There are many benefits of Frankincense oil, including its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can also help improve memory, reduce stress and improve breathing.
The essential oil is made by tapping the tree resin and then distilling it into a liquid form. Several methods of extraction are used, but the most common is steam distillation.
Anti-aging
Frankincense oil is a powerful anti-oxidant, which means it helps to protect the body against free radicals. These are molecules with unpaired electrons, which can damage DNA, leading to the aging process.
It also improves the skin’s elasticity and promotes cell renewal, which results in smoother, younger-looking skin. This makes it the perfect ingredient for skincare DIYs and at-home concoctions.
In addition to boosting skin health, frankincense oil has astringent properties that help to balance sebum production and tighten the skin. As a result, it’s often used in acne treatments and anti-aging products.
In a study on bladder transitional carcinoma cells, frankincense oil suppressed cancer cell viability within a range of concentrations. It activated genes that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, growth suppression, and apoptosis without inducing DNA fragmentation. This suggests that frankincense can distinguish cancerous cells from normal ones and suppress tumor growth.
Anti-inflammation
Frankincense oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be a contributing factor to many health conditions. This anti-inflammation effect is due to the presence of alpha-pinene and limonene.
Animal studies have also shown that frankincense oil can help reduce swelling and pain. This is because of the anti-inflammatory activities of alpha-pinene and a variety of other compounds.
Frankincense oil also has a relaxing effect on the body and can help with stress-related issues. In one study, frankincense oil mixed with a fatty carrier oil reduced the stress hormone in sleep-deprived rats.
Anti-bacterial
Frankincense oil can help keep bacteria at bay. It contains boswellic acids, which have antibacterial properties. This can prevent gum disease, toothaches and other oral health issues.
Frankincense also helps to soothe inflammation and improve the appearance of irritated skin. It can also reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and acne.
Researchers have found that frankincense oil can fight off cancer cells and prevent the formation of tumors. It has also been shown to kill cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy.
It can be used on its own or combined with other oils. The best way to use it is by mixing it with a fatty carrier oil, like jojoba oil. This will dilute it and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Anti-fungal
Frankincense oil is anti-fungal and can help treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm. It also helps heal itchy, flaky patches and dry skin.
The anti-fungal properties of frankincense oil are due to the presence of boswellic acid. This chemical is responsible for many of the other benefits of this oil including its ability to kill cancer cells.
The anti-fungal properties of frankincense have been shown to be effective against several different types of yeasts including Candida albicans. It can even kill the yeast responsible for diaper rash, which is a common issue in young children.
Anti-microbial
Frankincense essential oil has anti-microbial properties that help prevent the spread of germs. It can be used to clean surfaces and disinfect them, including countertops, toilets, floors, beds and other places in the home where bacteria and viruses may accumulate.
It is also known to help boost your immune system and fight harmful organisms. Studies show that frankincense oil can activate immune cells to destroy bacteria, viruses and even cancerous cells.
Boswellic acids in frankincense resin inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes. This may help reduce the pain associated with arthritis and relieve symptoms of other inflammatory conditions.
Anti-septic
Frankincense oil has anti-septic properties and helps to reduce bacterial growth. It can also be used to disinfect and deodorize indoor spaces.
It is also effective in reducing respiratory infections and coughing. The anti-inflammatory nature of frankincense essential oil can help relieve nasal congestion and breathing difficulties.
However, if you have a respiratory condition such as asthma or allergies, use caution. Inhaling this antiseptic oil can also aggravate symptoms, so talk to your doctor before using it.
Frankincense is a good option for anyone who wants to avoid synthetic antibiotics and steroidal drugs. It can also be used as a natural alternative to help treat oral (mouth) conditions such as bad breath, toothaches and gum disease.
Anti-spasmodic
Frankincense oil helps to relieve the symptoms of a wide range of respiratory problems. It can help to clear phlegm from the lungs and make breathing easier, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
It can also ease indigestion and stomach cramping. It promotes bowel movement and aids in the detoxification of the body, making it great for women who experience PMS-related bloating or digestive issues like gas or constipation.
In addition to its anti-spasmodic benefits, frankincense oil is also thought to have fertility-promoting properties. Studies have shown that it can increase sperm count and improve fetus growth and development.
Anti-seizure
Frankincense oil is an anti-seizure oil that can help prevent seizures in children and adults. It can also be used as a massage oil to reduce tension and stress in the body.
The oil is extracted from the hardened gum resins made from tapping Boswellia trees. It is then distilled and processed.
It has been shown to be effective in relieving joint pain and stiffness, especially in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. It can also be useful for reducing inflammation and easing the symptoms of asthma and eczema.
It contains a-pinene and limonene, both of which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. They also act in synergy to make the oil even more beneficial for health and wellness.
Anti-tumor
Among its many benefits, Frankincense oil has been found to be a very effective anti-tumor agent. Its ability to kill cancer cells is attributed to boswellic acids.
These acids are a group of pentacyclic triterpenes. They have great antioxidant activity and can help prevent a number of chronic diseases that are caused by excessive oxidation, including diabetes and cancer.
In this study, frankincense oil at different dilutions suppressed the growth of human bladder carcinoma J82 cells and immortalized normal urothelial UROtsa cells. This effect was observed in a dose-dependent manner, beginning with a dilution of 1:600.
Moreover, a number of genes that are responsible for apoptosis were up-regulated in frankincense oil-treated J82 cells. These include CDKN1A, IL8 and ING4. They are known to induce cell cycle arrest and anti-proliferation.
Anti-viral
Frankincense oil is anti-viral in the sense that it helps to kill germs, such as bacteria and viruses, which may cause infection. This is particularly useful for treating cold and flu symptoms.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to the boswellic acids that it contains.
A study in humans found that frankincense extract reduced joint swelling and pain. People in the trial also reported a better range of motion and walked farther than those who received a placebo.
The essential oils of the frankincense tree contain a-pinene and other anti-inflammatory components, which are important for helping to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also anti-bacterial, antiviral, and has a stress-relieving effect.
