How to Use the Benefits of Frankincense to Soothe Your Whole Being

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Frankincense essential oil is exploding in popularity. This is no great surprise since its amazing properties can greatly enhance your physical, emotional, and mental health. However, there’s also much misinformation about supposed “cures” out there. Here at e3, we’re all about making informed decisions. So let’s explore more about the benefits of Frankincense so you can decide when and how to use it.

Which Frankincense Is Best?

That’s a question people ask a lot! The first step for ensuring you’re using the best essential oils is to check the country of origin and if they’ve been tested for purity and quality.

Frankincense is derived from sap found in trees of the Boswellia genus which are commonly found in Middle Eastern and African countries. We stock Frankincense Somalia (Frankincense B. Frereana) and Frankincense Ethiopia (Frankincense B. Carterii) and both options have a warm, sweet, balsamic, woody aroma. They are interchangeable in use since they are both good for stress, skin care, meditation, and as immune stimulants.

HOW TO USE FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL

Below I share three ways that you can tap into the benefits of Frankincense, along with specific application recommendations. You’ll also find substitutes for Frankincense oil, since not everyone likes the smell of Frankincense and that’s okay! As I like to say, “Your Nose Knows!”  Learn more about what to do if you dislike a popular essential oil by watching this Q&A with Caryn.

The Benefits of Frankincense for Skin Care

Frankincense is used for wrinkles, dry skin, mature skin, scars, inflammation, small wounds, and minor skin infections. Here are three easy ways to use Frankincense for skin care. (I never recommend applying it directly to your skin.) :

Add to Products: Frankincense can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of Frankincense to the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying – 3 times. Pat dry.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of Frankincense in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

You will find additional application instructions on our Frankincense product page. For other excellent choices for skin care, pick from the following list of  substitutes for Frankincense oil:

• Inflammation: Lavender, Peppermint
• Dry/Itchy: Lavender
• Scarring: Neroli, Helichrysum
  Sun damage: Lavender
• Mature Skin/Wrinkles: Geranium, Palmarosa, Vetiver
  We also carry blends that contain Frankincense, along with other skin-nurturing essential oils: Bruise & Scar Blend and Skin Care Blend.

USING FRANKINCENSE FOR BREATHING & IMMUNE SUPPORT 

Frankincense is used to soothe coughs, bronchitis, infections, tense breathing, shallow breathing, and rapid breathing, as well as to provide some immune support. Here are three ways you can use Frankincense to soothe breathing or provide some support to your overtaxed immune system:

Chest Rub: Mix 15 drops of Frankincense essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. Apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of Frankincense to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of Frankincense essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

You will find additional application instructions on our Frankincense product page. If you’re looking for breathing and immune support, here are alternative essential oils to consider:

• Calm breathing: Pine, Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Lavender Spike
• Deep breathing: Eucalyptus, Thyme
• Rapid breathing: Melissa, Ylang Ylang
• Coughs, bronchitis: Eucalyptus, Ravensara
• Infections and Immune support: Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Lemon, Oregano

USING FRANKINCENSE FOR MENTAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 

Frankincense is used to help with anxiety, stress, nervous tension, fear, and a restless mind. Here are three ways you can tap into the benefits of Frankincense to enhance your peace of mind and a sense of well-being:

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.

Massage: Mix 12 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

You will find additional application instructions on our Frankincense product page. While Frankincense is an excellent choice for mental and emotional support, here are some alternatives to consider.

• Mild depression: Bergamot, FCF, Geranium, Melissa, Rose
• Anxiety: Bergamot, FCF, Black Spruce, Ho Wood, Myrrh, Sandalwood
• Stress: Bergamot, FCF, Black Spruce, Lavender, Sandalwood

We also carry blends that contain Frankincense, along with other soothing essential oils: Courageous, Frankincense & Myrrh, Meditate, and Serenity.

Choosing essential oils is a very personalized thing and you’ll discover that if one oil doesn’t work you can find alternatives with similar properties, just as I’ve shown today by using a substitute for Frankincense oil. Do you want to deepen your understanding of scent and explore the world of aromatherapy? Download our free guide, Listen to Your Nose: An Introduction to Aromatherapy.