Here’s what you better know about incorporating frankincense into your routine in a safe and supportive way.
Onestudy2looked at how rats induced with arthritis responded to extracts of frankincense and myrrh.
May help with gut inflammation.
In a small randomized, double-blind3study, researcherscompared frankincense extract with the Crohn’s disease anti-inflammatory medication mesalazine3.
But again, more research is needed.
May ease anxiety or depression.
When used as anaromatherapyor burned as an incense, the oil or resin may induce calm or boost mood.
Patients in thearomatherapy group showed a more significant decrease in pain and depression scores4than the control group.
May help fight respiratory illnesses.
Frankincense has acamphor-like aromathat can help ease nasal or lung congestion when inhaled.
Additionally, the essential oil’santiseptic propertiesmay protect against germs that can cause illness in the first place.
May support oral hygiene.
The antimicrobial benefits of frankincense make the essential oil a favorite in natural mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Researchers found thatfrankincense, given in either form, led to a difference in inflammation9.
How to use itand how not to use it.
First off, frankincense can be applied to the skin to ease pain.
To alleviate irritation, always mix frankincense into a carrier oil before applying.
Or add a few drops to ahomemade paste.
Ingestion of any essential oil as a supplement is best done incapsule formand in the smallest amount.
Potential side effects.
Frankincense has few reportedside effects12and is generally considered safe.
Frankincense is a versatile, tried-and-true essential oil.
