Frankincense oil has many benefits to the human body due to the presence of several active ingredients such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, caryophyllene, and limonene.
Frankincense oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree that grows in some regions in Africa and Asia. Frankincense has been used and even exchanged in international trade for its medicinal, cosmetic and religious uses for more than five thousand years, and therefore qualifies as one of the oldest healing remedies known to man. It has also been discovered by modern science that most of the things that early societies used frankincense oil for healing were indeed correct. Now let us discuss some of the most effective reason why frankincense oil is important in boosting your body health.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The effects of frankincense oil have also been investigated in relation to feelings of anxiety and stress and several researchers have supported this view. When frankincense essential oils are inhaled, it activates neurotransmitters that are used to control emotions in the brain. The oil also has a sedative effect in that it reduces heart rate and blood pressure, both of which can reduce stress. It can be applied by adding several drops to an aromatherapy diffuser, in homemade cosmetics, or by swallowing a pill containing frankincense oil in order to counteract anxiety.
Boosts Immune Function
Frankincense’s oil has abundant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics that contribute to powerful immune boosters. It helps to disinfect and kill germs and pathogens, and prevent the body from being invaded any further by such unwanted parasites. Other benefits of frankincense include; it helps the immune system to recognize cancerous cells and pathogens early so that they can be destroyed. Franksin essential oil is recommended to be taken every day to enhance the body’s immune capacity and maintain general health.
Fights Inflammation
The boswellic acids present in the frankincense oil has been observed to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect due to its ability to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules that promote inflammation and the resultant swelling, pain and tissue damage in the body. Frankincense oil has been proved to have anti-inflammatory properties in managing diseases such as arthritis, intestinal inflammation diseases such as ulcerative colitis, respiratory diseases like asthma, and managing muscle soreness after physical activity. Using the oil directly on affected areas for areas that is inflamed or taking dietary supplements that contain frankincense can help in curbing inflammation.
Improves Oral Health
The chemotherapy capability of frankincense oil also extends to eradicating negative breath, gum diseases, mouth ulcers, and additional oral inflammations. But when done properly, it can keep the teeth free from plaque and also promote healthy gums. Frankincense oil can be applied in many ways; for use on your teeth, you can prepare your natural toothpaste by adding several droppers of the oil to non-fluoride paste, or you can place a dropper full of the oil directly onto your toothbrush. It can also be mixed with water to form a mouthwash solution for geriatric patients. Franksin oil when used in the oral hygiene practice will enhance the health of teeth and reduce on the occurrence of future dental problems.
Slows Aging
The active ingredients that are present in the frankincense oil contain antioxidant property which reduces the cell damage in the human body that causes early aging. It shields skin from the UV radiation coming from the sun which is known to cause wrinkle, sun spots, and fine lines. So when incorporating frankincense into your skin care routine, know that it will help to maintain a youthful complexion and a flawless, smooth skin. Frankincense oil has yet another benefit of stimulating the formation of new cells, which in turn slows down the aging process. This is one of the best natural remedies to change the process of aging that is known.
Alleviates Respiratory Issues
Frankincense oil can be helpful to congestion, coughs, colds, or even asthma. It breaks down the thick fluids like phlegm that build up in your throat when you have a cold, so you can breathe more easily. Frankincense also helps to minimize lung inflammation to increase the bronchiole’s width. While burning frankincense essential oil in an oil diffuser to spread it across your house is an efficient strategy to strengthen the lungs and make breathing less complicated.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Frankincense is said to help in reduction of gastrointestinal problems such as gas, bloating, cramps, constipation and nausea. It accelerates the release of certain hormones that aid in the digestion of food and absorption of the nutrients obtained from the foods we take. It also aids in digestion and helps to control the bowel movements and works properly on the stomach and intestines. As a digestive aid, frankincense can simply be taken by dissolving a few drops into water and having the solution before meals.
Balances Hormones
Menstrual and menopausal symptoms were found to be suppressed in some women when they were exposed to the smell of frankincense oil. Some studies have shown that it also aids in the modulation of the hormone production where estrogen as well as progesterone are released. Frankincense also relieves anxiety and bodily pains that are due to hormonal fluctuations. Smelling the scent, applying skin care oil mix, or consuming a dietary supplement can be helpful in minimizing the hormonal fluctuations and pms issues in women.
Supports Healthy Cells
When used, frankincense oil has a positive role in enhancing appropriate cell growth and functioning in various parts of the human body. It has cytophylactic properties for making and promoting healthy cells formation and for preventing unhealthy cells formation. Frankincense oil promotes the healthy cycle of shedding and regrowth and enables healthy cells to divide and create new ones. This makes it useful for warding off some chronic diseases in the future.
Wound and Scar Healing
It is advisable to use frankincense oil in cases of injuries, open wounds, acne scars, surgical scar, and stretch marks since it aids in faster healing and fading process. It is an antiseptic, it has an anti-inflammatory action, and it helps the skin to re-form its natural weave. Frankincense assists in promotion of blood flow that helps in bringing nutrients and oxygen to the body parts that require it for healing. It also helps reduce scarring since the fibroblasts are spread evenly across the skin to produce cells during the healing process.
Relieves Congestion and Coughs
Frankincense oil can help in managing respiratory problems that lead to problems such as congestion and coughing. It clears the throat and removes phlegm and other thick fluids, expands nasal passages and bronchi and lets you catch your breath. It also reduces lung inflammation that limits breathing through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 and lipoxygenase pathways. For the respiratory distress and cough, treatment can be done through oil diffuser, steam inhalation using frankincense essential oil or frankincense oil massage.
Eases Headaches and Migraines
Frankincense oil has properties that can calm the mind and the body especially in cases of migraines and headaches. It acts as a depressant of the central nervous system that eases tension thereby alleviating head pain due to the resulting pressure. Frankincense also suppresses the neuropeptides that cause vasoconstriction and therefore, may help in the prevention of migraines. When used in its natural form by inhaling frankincense oil, or by applying the oil after dilution with another oil on your temples and forehead, it alleviates headache.
Final Thoughts
Another aspect of frankincense oil is its uses in promoting wellness such as for stress, immunity boost among others. It has been used for medical purposes from ancient time though in the present generation scientific research has proven its effectiveness. If frankincense oil is not already incorporated into your daily health regime, this experiment with a high quality oil is a must. It is impressive that such a small amount of this product, in the form of a few drops per day, can substantially positively affect the human body and mind.