Frankincense essential oil has been revered for centuries, valued for its rich history, spiritual significance, and healing properties. Known as the “king of oils,” frankincense is widely used in aromatherapy, natural skincare, and holistic wellness practices. Whether you're new to essential oils or a seasoned enthusiast, exploring the many uses and benefits of frankincense could open new doors for your natural health journey.
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What Is Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree, primarily found in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. This ancient tree produces a sap that hardens into what is known as frankincense resin. Historically, frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and cosmetics due to its calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
How Is Frankincense Derived?
The essential oil is extracted through a process known as steam distillation. After the resin is harvested from the tree, it undergoes steam distillation, which captures the oil while preserving its aromatic and medicinal qualities. The result is a rich, earthy, and slightly spicy scent that carries both emotional and physical benefits, making it one of the most sought-after oils in aromatherapy.

Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Frankincense has long been used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. When diffused or applied topically (diluted), it helps alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and restlessness by promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Add a few drops of frankincense oil to your diffuser to promote relaxation, focus, or better sleep. The warm, earthy aroma fills the room, creating a calming environment.
Supports Skin Health
Frankincense is a powerful ingredient in natural skincare. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, and improves skin elasticity. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties make it ideal for those dealing with acne, eczema, or aging skin.
Blend frankincense with a carrier oil like jojoba or rosehip to create a natural anti-aging serum. Apply it to your face and neck to reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone.
Boosts Immunity
The oil has immune-enhancing capabilities due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It supports the body’s natural defenses, helping to fight off colds, flu, and other infections by promoting overall immune health. Frankincense oil is also considered an expectorant and will help get rid of mucus to clear the nasal passages.
Dilute the oil and apply it to the soles of your feet or along your spine to give your immune system a boost during cold and flu season.
Promotes Healing of Wounds
Thanks to its antiseptic qualities, frankincense can help wounds, cuts, and burns heal more quickly. It also reduces the likelihood of infection when applied (diluted) to minor injuries.
Dilute with a carrier oil and apply directly to wounds, scars, or irritated skin to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Alleviates Pain and Inflammation
Frankincense contains compounds that help reduce inflammation, making it useful for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, or muscle soreness.
Mix with a carrier oil for a soothing massage blend that helps alleviate sore muscles, joint pain, and tension.
Enhances Focus and Concentration
When diffused, frankincense essential oil can sharpen mental clarity and improve focus. It is a go-to oil for those needing to concentrate on tasks or improve their memory.
Mix frankincense with water and witch hazel to create a refreshing room spray that not only smells divine but also cleanses the air and helps you concentrate.
Supports Respiratory Health
Inhaling frankincense oil can clear nasal passages and lungs, making it effective in easing respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and seasonal allergies.
For respiratory support, add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam to clear airways and improve breathing.
Improves Sleep Quality
Its calming and grounding effects are beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or poor sleep. Diffusing the oil before bedtime can promote a restful and deeper sleep. Not only that, but frankincense can allow our bodies to reach the ideal sleeping temperature, eliminate pain, and open our breathing passages.
May Aid in Digestion
Frankincense has been traditionally used to support healthy digestion. It reduces bloating, gas, and discomfort while promoting overall digestive health. When ingested, it may be able to reduce inflammation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Frankincense can speed up the secretion of digestive enzymes, relax the muscles of the digestive track, improve circulation and increase urination production.
Balances Hormones
Frankincense is believed to help balance hormones, making it helpful for women experiencing symptoms of PMS or menopause. It can help stabilize mood swings and reduce discomfort during these periods. It may also be used to help regulate estrogen production and reduce the risks of tumors or cysts in premenopausal women.
Kills Harmful Germs and Bacteria
Frankincense contains anti-septic and disinfecting properties that helps the body get rid of dangerous bacteria. When applied topically, it can help get rid or prevent germs that may accumulate on the skin. When diffused, it can help prevent harmful germs and bacteria from a cold or flu from developing around the house by eliminating them completely. Instead of reaching for chemical household cleaners, try diffusing or using frankincense oil instead.
Oral Care
To help prevent gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, toothaches, mouth sores or other infections of the mouth, we can use frankincense essential oil. The antiseptic properties may help relieve these and other oral health problems.
Frankincense Face Serum Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
5 drops of frankincense essential oil
3 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Combine the jojoba oil and essential oils in a small bottle.
Shake well to mix.
Apply a few drops to clean skin, massaging gently in upward motions. Use in the morning and before bed for best results.
Frankincense Essential Oil Precaution
While frankincense essential oil is generally safe, it's important to use it with caution. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil, especially when applying it topically, as undiluted oils can cause skin irritation. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult a healthcare professional before using frankincense essential oil. Do not ingest without speaking to a doctor or physician.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Essential oils are powerful, and it’s important to use them responsibly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application. Essential oils should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their efficacy.
To visit our Essential Oil Safety blog where you can learn an array of essential oil safety guidelines, click here.
Final Thoughts
Frankincense essential oil is a natural remedy that offers a wide range of health and wellness benefits. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skin, boost your immune system, or simply relax, this versatile oil is a must-have in any essential oil collection.
There are so many natural remedies in this world and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future!
XO Zaya
Have you tried frankincense essential oil before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let us know in the comments!
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About the Author
Leaza is a licensed cosmetologist and a natural enthusiast. The love of writing combined with the love of nature and wanting to help others has influenced her to write blogs and create natural home, bath and body products.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.