Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Ritu Thakur, MA. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
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Frankincense is most commonly recognized as one of the gifts offered by the three wise men present at the nativity. But what you might not know is that frankincense has a wide variety of everyday uses even in the present day. The delicate, fragrant resin is good for treating the skin, and relieving stress or anxiety. Simply dilute the oil in an unscented carrier oil, then apply a thin layer to dry or irritated skin. “Navel oiling,” or applying essential oil to your belly button and the surrounding skin, is even said to promote relaxation throughout your entire body. You might be surprised at all the marvelous applications this essential oil has.[1]
Steps
Let the scent relax and comfort you.[2] Frankincense has long been used as part of the practice of aromatherapy, using natural fragrances to counteract a wide range of afflictions. The next time you’re feeling depressed or overwhelmed, dab a little frankincense oil on your wrists or burn it in a scent diffuser. The calming effects of the dry, earthy, spicy aroma will help you instantly feel more at ease.[3]- Fill the air with frankincense while you work, study or meditate.
- Essential oils like frankincense just smell good, even if you’re not a believer in holistic treatments.
Add it to a bath. Squeeze a few drops into a steaming bath and breathe in the rich vapors. As you soak, you’ll feel the tension in your muscles fading and your worries slipping away. Frankincense also works wonders as a natural moisturizer, so your skin will feel soft and smooth long after you climb out of the tub.- If you prefer a hot shower, try infusing a washcloth or loofah with frankincense oil before you lather up.
- Enhancing a bath will save you the trouble of applying a moisturizer as a separate step.
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Use it to get to sleep.[4] Forget about addictive sleep aids and medications that leave you feeling groggy. A less disruptive alternative is to burn some frankincense oil in a vaporizer on your bedside table as you drift off. You’re certain to experience a full night of restorative sleep as the pleasant fragrance gently comforts and banishes restlessness.- The relaxing floral notes of frankincense can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- You can also spritz a calming air spray made with frankincense oil in your bedroom to help you get to sleep.[5]
Try it as a massage oil.[6] Combine frankincense oil with a splash of peppermint, sage or juniper essence for your next couples or self-massage session. Not only will it glide over your skin like velvet, it can actually promote muscular relaxation and help heal damaged tissue at a deeper level. After a few rubdowns, you’ll never need to book an appointment at the spa again.- Work frankincense oil into sore, aching muscles and joints rather than relying on oral pain relievers.[7]
- Rub a drop of oil into your temples or between your palms and breathe slowly and deeply when you begin to feel stressed out.
Make it a part of your skin care routine. In addition to serving as an excellent moisturizer, frankincense contains compounds that can lift and tighten skin loosened by age, stress or environmental conditions.[8] Blend one part frankincense oil with two parts baby oil or shea butter and rub it on tired eye bags or rough, chapped hands for a rejuvenated appearance.- There is evidence that frankincense and other essential oils can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- Use a drop of frankincense oil to treat dry, itchy, irritated skin.
- Frankincense oil has become a popular ingredient in anti-aging skincare due to its powerful antioxidant properties.[9]
Include it in your oral hygiene. Mix up your own no-filler toothpaste by combining the essential oil with a teaspoon of baking soda and a couple ounces of water to form a thick paste, or use 2-3 drops of frankincense and peppermint oil diluted in warm water as chemical-free mouthwash. Frankincense has natural antiseptic properties, meaning it will wipe out the germs that congregate in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy.[10]- Swish frankincense oil and warm water like hydrogen peroxide if you have bleeding gums or a get a cut in your mouth.
- Regular use may also help clear up chronic bad breath.
Nurse a cold. Save money on expensive over-the-counter cold medicines by using frankincense to alleviate the worst symptoms of an illness. The oil has been shown to reduce swelling, which is useful for curing aches and pains as a result of all types of maladies. When used topically or ingested in small amounts (no more than a few drops at a time diluted in another liquid), it may even act to boost your immune system on its own, making you less likely to get sick in the future.- Stir a few drops of frankincense oil into a large bowl full of hot water, drape a towel over your head and inhale the fumes deeply to clear up congestion and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
- You can also soak a washcloth in a solution of warm water and frankincense oil and lay it across your eyes and nose to ease the throbbing pain of a sinus infection.
Help heal injuries. Frankincense’s antimicrobial benefits also make it perfect as a topical remedy. Dabbing frankincense oil on a minor cut or scrape will eliminate bacteria and prevent infection without interfering with the healing process. As it dries, it will keep the skin nourished to make scabbing and scarring less noticeable, as well.- Massaging frankincense oil over scar tissue, stretch marks or acne can help reduce their appearance over time.
