What is frankincense?
Frankincense, or as its known in the middle East olibanum, is the aromatic sap or resin from the Boswellia tree. Myrrh is also a gum resin from a desert tree of the same family, Burseraceae which is fondly referred to as the incense tree family.
The trees typically grow in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa and the Middle East. These trees adapt to thrive on steep slopes and ravines and can grow with little to no soil, the harsher the environment the greater quality resin. Generally speaking, the more opaque resins are the better quality.
Young Living have gone to great lengths to source the highest quality trees, they harvest the resin from the Boswellia frereana trees in Somalia to make Franckincense. Resin from the Boswellia sacra tree in Oman is used to make their sacred frankincense.
See the video here to see how their process works:
How frankincense oil is distilled
How Young Living source their frankincense resin
Ancient uses
Frankincense essential oil is known throughout history for it’s healing and spiritual properties. It is considered a holy oil in the Middle East, where it has been traded and used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) have all used frankincense mixed with oils to anoint newborn infants, initiates and members entering into new phases of their spiritual lives.
In the bible we see that frankincense, as well as gold and myrrh, was given to Yeshua (Jesus) at his birth, at the time it was considered to be more valuable than gold.
Even today in the western world if you go to an orthodox church you are likely to smell the smoke of this burning incense.
Frankincense is also mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian scroll from approximately 1500 BCE.
Why should I use Frankincense?
Frankincense essential oil is know for its healing and spiritual properties. when you use the oil it transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. Using this natural remedy can help you in your everyday life to relieve stress, support pain relief and inflammation, boost immunity.
The Chemistry:
I’m no scientist, but knowing a little bit about the therapeutic qualities of the compounds found in essential oils helps me know how to best use them.
Frankincense consists of: Monoterpenes – 82% Sesquiterpenes – 8% Alcohols 4%
According to Dr David Stewart in his book “Healing Oils of the Bible.”
Monoterpenes reprogram miswritten information in the DNA and thus promote permanent healing at a cellular level.
Other research shows that monoterpenes may be responsible for a number of properties like anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic and stimulating in essential oils.
Some other oils high in monoterpenes are grapefruit (92%), Angelica (80%) and Cypress (77%).
Sesquiterpenes deprogram miswritten information on the DNA at a cellular level and bring oxygen to cells, thus promoting permanent healings.
The therapeutic properties linked with sesquiterpenes include analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, cooling, and sedative. Many have seen profound effects on emotions and supporting hormonal balance.
Some oils high in sesquiterpenes are: Cedarwood (98%), Sandalwood (95%) and Myrrh (60%)
How to use frankincense:
Aromatically – can be inhaled, either straight from the bottle or by adding a few drops to your diffuser.
Topically – place 2-3 drops in the palm of your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application or to the bottom of your feet. Frankincense can be applied neat but if you feel any sensitivity dilute with a carrier oil. You can also add a few drops to your bath to be absorbed by your skin.
Internally – you can ingest Young Living’s Vitality/Plus range safely. They have been labeled specifically for this purpose. You can add 1-2 drop to a glass of water or cup of tea, in a teaspoon of honey, or under your tongue, you can even make your own capsules.
Tips and benefits to using this amazing king of essential oils:
Tip # – 1 Meditation and prayer
Frankincense is considered the most precious spiritual oil of the Middle East. Its earthy, uplifting aroma is perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness and can remind you to come back into awareness.
Tip # 2 – Hands and nails
Rub into your nail beds to support nail growth and strength. Massage directly into skin to moisturise, maintain radiance and smooth skin imperfections.
Tip # 3 – Skin
Add Frankincense to your moisturiser to highlight your natural beauty and promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin and even skin tones. You can add a few drops of it to V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex to dilute it as the oil is incredibly powerful face serum.
Tip #4 – Respiratory support
Breath in to help clear the nasal passageway and encourage easy breathing. You can apply a few drops to your chest or feet too.
Tip #5 – Massage
Add a few drops to V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and use it in a massage after activity to help invigorate tired muscles.
Tip #6 – Immune booster
Take Frankincense Vitality as a dietary supplement to support your well-being and overall health. Add 1-2 drops to a clear vegetable capsule, 1 drop of under your tongue or simply add to water, honey, juices or NingXia Red.
Tip #7 – Grounding and connectedness
The earthy aroma helps sustain your sense of connectedness and relax in a stressful situation. Its calming and gentle to use on your kids too, just dilute with v6 or coconut oil.
Tip #8 – Support brain function
Apply topically to your forehead, temples, and behind your ears to support healthy brain and neurological function. Try put a drop on your thumb and place it on the roof of your mouth to ease head tension
Tip #9 – Oral health
Frankincense oil is a great addition to any oral hygiene regimen. Try rubbing a drop onto your dental floss before flossing.
Tip #10 – Digestion support
Add 1-2 drops of vitality plus oil to a glass of water or a tablespoon of honey for Gastro intestinal relief for occasional stomach aches, cramp, discomfort and flatulence.
Cautions:
It’s important to use high quality 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils that are free of synthetic fragrance and perfume. We recommend Young Living because of their ‘Seed to Seal’ process. They follow rigorous quality control standards to help ensure their products meet strict specifications – delivering the purest and safest therapeutic grade essential oils.
Frankincense is known to have blood-thinning effects, so anyone who has problems related to blood clotting should not use frankincense oil or should speak with a doctor first.
Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.
Join us on our journey
We would love for you to join us on our journey. It’s so much more than just learning how to use essential oils, supplements and healthy eating. Partnering with Young Living for us is an extension of our life-long journey of educating ourselves with what it looks like to live lives in abundance. In every aspect; spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.
We value the opportunity to be a part of a company and community that we can trust, who have the knowledge experience and ethics to help us on our journey. It’s also important for us to be able to share this way of life with others, who are searching for the same thing, and help them in their journey to live lives of abundance too.
Thank you for reading right to the end and stay tuned for more posts on how to live an abundant life.
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