Essential oils like frankincense have been used for thousands of years for their therapeutic and healing properties as part of the practice of aromatherapy. They are sourced from leaves, stems or roots of plants that are known for their health properties.
Frankincense, sometimes referred to as olibanum, is a common type of essential oil that offers a variety of health benefits, including helping relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation and boosting immunity.
If you are new to essential oils and not sure where to start, consider picking up a high-quality frankincense oil. It is gentle, versatile and continues to be a fan favorite for its impressive list of benefits.
Frankincense has been associated with many different religions over the years, especially the Christian religion, as it was one of the first gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men. Frankincense smells like a combination of pine, lemon and woody scents. Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India that produces special compounds that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer effects. Among the valuable Boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as most beneficial, including terpenes and boswellic acids, which are strongly anti-inflammatory and protective over healthy cells.
When inhaled, frankincense oil has been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. It has anti-anxiety and depression-reducing abilities, but unlike prescription medications, it does not have negative side effects or cause unwanted drowsiness.
Studies have proven that frankincense benefits extend to immune-enhancing abilities that may help destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses and even cancers. Researchers at Mansoura University in Egypt conducted a lab study and found that frankincense oil exhibit strong immunostimulant activity.
Frankincense is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent that has antimicrobial effects. It has the ability to eliminate cold and flu germs from the home and the body naturally, and it can be used in place of chemical household cleaners.
A lab study published in “Letter in Applied Microbiology” suggests that the combination of frankincense oil and myrrh oil is particularly effective when used against pathogens. These two oils, which have been used in combination since 1500 BC, have synergistic and additive properties when exposed to microorganisms like Cryptococcus neoformans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Frankincense oil can also aid the digestive system. Research shows that it may help to reduce pain and cramping in the stomach, relieve nausea, flush out excess water from the abdomen that can cause bloating and even relieve PMS-related stomach pains. It does this by speeding up the secretion of digestive enzymes, increasing urination production, relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract and helping improve circulation, which is needed for proper digestive health. It has been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and IBS.
Frankincense oil is used by either inhaling the oil or absorb it through the skin, usually mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. A little bit of oil goes a long way and it should not be ingested in large quantities as it can be toxic.
If you have any questions regarding a healthier lifestyle contact me (719) 429-1605, healthandwellness@qwestoffice.net, www.sandiashlock.juiceplus.com.