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What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense oil is from the genus Boswellia and sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana or Boswellia serrata trees that’s commonly grown in Somalia and regions of Pakistan. These trees are different from many others in that they can grow with very little soil in dry and desolate conditions.
The word frankincense comes from the term “franc encens,” which means quality incense in old French. Frankincense has been associated with many different religions over the years, especially the Christian religion, as it was one of the first gifts given to Jesus by the wise men.
What does frankincense smell like? It smells like a combination of pine, lemon and woody scents.
Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India that produces special compounds that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer, effects. Among the valuable boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as most beneficial, including terpenes and boswellic acids, which are strongly anti-inflammatory and protective over healthy cells.
Related: Blue Tansy Oil Benefits for Skin & Beyond (+ How to Use)
Top 10 Benefits of Frankincense Oil
1. Helps Reduce Stress Reactions and Negative Emotions
When inhaled, frankincense oil been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. It has anti-anxiety and depression-reducing abilities, but unlike prescription medications, it does not have negative side effects or cause unwanted drowsiness.
A 2019 study found that compounds in frankincense, incensole and incensole acetate, have the ability to activate ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression.
In a study involving mice, burning boswellia resin as incense had antidepressive effects: “Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain.”
Researchers suggest that this channel in the brain is implicated in the perception of warmth in the skin.
2. Helps Boost Immune System Function and Prevents Illness
Studies have demonstrated that frankincense benefits extend to immune-enhancing abilities that may help destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses and even cancers. Researchers at Mansoura University in Egypt conducted a lab study and found that frankincense oil exhibits strong immunostimulant activity.
It can be used to prevent germs from forming on the skin, mouth or in your home. This is the reason many people choose to use frankincense to naturally relieve oral health problems.
The antiseptic qualities of this oil may help prevent gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, toothaches, mouth sores and other infections from occurring, which has been shown in studies involving patients with plaque-induced gingivitis.
3. May Help Fight Cancer and Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects
Several research groups have found that frankincense has promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects when tested in lab studies and on animals. Frankincense oil has been shown to help fight cells of specific types of cancer.
Researchers in China investigated the anticancer effects of frankincense and myrrh oils on five tumor cells lines in a lab study. The results showed that human breast and skin cancer cell lines showed increased sensitivity to the combination of myrrh and frankincense essential oils.
A 2012 study even found that a chemical compound found in frankincense called AKBA is successful at killing cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy, which may make it a potential natural cancer treatment.
4. Astringent and Can Kill Harmful Germs and Bacteria
Frankincense is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent that has antimicrobial effects. It has the ability to eliminate cold and flu germs from the home and the body naturally, and it can be used in place of chemical household cleaners.
A lab study published in Letters in Applied Microbiology suggests that the combination of frankincense oil and myrrh oil is particularly effective when used against pathogens. These two oils, which have been used in combination since 1500 BC, have synergistic and additive properties when exposed to microorganisms like Cryptococcus neoformans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
5. Protects Skin and Prevents Signs of Aging
Frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It may help tone and lift skin, reduce the appearance of scars and acne, and treat wounds.
It may also be beneficial for fading stretch marks, surgery scars or marks associated with pregnancy, and healing dry or cracked skin.
A review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine indicates that frankincense oil reduces redness and skin irritation, while also producing a more even skin tone. Studies suggest that it’s the pentacyclic triterpene (steroid-like) structure of frankincense oil that contributes to its soothing effect on irritated skin.
6. Improves Memory
Research suggests that frankincense oil can be used to improve memory and learning functions. Some animal studies even show that using frankincense during pregnancy may increase the memory of a mother’s offspring.
In one such study, when pregnant rats received frankincense orally during their gestation period, there was a significant increase in the power of learning, short-term memory and long-term memory of their offspring.
FOB Price: US $0.5 - 9,999 / Piece
Min.Order Quantity: 100 Piece/Pieces
Supply Ability: 10000 Piece/Pieces per Month
