Top 10 Essential Oils: #7 Frankincense

So, it's been quite some time since my last post, for which I apologize and will strive to be better and more consistent. My goal is help make 2015 as healthy a year for myself as well as to as many people to whom I can reach out.

This post is the perfect way to start that good health wish off, because I'd like to focus on an essential oil that has come to my rescue more and more since I started using it over a year ago now: Frankincense (I would also like to point out that I have not put my Top 10 Essential Oils in a proper countdown list alla David Letterman...mainly because I didn't count backwards starting from 10 and I have also not intentionally or unintentionally put any favoriteism into the order. Which is to say that if I had, Frankincense would have taken Letterman's spot #2 [or the best, I always found] in the countdown...but I digress)!

Frankincense Tree

Perhaps the most precious of the ancient oils, Frankincense is highly sought after by modern consumers for its many uses-- including relaxation, immune support, and mood enhancement. Frankincense Oil is extracted from the gum or resin from Frankincense or Olibanum trees, whose scientific name is Boswellia Carteri. The main components of this essential oil are Alpha Pinene, Actanol, Bornyl Acetate, Linalool, Octyl Acetate, Incensole and Incensyl Acetate. Frankincense has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics and incense burners for centuries. It has even been found in the remains of ancient Egyptian and Anglo-Saxon civilizations. Furthermore, It is closely associated with religious traditions and rites, particularly in the Christian tradition.

Frankincense has a warm, spicy, clean aroma and it's primary benefits are that it helps build and maintain a healthy immune system; promotes cellular health; reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening or working to promote a normal inflammatory response.

Apply to skin to help promote youthful, radiant-looking skin and slow the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of skin imperfections.

Apply to the bottoms of feet to relax and balance mood swings.

Try applying a drop of frankincense to strengthen weak fingernails: particularly at this time of the year when cold, dry weather can take a toll on your nails!

Overall, frankincense essential oil tones and boosts health and is therefore considered a tonic. It benefits all the systems operating in the body, including the respiratory, digestive, nervous, and excretory systems, while also increasing strength by aiding the absorption of nutrients into the body. Furthermore, frankincense oil strengthens the immune system and keeps you strong and protected for the future. It relieves pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. It helps heal boils, infected wounds, acne, circulatory problems, insomnia and various types of inflammation.

Directions for use (Note: I am not a physician or medical professional. The following information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, cure or treat any serious medical conditions. Ingesting essential oils is not recommended unless you have the recommendation/approval of a naturopathic doctor or practitioner.):

Diffusion: Use 3-4 drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.

Topical use: Apply 1-2 drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Blending: Frankincense Oil blends well with Lime, Lemon, Orange and other Citrus oils as well as Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh, and Sandalwood oil. This makes it a popular element of many herbalists for various aromatherapy combinations.

I have a 2 oz glass bottle of distilled water and equal parts frankincense, melaleuca & lavender essential oils that I call "Boo-boo juice" in my medicine cabinet. It is extremely effective at  cleaning and helping to heal minor scrapes, bumps, bruises and itchy spots on everyone in the family - give it a try!

CAUTIONS: There are no adverse side effects, however, there is a risk of possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.