“If in doubt, get your Frankincense out”.
Aroma: Piney, Fresh, Balsamic
Frankincense offers support across a wide range and number of circumstances and is a very safe oil to work with. It was used as far back as 1500 BCE to help prepare spaces for meditation and prayer, bringing comfort, joy and a special connection to the Divine. If you have an overly busy mind and cannot concentrate or relax, Frankincense’s ability to help clear the fog is unsurpassed. It is an ideal oil to diffuse in workshops and yoga studios to create a relaxing and positive environment.
Physical Benefits: Will help to alleviate all kinds of coughs, colds and congestion associated with the chest. Frankincense is a great choice for people with asthma as it encourages deep and slow breathing.
Frankincense tones, firms, nourishes and infuses skin with energy, and can rejuvenate a tired or mature skin. The very best blend for mature skin in my opinion is Rose, Frankincense and Sandalwood.
With powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it calms the complexion and can be used to soothe sunburn or breakouts, too.
Mental Benefits: The aromatherapists’ go-to oil for helping people living with depression. Frankincense can release feelings of deep grief and sadness and it can help let go of painful past events. It is very effective for burn-out and exhaustion. It is deeply relaxing yet lifts the spirit allowing a departure from all-consuming thoughts and worries.
Emotional Support: Can help to deal with panic or fear. A nasal inhaler with Frankincense is a brilliant (better?) alternative to breathing into a paper bag when you feel a rising panic. Frankincense opens the airwaves and deepens the breathing allowing you to collect your breath and regain composure. It is fantastic for coping with a fear of enclosed spaces such as elevators, and can help to calm down your breathing when fear threatens to take you over.
For grief, Frankincense is supportive and helps with the “letting-go” process, by creating space for the loss to be processed. Comforting and connecting, it offers a reassuring and peaceful presence.
Spiritual Association: Frankincense is said to deepen your connection to spiritual beliefs, to burn off negativity and to clear the path for divine communication.
It is excellent to work with when exploring past lives as Frankincense really supports you when you need to let go of past hurt.
Myth buster – “Boswellic Acid” is currently in the spotlight as lots of research into its anti-cancer properties are coming to light which is great news, however, Frankincense essential oil does not contain boswellic acid as it is lost in the steam distillation process. If you’re looking for Boswellic Acid, you will need to look for the extract from frankincense resin which is usually found in tablet supplement form.