Frankincense: the Oil of Kings

When you think of a "go to" essential oil, an oil that covers a multitude of conditions, think frankincense!

Typically, the word "frankincense" makes you also think of gold and myrrh! The three precious gifts of the Magi, offered to the newborn baby Jesus.

Many health conditions are caused by inflammation, and the number one combatant of inflammation in the body is frankincense.

Frankincense essential oil comes from the sun-dried resin of the frankincense tree. The most potent frankincense comes from the Dhofar region of Oman.

The species of frankincense used by doTERRA is Boswellia Frereana, harvested at the perfect time of year by a family who has been chosen by the company after having tested their product thoroughly.

The quality of frankincense is highly dependent on both the area it is grown in, and the timing of harvest. Frankincense is hand-sorted for quality.

The frankincense trees are nothing to look at - they look straggly, withered, and under watered, but when the tree is tapped, the magic is released. The resin drips down the outside of the tree, looking like tears. These tears are harvested two to three times a year, and in general the more opaque the tears, the better the quality. The tears are then steam distilled to obtain the essential oil.

Anti-aging - Frankincense has properties that renew cells to their original state, thus promoting younger looking skin. It will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Analgesic - helps to soothe joints and improve synovial fluid

Antidepressant - relaxing and uplifting. Studies by researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have found that frankincense activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression.

Antifungal - helps in the healing of cuts and wounds, inhibits bacterial growth.

Anti-inflammatory - a couple of drops of frankincense under the tongue each morning helps to control inflammation in the body.

Antiseptic - assists with acne and other skin conditions

Astringent - firms up loose skin and helps reduce ganglion cysts

Diuretic - eliminates excess water from the body

Sedative - eases hyperactivity and restlessness

Frankincense contains a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which enable the oil to cross the blood brain barrier. This helps to increase the oxygen around the pineal pituitary glands, which stimulates the limbic system, helping to promote memory. This is promising in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

This remarkable oil helps with emotional balance as well as boosting the immune and nervous systems. It will help focus energy, minimize distractions and improve concentration

Diffusion - put a couple of drops of frankincense into your diffuser and experience the wonderful woody aroma of this versatile oil.

Topical - including massage, to the affected area. Frankincense is mild enough to be applied directly to the skin without a carrier oil. Frankincense, applied to the soles of the feet, has been documented to significantly reduce the occurrence of seizures.

Internally - a couple of drops of frankincense under the tongue helps to control inflammation in the body. When you put an essential oil under your tongue, it is absorbed into the body more rapidly. Try to hold it under your tongue for about five minutes before taking a drink of water.

Caution: this advice ONLY applies to doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oil. If your label reads "Not to be taken internally", please follow that advice.

The information shared in this hub has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.

Kindly understand that essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems. Thank you for your sharing with others.