Frankincense Oil - Benefits and Uses
Frankincense oil benefits are varied, ranging from skin care to stress and muscle relaxation. Frankincense oil uses include everything from calm breathing to promoting mindfulness. This article covers the following topics:
- Essential oils overview
- A brief history of frankincense essential oil, including its fragrance profile
- Frankincense oil benefits
- How to use frankincense oil for skin and mindfulness
- Safety and precautions
- Why you should choose organic essential oils
- Why you should choose Cliganic essential oils
- Where to buy frankincense oil.
Essential Oils Overview
Essential oils are concentrated versions of the natural oils found in plants and trees. The oils come from the leaves, fruits, bark, flowers, seeds, roots, or resins. Most essential oils are extracted by steam distillation. However, essential oils made from citrus fruits use a process called cold pressing.
Essential oils have been used in various cultures for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians incorporated essential oils throughout their daily lives. Essential oils are a central element of Indian Ayurvedic medicine—the oldest system of medicine in the world. Essential oils were also used in ancient Greece, Rome, and China.
Today, essential oils are still valued for their aromatic and cosmetic qualities. Aromatherapists use essential oils to promote health and well-being. Many people use essential oils for hair and skin care, and to clean their homes.
What Is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense is one of the most highly prized essential oils because of its rich aroma and long history. Known as the “king of the oils,” frankincense has another association with kings. Frankincense is familiar to many people as one of the gifts that the three wise men gave to the baby Jesus. (Most likely, the wise men gave the dried resin version of frankincense used in incense rather than the oil.)
Frankincense essential oil is derived from the resin (or sap) of the Boswellia tree, which grows in Northeast Africa and India. First, the sap is extracted from the tree and then dried until it hardens. The oil is then extracted using steam distillation.
Frankincense has a rich aroma that is described as woody but with undertones of spice and fruit. Adjectives to describe the oil include sweet, spicy, and warm. Although used as an incense in religious ceremonies throughout the world, the essential oil version is cleaner and sweeter than its incense counterpart.
There are four different versions of frankincense essential oil depending on which species of Boswellia tree is used—frankincense carterii, frankincense frereana, frankincense sacra, and frankincense serrata. Each version has different chemistries and slightly different aromas.
Cliganic’s frankincense essential oil is made from frankincense serrata, which is primarily grown in India and North Africa. Frankincense serrata has a sweeter and more delicate aroma than other versions of the oil. Frankincense serrata is the oldest documented version of frankincense and is most likely the one referred to in the Bible and Ayurvedic medicine.
What Is Frankincense Oil Good For?
Although lists of frankincense oil benefits often focus on frankincense oil skin benefits—including its anti-aging, skin rejuvenating properties—it does many other things as well.
So what does frankincense oil do? It can:
- promote mindfulness and balance
- reduce stress
- relieve muscle aches and pains
- reduce congestion and clear breathing
- alleviate headache pain.
What Is Frankincense Oil Used For?
This section on frankincense oil uses provides numerous DIY recipes and techniques for using the oil, including information on making essential oil blends. Frankincense essential oil blends well with lemon, lime, sandalwood, geranium, bergamot, cypress, and pine. When creating an essential oil blend, follow these guidelines.
- Place the oils in a dark bottle (preferably amber-colored) to protect them from light. A two-ounce bottle should work for most recipes.
- After combining the oils, label the bottle with the ingredients, date, and intended use.
- Store the bottle at room temperature or in the refrigerator away from light and heat.
- Be sure to put the cap back on immediately after use as oxygen can affect an oil’s composition.
- Shake well before each use to combine the oils.
Frankincense Oil for Face and Skin
This section shows you how to use frankincense oil on face, including a recipe for using frankincense oil to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. One method is to add frankincense to unscented skin care products, such as lotions, face creams, or moisturizers. The basic rule of thumb is to add 6 drops of frankincense per ounce of product. If you’re adding frankincense to a face cream, add fewer drops. You can also make your own skin care products using the recipes below.
Anti-Wrinkle Facial Oil
Using a 2-ounce bottle, add in the essential oils and fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba bad and castor oil. Shake well before each use and apply to a clean face.
- 5 tablespoons castor oil
- 5 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 15 drops frankincense
- 15 drops lavender
- 8 drops sandalwood
Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
In a medium-sized bowl, combine and thoroughly mix ingredients. Transfer to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Massage into skin during a shower or bath and then rinse thoroughly.
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup jojoba oil
- ¼ cup sesame oil
- 10 drops frankincense
- 10 drops lavender
- 6 drops cedarwood
- 5 drops geranium
- 4 drops tangerine
Skin Toner
Mix ingredients and shake well before applying to face.
- 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil
- 4 drops lavender
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drops helichrysum
Body Lotion
Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.- 1 tablespoon unscented body lotion
- 5 drops frankincense
- 3 drops lavender
- 1 drop lemon
- 1 drop peppermint
Moisturizer
Combine oils, shake well and apply to dry skin.