- Don’t apply frankincense oil directly to an open wound. If it’s a severe injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Soothe an upset stomach. If you happen to be experiencing a stomach ache, excessive gas or bloating or intestinal cramps, have no fear. One or two drops of the essential oil in a few ounces of water or herbal tea is as good for providing quick gastrointestinal relief as any anti-diarrheal medicine. Just down the mixture and feel your discomfort vanish in minutes.- To make it go down easier, try adding it to a tablespoon of honey.
- Make sure the frankincense you’re using is pure and free of perfumes or chemical additives before ingesting it.
- Frankincense oil can also help ease digestive orders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.[11]
Freshen up a room. Add frankincense oil to a scent diffuser, vaporizer or homemade candle to spread the delightfully musky aroma throughout your home. Its odor-fighting elements can easily overcome the unpleasant stench of pet messes, trash, mildew or mounds of dirty laundry as it calms and relaxes you.- Combine 5-6 drops of frankincense oil in a spray bottle with 3 cups of distilled water and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda. You can use this natural mixture the way you would an ordinary air freshener.
- Try placing electric scent diffusers filled with frankincense oil in the wall outlets around your home.
Make your own household cleaner. Whisk 10 drops of frankincense oil together with 2 cups hot water, 1 cup white vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda to produce a homemade multi-purpose cleaning solution. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and use it for everything from cleaning your toilets to decontaminating your kitchen counter after handling raw chicken.- Frankincense is a natural astringent, meaning it can cut through and help lift dirt, oil and grime from almost any surface.
- Polishing your furniture or counter tops with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and frankincense oil will leave behind a polished shine and keep them smelling fresh.
Infuse hand soap and other products with frankincense. Buy unscented hand soap, shampoo or facial cream and dress it up with one part potent frankincense oil. You’ll be able to clean, soothe and restore vital moisture to your skin and scalp while spending a third of what you normally would on extravagant specialty products. When used correctly, frankincense oil is like a cleanser, a lotion and a perfume all in one.- Frankincense is good for clearing pores and strengthening cuticles.
- Make your own liquid hand soap for kitchens and bathrooms using liquid castile soap base, distilled water and a mixture of essential oils like frankincense, peppermint and lavender.
Common Questions: Frankincense Oil Safety
What are some precautions to consider about frankincense oil?
Frankincense may irritate the skin if applied too liberally or when undiluted, so keep away from sensitive areas and your nostrils. Frankincense oil is also toxic when ingested in large quantities. Never consume more than 1–2 drops diluted in water.[12]
Can you take frankincense oil internally?
While some sources claim that frankincense oil is safe to consume in small, diluted quantities, more medical research is needed to determine safe dosages and frequency of consumption. Unless advised by a medical doctor, refrain from consuming frankincense oil (or any essential oil).
Can applying essential oils to your belly button help with weight loss?
“Navel oiling” (leaving essential oil in your belly button overnight) is a wellness trend that claims to aid in weight loss, but little scientific evidence exists to support these claims. However, anecdotes reveal that navel oiling may lead to less stress and more relaxation, which may in turn support weight loss.[13]
Tips
- Frankincense oil has no known harmful side effects, and can be used in almost any situation (in moderation).Thanks
- Buy frankincense and other essential oils from reputable dealers. Stay away from new age holistic business selling mystery blends to make a quick buck.Thanks
- Let the sweet, aromatic scent of frankincense improve your mood and help you gain mental clarity.Thanks
Warnings
- Essential oils like frankincense come with remarkable health benefits, but they should never be used to replace traditional medicine. If you’re sick, injured or plagued by an undiagnosed problem, see a doctor.Thanks
- Always use the smallest recommended amount of frankincense oil as a tonic. Though most essential oils are safe to ingest, they can become toxic and may make you sick in large enough quantities.Thanks
References
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27117114/
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/frankincense
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.
- ↑ https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Essential-oils
- ↑ Can applying essential oils to your belly button help with weight loss?
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Use frankincense oil in your bath to help relieve stress and anxiety. You can also burn some frankincense oil in a vaporizer at your bedside to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To add more moisture to your skin and help lift and tighten wrinkles, try mixing 1 part frankincense oil with 2 parts baby oil or shea butter and applying it to your face and hands. If you want to make your own toothpaste, combine a few drops of the essential oil with baking soda and water. In order to help heal injuries, dab some frankincense on a minor cut or scrape to prevent infection. To learn how to nurse a cold with frankincense oil, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"Great to read some extra uses for frankincense that I didn't know - thanks! I often use a few drops of frankincense added to my usual facial moisturiser to improve my skin, also a couple of drops as a perfume on my wrists and neck - beautiful!"..." more
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