Frankincense
Boswellia Carterii
Frankincense Oil is a musky, aromatic oil which has anti-inflammatory properties, and is particularly popular in skincare as an anti-acne and anti-wrinkle remedy. It is one of the most common oils used throughout history and for some, is a staple in their essential oil collection.
History of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense Oil has been used for thousands of years, with its first uses being in biblical times, when gold, frankincense and myrrh was brought to baby Jesus! Frankincense is also known as Boswellia Cararterii, and the oil is made from the sap from the Frankincense or Boswellia tree. The tree is mostly found in Africa and the Middle-East, and Oman was one of the main places to start distributing frankincense to the rest of the world.
Frankincense used to be burned as a part of sacred rituals, and used by the Egyptians as part of the mummification process, as well as in cosmetics such as balms, creams and eyeliners. Its use in alternative medicine is mostly to relieve pain, help with women's hormones and in aromatherapy it can purify the air. Although it has a vast history in which it was considered sacred and scarce, Frankincense Oil is fairly accessible today on a global scale, and can be found in a number of beauty products inclusive of skincare, soaps, serums and moisturisers.
So why is Frankincense Oil still popular today?
Due to its historical uses and presence across multiple religions and their literary texts, Frankincense Oil has been adopted as a sacred and in some cases, a holy oil which can heal and purify inside and out. Along with its history, Frankincense Oil boasts a number of benefits including boosting hair growth, keeping skin supple and possessing anti-ageing properties, too. In aromatherapy it is still a popular oil to go for, and complements a number of other essential oils meaning you can create powerful blends with only a few drops.
It can be used to create a number of at home remedies that can target muscle and joint pain, acne, hair loss, stress, anxiety and depression - as well as making a beautiful perfume if you wanted to! Next time you buy a musky, high end perfume - have a look to see if Frankincense Oil is in it, because you’d be surprised at how many brands use the scent to create gorgeous perfumes. Its versatility has kept the oil relevant, and surprisingly the luxurious smell of the oil is not reflected in its price point. In fact, it’s a fairly affordable oil in comparison to others on the market! Overall, Frankincense Oil is a classic essential oil, and it has cemented itself into history because it consistently delivers across medicinal and cosmetic demands.
Extracting Frankincense Oil
Like most essential oils, Frankincense Oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation. The sap/resin from the frankincense tree is put into a steam distiller, whereby the steam lifts the oil from the resin where it condenses on the top of the cold water. Once the process is complete, the oil is then skimmed off the top, and voila - you have Frankincense Oil! Commercially this is the best method, as it can yield the highest percentage of oil without compensating on the overall quality. Other methods can often damage the oil, especially if extracted with chemicals or alcohols. There are some essential oils that can be extracted easily using those methods, but some oils are more delicate - and Frankincense Oil falls into this category.
Can I make Frankincense Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are two methods whereby you can make Frankincense Oil, the most obvious by using a steam distiller which you can either rent or buy. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils at home, you are probably better off purchasing a small steam distiller rather than renting.
Another method of making Frankincense Oil is by obtaining the resin either from a tree that you own (ideal!) or online. You can then powder the resin and put it in a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba, and slowly heat the mixture for a number of hours so the oils from the resin seep into the carrier oil. Leave the mixture to cool, and then use a cheesecloth to strain the granules of resin at the bottom! Please note that it may be difficult to obtain the resin depending on where you are located, and frankincense trees grow in hot climates (think Africa and the Middle-East) so if you live in colder climates, it may be easier to buy the oil already made or purchase the resin online.
Can I make Frankincense Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are two methods whereby you can make Frankincense Oil, the most obvious by using a steam distiller which you can either rent or buy. If you are someone who regularly makes essential oils at home, you are probably better off purchasing a small steam distiller rather than renting.
