Frankincense has been used for thousands of years. We know it was one of the gifts brought to Baby Jesus by the Magi. Apparently, they considered it a gift appropriate for a king.
In modern times, we’re beginning to understand why frankincense was so treasured. But research is in the early stages. What we do know about this Middle Eastern resin is that it can kill cancer cells in the lab. There’s also interest in its potential ability to reduce inflammation.
Inflammation, quite literally, is a killer. It’s what fuels the diseases process, whether it’s cancer, heart disease or multiple sclerosis, according to many holistic health experts. So the idea is to reduce excess inflammation, as much as possible.
Frankincense Oil for Inflammation
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Given its long history of this resin’s medicinal use, frankincense essential oil has gained a huge following, partly due to its reputation as being a natural anti-inflammatory.
At one time, I was able to locate a study specifically showing that frankincense worked to reduce inflammation. I am no longer able to locate this study. But I have found other reports published by various medical experts that explain how this resin may help with inflammation.
Is Frankincense Good for Inflammation?
Frankincense has been used in both Indian Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of conditions, including arthritic conditions, which have a strong inflammatory component.
It’s safe to say a lot more modern research needs to be done. The little literature that’s available, however, is very promising.
Here’s what I’ve been able to locate.
- One team of German researchers was able to demonstrate the specific action of frankincense against the inflammatory process, in a laboratory setting. Clinical trials are awaiting.
- Also, a paper published in the September 2011 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal also notes that frankincense may be helpful for people suffering from anti-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and Chron’s disease. The author of this paper is a naturopathic physician. He also mentioned that no serious side effects were reported in the available clinical data.
How To Use Frankincense Oil for Inflammation
There are a couple of ways to use frankincense. One is to burn it as incense. In my house, before company comes to visit, I put dried frankincense “tears” in a pan and gentle heat it on the stove. (Tears are what the drops of resin are called.)
A more popular way in modern times is to use frankincense as an essential oil. I’ve also used it this way myself. This is one of the natural remedies I’ve used to ease my chronic nerve inflammation.
I’ve also used frankincense on my face, as a natural wrinkle fighter. It seems to even out my skin tone. I don’t know if this story is true or not, but, legend has it, that Cleopatra was a big fan of frankincense, and used it as a natural beauty aid.
If you do decide to use frankincense essential oil for massage, make sure to mix it with a carrier oil. Add about one drop of frankincense to a teaspoon of carrier. I use olive, grapeseed or coconut oil as carriers. This frankincense shown here is sold by Plant Therapy, one of the essential oil companies I trust the most.
Plant Therapy Frankincense Oil
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I often use essential oils for massage, especially if my pain happens to flare up. Years ago, I threw away all of my OTC pain relievers. That’s because I became more aware they can cause rare but potentially serious side effects. Plus, I never found much relief with them anyway. Natural aromatics seem to work better, at least for me. Although I’m not a doctor, and I can’t make any medical claims, nor promise any specific essential oil recipe will help you, I can share how I use essential oils in my own life.
Aromatherapy Recipes With Frankincense
From what I understand, some people advocate taking frankincense essential oil internally. However, this should never be done unless you are working with a medical doctor or qualified aromatherapist. Just so you know, I don’t consume my essential oils. Putting them on your skin also means they reach your bloodstream. My own doctor once told me that 60 percent of everything you apply to the outside of your body is absorbed.
Anyway, when pain rears its ugly head, I either use a single aromatic or whip up a recipe, consisting of multiple oils. One advantage of doing this is for the potential synergy between the different ingredients. It’s a widely held belief among aromatherapists that blends may be effective than single oils.
Essential Oil Recipes Using Frankincense
2 teaspoons of carrier oil (This recipe can also be doubled by doubling all of the ingredients.) Carriers are really important because they protect your skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated. So they’re much too strong to put on your skin with a carrier. Plus, carriers serve a double function. They also “carry” the aromatics into your body.
1 drop of frankincense essential oil (available here)
1 drop of lavender essential oil (available here)
1 drop of rosemary essential oil (available here)
1 drop of myrrh essential oil (available here)
Frankincense and Myrrh for Neuropathy
If you suffer from this nerve inflammation, it’s safe to say that pain is probably a constant companion. Although scientific research into frankincense is still in its infancy, some people are currently using this resin as a natural remedy for relief. The formula shown below contains both frankincense and myrrh, another of the gifts given to Baby Jesus.
Wise Men Frankincense Healing Balm
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
If you’re interesting in the potential benefits of frankcincense essential oil, here are more resources to check out.
Frankincense Myrrh Essential Oil Benefits
Essential Oils to Help Knee Pain
Essential Oil to Stop Headaches
Frankincense and Inflammation Research
Frankincense and Inflammation Study
Because I’ve had really good success with natural remedies, my body has recovered to the point where pain isn’t too much of an issue. This took years, along with a fair amount of trial and error. During the process, I learned a great deal about natural healing, and controlling chronic inflammation. I can’t promise what worked for me will work for anyone else. (We’re all different.)
But the online pain management course I designed can give you a lot of ideas, so you can hopefully find your own path to better health. For more information, click on the image below.
Natural Pain Management StrategiesSign Up For My Course
Natural Remedies for Inflammation
Excess inflammation nearly ruined my life. At one point, I was so disabled by this chronic condition that I could barely walk across the kitchen. Housework was out of the question. Making meals was a huge chore, which usually fell upon my 12-year-old daughter. I am so grateful to have regained my health, with the help of prayer and a lot of natural remedies.
However, I’m convinced that nothing would have worked if I didn’t take the first step in cleaning up my diet. If you need help learning how to cook healthy meals, I highly recommend Real Plans. Actually, I encourage all my readers who think they need this help to sign up for this low-cost real food meal planning service just for a month, to get past that learning curve. Real Plans gives you a weekly shopping list that corresponds with a week’s worth of delicious recipes. This can save time and money too. Click on the picture below for more information.
Frankincense Essential Oil for Joint Pain
