Frankincense Essential Oil in the Spotlight

Frankincense essential oil can be distilled from the resin of several different species of trees. In this blog I'm looking at Boswellia carterii.

The aroma of frankincense essential oil is earthy and resinous and can also be described as a woodsy, piney, lemony. base note.

Frankincense is known to be calming and centering. It supports focus and stillness. Frankincense is soothing and calming and often used in skin care or for respiratory support. It works well to soothe headache, tension, and feelings of stress. It is reported to break up mucus, soothe sore muscles, and help support skin health.

Frankincense is generally rich in a-pinene and d-limonene. d-limonene activates white blood cells (1), has analgesic (2) and anti-inflammatory properties (3) and acts as a skin penetration enhancer (4).

Pinene (a) is anti-inflammatory (5), anti-microbial (6), and antispasmodic (7).

I like using frankincense in skin blends and to soothe headaches.

Try adding frankincense, peppermint, and lavender to jojoba oil in a roller ball for a headache soothing blend.

Add a drop to your usual lotion or night cream to support skin health.

Diffuse or add to an inhaler to support respiratory health or add a drop to steaming blends.

If you have questions about frankincense essential oil or aromatherapy in general contact Tricia.

1. Hamada M, Uezu K, Matsushita J et al (2002) Distribution and immune responses resulting from oral administration of d-limonene in rats. Journal of Nutritional Science & Vitaminology (Tokyo) 48:155-160

2. Do Amaral JF, Silva MI, Neto MR et al (2007) Antinociceptive effect of the monoterpene R-(+)-limonene in mice. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 30:1217-1220

3. Souza MC, Siani AC, Ramos MF et al (2003) Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from two Asteraceae species. Pharmazie 58:582-586

4. Matthys H, de Mey C, Carls C et al (2000) Efficacy and tolerability of myrtol standardized in acute bronchitis. A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trial vs. cefuroxime and ambroxol. Arzneimittelforschung 50:700-711

5. Martin S, Padilla E, Ocete M A, Galvez J, Jimenez J, Zarzuelo A (1993),Anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Bupleurum fruticescens

6. Astani A, Reichling J, Schnitzler P (2009) Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils. Phytotherapy Research.

Deans SG, Svoboda KP (1988) Antibacterial activity of French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus Linn.) essential oil and its constituents during ontology. Journal of Horticultural Science 63:503-508

7. Sadraei H, Asghari GR, Hajhashemi V et al (2001) Spasmolytic activity of essential oil and various extracts of Ferula gummosa Boiss. on ileum contractions. Phytomedicine 8:370-376