Another method of making Frankincense Oil is by obtaining the resin either from a tree that you own (ideal!) or online. You can then powder the resin and put it in a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba, and slowly heat the mixture for a number of hours so the oils from the resin seep into the carrier oil. Leave the mixture to cool, and then use a cheesecloth to strain the granules of resin at the bottom! Please note that it may be difficult to obtain the resin depending on where you are located. Frankincense trees grow in hot climates (think Africa and the Middle-East) so if you live in colder climates, it may be easier to buy the oil already made or purchase the resin online.
Frankincense Oil Varieties
Frankincense Oil Varieties
There are multiple varieties of frankincense, as like any plant, shrub or tree there will be different types that have developed over the years. Although the growing conditions lend the frankincense tree to thrive in hot and dry weather, certain climates can produce varying scents and textures, although research has shown that the properties and benefits of each varying oil are practically the same. There is some preference in the essential oil community, though; Sacred Frankincense Oil is considered the best and most popular.
So, which variety of Frankincense Oil should I use?
This is one of the essential oils where the variety doesn’t impact what you can use it for, which comes with its own benefits. As previously mentioned, the varieties of Frankincense Oil available on the market can help to achieve the same things, but you may be swayed by the scent or what others in the community say about that variety.
The great thing about not needing a specific variety means that you can have more control over your budget, and won’t need to buy multiple variations of one oil to help you achieve specific goals! What we do recommend, is to research the varying scents that each type of Frankincense Oil has, as that may well impact your judgement on which oil you’d like to buy, especially if you are going to use it as a perfume or diffused in a room. Overall, this is a beautiful oil with an interesting history and unique scent which we absolutely love!
What do you think of Frankincense Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Or, have you had particular success with a variation of the oil? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to engage with the community and hear how you are using your oils. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
So, which variety of Frankincense Oil should I use?
This is one of the essential oils where the variety doesn’t impact what you can use it for. As previously mentioned, the varieties of Frankincense Oil available on the market can help to achieve the same things, but you may be swayed by the scent or what others in the community say about that variety.
The great thing about not needing a specific variety means that you can have more control over your budget, and won’t need to buy multiple variations of one oil to help you achieve specific goals! What we do recommend, is to research the varying scents that each type of Frankincense Oil has, as that may well impact your judgement on which oil you’d like to buy, especially if you are going to use it as a perfume or diffused in a room. Overall, this is a beautiful oil with an interesting history and unique scent which we absolutely love!
What do you think of Frankincense Oil? Is it a staple in your collection? Or, have you had particular success with a variation of the oil? As always, the Essentially Yours team love to engage with the community and hear how you are using your oils. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today!
Benefits of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense Oil is a musky and unique smelling essential oil that has been ingrained in history for thousands of years. Frankincense was originally used in religious rituals and ceremonies, and was documented in biblical times as it was given to baby Jesus by one of the three wise men. It has dominance in the beauty and fragrance industry, and is a popular aromatherapy oil due to its scent and beneficial properties.
So, what are the benefits of using Frankincense Oil?
Better respiratory health
There are a few essential oils on the market that can improve your respiratory function, particularly when you are sick or congested. Inhaling Frankincense Oil can help to relieve some of that pressure that can sometimes occur when you have congestion in your nose and throat, or you can use it with other decongestants to make a soothing rub.
Improves oral health
Clove Oil is also a great companion for this, but Frankincense Oil can improve your oral health due to its anti-inflammatory properties, especially if you have mouth sores or inflamed gums. Remember to always consult with a professional before trying alternative medicines, particularly if you are already on medication for dental issues.
Anti-inflammatory
This benefit of Frankincense Oil is excellent if you suffer from joint and muscle pain and want to use essential oils to soothe the area that is inflamed. There have been some scientific studies on frankincense showing that it can improve arthritic pain!
Improves gut function
Although essential oils should not be ingested orally unless stated otherwise, there is some anecdotal evidence to show that Frankincense Oil can improve your gut function and overall digestive health.
Alleviates itching and irritation
Whether it’s razor burn, an ingrown hair or general irritation, Frankincense Oil can be combined with a soothing essential oil such as jojoba or coconut to create a deterrent for itching and discomfort.