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 3 drops frankincense
- 2 drops rose bulgarian oil
Body Oil
Combine oils, shake well, and apply.
- 1 ounce jojoba oil
- 6 drops frankincense
- 4 drops orange
- 2 drops ginger
Frankincense Oil for Acne
Frankincense’s astringent qualities make it ideal for treating acne. You can use the recipes below or add 2 to 3 drops of frankincense to one teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to acne.
Spot Treatment
Combine ingredients, shake well before each use, and apply to clean skin.
- 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
- 4 drops frankincense
- 4 drops lavender
Face Wash for all skin types including Acne Prone Skin
- 4 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 10 drops frankincense
- 7 drops Vitamin E
- 5 drops lavender
- 5 drops jasmine
Frankincense Oil to reduce the appearance of Scars or Stretch Marks
Scar Fading Mix 1
Combine oils, shake well, and massage onto scar or stretch mark. Repeat daily as needed.
- 1 ounce jojoba oil or a calendula-infused oil
- 10 drops frankincense
- 5 drops helichrysum
- 5 drops lavender
Scar Fading Mix 2
Combine oils, shake well, and massage onto scar or stretch mark. Repeat daily as needed.
- 2 ounces jojoba oil
- 10 drops frankincense
- 10 drops jasmine
Frankincense Oil for Skin
Reduce the appearance of Razor Bumps
Mix oils, shake well, and apply to the affected area.
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 4 drops frankincense
- 3 drops tea tree
- 2 drops myrrh
Diffusing Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil diffuser recipes focus on promoting mindfulness and balance, particularly during meditation or yoga. You can use frankincense by itself or try one of the recipes below. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the diffuser.
Meditation Mix 1
- 4 drops frankincense
- 3 drops bergamot
Meditation Mix 2
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drops sandalwood
- 2 drops bergamot
Frankincense Essential Oil for Stress
Frankincense can reduce tension and anxiety after a stressful day. You can use frankincense by itself or use the recipe below, which can be used in an essential oil diffuser. You could also add the oils to a tablespoon of jojoba oil and massage your feet and hands.
Stress Relief Mix
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops bergamot
Frankincense Essential Massage Oil
Frankincense’s properties make it an excellent choice for relaxing muscles and joints, either in a massage oil or warm bath.
Massage Oil Mix 1
Combine oils, shake well, and apply where needed.
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 5 to 7 drops frankincense
Massage Oil Mix 2
Combine oils, shake well, and apply where needed.
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 5 drops frankincense
- 5 drops lavender
- 3 drops ginger
Frankincense Salt Bath
Combine ingredients and pour the mixture under running water to dissolve the salt and disperse the oil.
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 10 drops frankincense
Frankincense Essential Oil For Breathing
You can choose from three different methods below—either using frankincense by itself or the recipe below.
- Put 2 drops of frankincense in a steaming bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale. Limit use to two minutes.
- Use frankincense in an essential oil diffuser or inhaler.
- Mix 3 drops frankincense with 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil and apply to face and temples.
Clear Breathing Mix
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drops orange
- 1 drop eucalyptus
Frankincense Essential Oil for Mindfulness
Head Mix
Mix the oils, shake well, and apply to temples, neck, and shoulders.
- 1 ounce jojoba oil
- 9 drops frankincense
- 5 drops rosemary
- 3 drops chamomile
Frankincense Essential Oil Safety and Precautions
Frankincense oil side effects are minimal. However, be sure to follow these safety and precaution guidelines.
- Avoid using old or oxidized frankincense essential oil as it has a significantly different chemical make-up.
- Don’t use undiluted essential oils on your skin. Dilute them with a carrier oil first. (Cliganic’s 100% organic cold pressed jojoba oil is an ideal choice.) Perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
- Don’t use an essential oil diffuser for longer than 20 to 30 minutes.
- Don’t use essential oils near eyes or mucous membranes.
- Store essential oils out of reach from children and pets.
- Do not ingest essential oils.
- Wash your hands after using essential oils.
Why Choose Certified Organic Frankincense Essential Oil?
Cliganic’s frankincense essential oil is certified USDA organic, which means 100% of ingredients are certified organic and free of synthetic additives (including pesticides, dyes, and chemical fertilizers). Also, certified organic products are processed without using genetic engineering, industrial solvents, or irradiation. By choosing a certified organic product, you’ll know you’re getting pure frankincense oil that was produced using environmentally-friendly methods.
Why Choose Cliganic Frankincense Essential Oil?
We believe that Cliganic has the best frankincense oil on the market, and we think you’ll agree. Cliganic’s pure frankincense oil stands apart because of our commitment to purity, organic materials, and quality packaging.
All of our oils are manufactured and packaged to the highest standards. Our bottles are made of premium dark amber glass—the best container for protecting oils from UV light. Each bottle has a German dropper cap, which gives you better control when dispensing the oil. This cap reduces waste and accidental spillage—making it the perfect choice for DIY recipes.
