Frankincense: An Ancient Healer

By Tracy Griffiths, BCPP and Julie Sinclair, BCPP

Highly valued as a sacred incense and herbal medicine since ancient times, Frankincense is an aromatic resin of the Boswellia carterii tree. The essential oil has an earthy, uplifting, woodsy aroma perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness. In fact, it contains carbon-based compounds called sesquiterpenes that act directly on the limbic system of the brain, hypothalamus, and the pineal and pituitary glands, making it an essential oil that supports the 6th and 7th chakras. 

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Frankincense pacifies vata. So if you’re looking to calm and replenish the nervous system, or ease anxiety and restlessness, diffusing Frankincense is a great choice. It also has a revitalizing and uplifting action, which can help clear excess kapha (helping to counter exhaustion, mental fatigue, and depression). In addition, it has antiseptic and antiviral properties and can help support the immune system. 

As a good source of β-phellandrene and α-pinene, Frankincense essential oil is also an effective carminative and helps in expelling gas in the stomach and intestines. Just mix a few drops of Frankincense oil in a vegetable oil base and massage onto the abdomen to help relieve flatulence, constipation and other gastro-intestinal issues.

Frankincense oil can be used on the skin as well. Since the oil is non-irritating for most people, it can be applied directly to specific points or diluted with a vegetable oil such as jojoba, sesame, olive, or coconut for application to larger areas, helping with the healing of wounds and to decrease dryness, scar tissue, stretch marks, and wrinkles. 

Other ways to take in its benefits are to rub the oil on the bottoms of the feet or ingest a few drops of Frankincense Vitality in a gel capsule. But perhaps one of the best—especially in December—is to ingest Frankincense Vitality in cookies! We’ve provided a recipe for you so you can share this amazing essential oil with friends, family and clients in the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy!

If you’d like more information on Young Living Essential Oils, or to sign up for our e-newsletter that includes information on how to use Young Living Essential Oils in your practice and your life, email FlowIntoWellness@marketingscents.com. You can also visit our website, or sign up with Young Living to enroll with a Premium Essential Oil Starter Kit and receive a 24% member discount.