateans of Petra, through which it flowed towards the rich cities of the Mediterranean.

It has a complex aroma: spicy, sweet, and woody. Frankincense, in the form of resin, has been burned on altars and in temples since earliest antiquity in the rituals  of many religions.

 

Breath deep, breath well

I find it fascinating to reflect on the fact that Frankincense has, among its physical properties, the ability to enhance how we breath: it helps us slow down and deepen the breath, and this  soon produces feelings of calm.  It’s one of the main reasons why Frankincense is the king of oils.

Frankincense assists in meditations and mindfulness practices

Which also means Frankincense is one of the top oils for depression and anxiety: it can provide spiritual support, bringing comfort and peace in the form of deep relaxation. People in panic decompress and calm down very quickly after inhaling Frankincense and it is always a good choice for anyone who has just experienced something traumatic. Frankincense strengthens the immune system and is especially useful in cases where the immune system is weakened because of stress and depression.  

A healthy approach to Asthma

Frankincense is one of the most valuable oils for use in respiratory infections:  it is one of the best pulmonary antiseptics, it calms coughs, and is indicated particularly where there is bronchial catarrh, like in chronic bronchitis. I have found this oil very helpful for people with asthma.  Often, it’s also useful where anxiety is a trigger for the attacks. In this case, the heat of steam inhalations is not recommended. It’s better to apply topically or to have a diffuser running in the room.

 

The aroma of Frankincense stimulates two cerebral centres

 

A bit of theory here, but much needed.  The Raphe nucleus in the brainstem is responsible for the release of serotonin into other parts of the brain, and of GABA, which blocks certain brain signals and decreases nervous system activity, thus producing a calming effect. At the same time, the Hippocampus and then the amygdala can release various neurotransmitters for mental stimulation.

Importantly, Frankincense has sesquiterpenes for the calming effect and monoterpenes for the stimulation effect. Not many oils have this chemical make-up – yet another reason why we call it the king of oils. This is why it’s ideal to tackle brain fog: it promotes mental clarity, focus and cognitive enhancement. 

 

Support your body at a cellular level: 

 

Healthy cells = a healthy you! 

Frankincense supports brain function and neurological development; it has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties, improves memory, and reduces hyperactivity. 

Frankincense oil is recommended topically for the relief of joint pain and muscular aches and pains.  

It is a uterine tonic and may be helpful for abnormally heavy periods, used in baths and gentle massage over the abdomen. It can safely be used during pregnancy.

 

Last but not least: Anti-Aging!

Used from a roller ball on clean facial skin in the morning and at night, Frankincense works on the 2nd layer of the skin to smooth wrinkles and blemishes. Apply on the bone around the eyes, and it will work via capillary action into the nearby sensitive skin.  Similarly, it has great wound healing properties and is good for scars – especially C-Sections, sores, rashes, and sunburn.  

Frankincense is perfect for dark, tired looking skin, and it’s particularly helpful for older skin. With a definite tonic effect, it helps restore some tone to slack-looking facial skin, also slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. It may even reduce the extent of wrinkles that have already formed.   

 

Blend to Perfection!

On an emotional level, here is an oil that creates connection in all our body, generating a dynamic balance, easing mental chatter and stilling the mind. 

It brings us back to the “here and now”, and feeling rested and stronger than before.

Frankincense: warmth, light and energy!

 

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