Please note that the benefits of Frankincense Oil are anecdotal and the effects do vary from person to person. It’s important to note that topical application should always be alongside a carrier oil, as some skin types may be more sensitive to irritation from the intense concentration of an essential oil. Please consult with a professional if you are concerned about using alternative methods such as essential oils!
Uses of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense Oil has been used for centuries in alternative medicine, religious ceremonies and beauty. Whether it was to create balms for the mummification process, or a pleasant aroma for meditation and prayer, Frankincense Oil has a ton of history behind it! Today, it is commonly used in perfumery, aromatherapy and some alternative medicine practices. It has a gorgeous musky aroma, and is fairly easy to access and make providing you have the correct growing conditions!
So, what can I use Frankincense Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy Frankincense Oil is great to use to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, as it instills a feeling of calm through your whole body. It works well on its own, but also blends well with other essential oils on the market to create captivating and beneficial aromas that target a number of issues.
Common cold/cough
Whether through inhalation, or via a rub, Frankincense Oil can relieve your respiratory system when you are feeling congested or sick. Simply use a few drops with a carrier oil and massage onto your chest and feet, or, drop some into hot water and steam your face!
Muscle pain / joint pain
Mix with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond to create an effective rub that can relieve muscle and joint pain temporarily. You can also mix frankincense with other pain relieving oils such as clove to create a double-action blend.
Skincare
Frankincense Oil can tighten the skin, and its antimicrobial properties mean that it can also be effectively used on acne-prone skin. Remember when applying to always use with a carrier oil, and if you have particularly sensitive skin ensure to consult your dermatologist before use.
Meditation
Some prefer to meditate without any scents, and some like to use essential oils to help them to get into the correct headspace. Using a soothing oil such as Frankincense Oil can help you feel calm and collected before your mediation session.
Perfume
Whether you use it on its own, or mix with other essential oils - don’t underestimate the power of creating your own gorgeous scent with Frankincense Oil.
Home fragrance
If you own an electric diffuser, pop a few drops of Frankincense Oil into it and wait for your home to fill with its gorgeous, musky scent. One of our favourite combinations is frankincense and patchouli - just gorgeous!
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips and knowledge with you, so you can get the most out of your essential oil collection. We are passionate about essential oils, and want to create a space where you can access all the knowledge you need - whether it’s the best blends or the history behind an oil. In this blog we are going to be talking about Frankincense Oil and what blends well with it. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
A rich, creamy carrier oil, Coconut Oil is excellent to use when you need to give your skin, hair and scalp extra nourishment and moisture. A few drops of Frankincense Oil into the mix and you can create a leave-in conditioner, scalp treatment for dandruff or a luxurious massage oil. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so ensure to warm it up before blending with an essential oil.
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Jojoba Oil
We love Jojoba Oil because it is perfect for those who suffer from blemishes and acne prone skin. The makeup of Jojoba Oil is great because it is very similar to your skin's natural oils, therefore you are less likely to clog your pores when using it. Adding a few drops of Frankincense Oil can help create an anti-acne and anti- wrinkle oil that can be used before bed a few times a week, and will leave your skin looking and feeling moisturised and taut.
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Almond Oil
A sweet and soothing carrier oil, Almond Oil is perfect when combined with Frankincense Oil to create an all body moisturiser or as a hair mask. It can also be put in a spray bottle and used on the ends of your hair to breathe moisture and life into them!
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Lavender Oil
One of the few oils that pairs with pretty much every essential oil on the market, Lavender Oil has a soothing floral scent that works well with the muskiness of Frankincense Oil. It can work well in aromatherapy to make a blend that aids restful sleep, or as a body moisturiser or massage oil.
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Geranium Oil
The spicy warmth of Geranium Oil mixed with Frankincense Oil can create a beautiful perfume or room scent, whether in a DIY candle or through an electric diffuser.
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Clary Sage Oil
This is an oil that is particularly successful when used to treat women’s health issues such as menstrual pain and imbalanced hormones. Frankincense Oil also targets menstrual pain, so combining these with a carrier oil and massaging into the affected area can help to alleviate that pain.
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