Frankincense
Frankincense is an essential oil that may bring to mind ancient religious practices, and it is referred to many times in the Bible as well as other texts from around the world. It is even mentioned in one of the oldest medical records, the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BCE. However, frankincense is not a relic from the past, it is a powerful healing tool for modern times as well! Frankincense refers to the resin of various species of the Boswellia tree which grow in India, East Africa, China, and the Middle East. The most common and studied is Boswellia Carterii which is grown in Somalia and Yemen and has been cultivated there for thousands of years. Frankincense is powerful resin that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and studies such as those mentioned below show that the benefits of the essential oil are not just anecdotal, but can be scientifically proven. There are a variety of uses for frankincense, and one fantastic way to take advantage of it’s healing properties is to apply it to your skin. To see the many skin friendly benefits yourself you can choose skin care products that feature this potent yet gentle therapeutic oil to see revived elasticity and reduced inflammation. It is also believed to help heal scars. When you use frankincense on your skin, you are inhaling the earthy aroma, and like everything you apply to your skin, it is absorbing into your bloodstream, so you will be receiving all of its mental and emotional benefits as well! My whole family uses frankincense as a grounding, emotionally supportive tool and I love that every time I apply my favorite skin serum I am caring for all aspects of myself, not just the physical. After all, true beauty radiates from within!
Frankincense therapeutic properties
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801908/
Biological activities of frankincense essential oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5801908/
Transdermal microemulsions of Boswellia Carterii
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24725029/
Essential Oils Desk Reference, seventh edition
Caitlin Eisner Fisch is a homeschool mom, writer, personal chef, and essential oils enthusiast who lives in the Bay Area by way of Miami, Jerusalem, and the Bronx. Discover more creative essential oil ideas on Instagram @thejoyofcaitlin.oils and follow her family’s adventures on Instagram or Twitter @thejoyofcaitlin.
