Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is a resin obtained from trees belonging to the Boswellia genus, primarily Boswellia carterii, Boswellia sacra (also known as Boswellia serrata), Boswellia papyrifera, and Boswellia frereana. These trees are native to regions in the Middle East and parts of Africa, particularly Somalia, Ethiopia, Oman, and Yemen.
History of Frankincense
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Ancient Use: Frankincense has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was highly prized in ancient civilizations, including those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Roman Empire. It was used in religious rituals, as incense, and for medicinal purposes.
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Biblical References: Frankincense is mentioned in the Bible, where it is one of the gifts the Magi brought to the baby Jesus. It has strong ties to various religious and spiritual traditions.
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Trade Routes: The trade in frankincense was a significant part of the ancient world's economy. Caravans of traders known as the "Frankincense Trail" carried the resin from the Arabian Peninsula to various parts of the ancient world.
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Medicinal Uses: Frankincense was used for its endless medicinal properties.
Plant Description
The Boswellia trees that produce frankincense resin are small to medium-sized deciduous trees.
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Appearance: The appearance of Boswellia trees can vary depending on the species, but they typically have slender trunks with peeling bark and sparse, pinnate leaves. The leaves are usually compound, with multiple leaflets attached to a central stem.
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Habitat: These trees thrive in arid, rocky environments and are well-adapted to survive in harsh conditions. They are often found in dry, hilly, and desert regions.
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Resin Production: The resin, which is the valuable part of the tree, is produced in response to small wounds or cuts made in the tree's bark. The resin oozes out and hardens over time. This process can be repeated over several years.
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Harvesting: Harvesting frankincense resin is a delicate process. Workers carefully scrape the hardened resin from the tree, leaving the tree itself intact to produce more resin in the future.
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Species Variation: Different species of Boswellia trees produce resins with slightly different properties and aromas. Boswellia carterii, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papyrifera, and Boswellia frereana are some of the primary species used for frankincense production, and each has its unique characteristics.
Frankincense has a long and storied history as a valuable natural resource with cultural, spiritual, and economic significance. Its resin continues to be used today for various purposes, including essential oil production, incense, and traditional medicine.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Warm, Spicy, Clean
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Burseraceae
PLANT PART
Resin from Boswellia carterii, frereana, and sacra
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity
RECOMMENDED USES
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Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening for a warming and soothing effect.
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Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections.
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Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood.
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Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function.
BENEFITS
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Frankincense oil may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response.
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Oral Health: may contribute to improved oral health when used in mouthwashes or toothpaste.
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Respiratory Health: Inhalation of frankincense oil vapor may help ease respiratory discomfort and support clearer breathing.
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Skin Health: It is known for its astringent properties, which may help tone and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
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Immune Support: May boost the immune system due to its immune-stimulating properties.
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Discomfort Relief: When applied topically, it may help alleviate minor aches and discomforts, such as head tension or muscle aches.
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Digestive Aid: Some people use frankincense oil to support healthy digestion by massaging it onto the abdominal area.
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Cicatrizant: Frankincense oil is thought to promote the healing of cuts, scrapes, and minor burns by aiding in cell regeneration.
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Anti-Aging: Its antioxidants may help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the signs of premature aging.
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use frankincense oil
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Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops of frankincense oil to an essential oil diffuser to create a calming and uplifting atmosphere in your home or workspace.
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Massage Oil: Dilute frankincense oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and use it for a relaxing massage, focusing on areas of tension.
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Skincare: Incorporate a few drops of frankincense oil into your skincare routine by adding it to your favorite moisturizer or facial serum. It may help promote healthier-looking skin.
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Bath Soak: Enhance your bath experience by adding a few drops of frankincense oil to your bathwater. It can promote relaxation and soothe tired muscles.
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Natural Perfume: Dab a diluted mixture of frankincense oil and a carrier oil onto your pulse points as a natural, aromatic perfume.
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Yoga and Meditation: Use frankincense oil during yoga or meditation sessions to create a sacred and grounding atmosphere. Apply diluted oil to your wrists or diffuse it in your practice space.
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Air Freshener: Mix a few drops of frankincense oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as a natural air freshener for your home or car.
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DIY Cleaning Products: Add frankincense oil to homemade cleaning solutions for its cleansing properties and pleasant scent.
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Hair Care: Add a drop or two of frankincense oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner to promote healthy-looking hair and a soothing scalp.
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Crafts and DIY Projects: Incorporate frankincense oil into DIY candles, soaps, and other crafting projects for a pleasant and natural fragrance.
diy recipes with frankincense oil
Frankincense-Infused Body Powder
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Ingredients:
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1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
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1 tablespoon baking soda
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5-10 drops of frankincense essential oil
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5-10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional for added fragrance)
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Instructions:
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Combine arrowroot powder or cornstarch with baking soda in a bowl.
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Add 5-10 drops of frankincense oil and 5-10 drops of lavender oil (optional) and mix well.
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Store the scented body powder in a container with a shaker lid.
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Use it as a natural and lightly scented body powder after bathing or throughout the day.
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Luscious Locks Hair Serum
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Ingredients:
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1 oz jojoba oil
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5-10 drops of frankincense essential oil
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5-10 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix the jojoba oil with 5-10 drops each of frankincense and Cedarwood oils in a glass dropper bottle.
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Apply a few drops of the serum to your hair ends and scalp before bedtime for overnight nourishment and a calming scent.
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Frankincense and Eucalyptus Foot Soak
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Ingredients:
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1/4 cup Epsom salt
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1/4 cup sea salt
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5-10 drops of frankincense essential oil
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5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix Epsom salt and sea salt in a bowl.
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Add 5-10 drops each of frankincense and eucalyptus oils and mix thoroughly.
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Dissolve the mixture in warm water and use it for a revitalizing foot soak to soothe tired feet and promote relaxation.
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Frankincense and Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray
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Ingredients:
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2 oz distilled water
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5 drops frankincense essential oil
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5 drops peppermint essential oil
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Instructions:
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Mix distilled water with 5 drops each of frankincense and peppermint oils in a spray bottle.
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Shake well and store in the refrigerator.
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Spritz on your feet for a refreshing and cooling sensation, especially after a long day.
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Frankincense and Sandalwood Relaxing Bath Salts
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Ingredients:
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1 cup Epsom salt
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1/2 cup sea salt
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10 drops frankincense essential oil
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10 drops sandalwood essential oil
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Instructions:
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Combine Epsom salt and sea salt in a bowl.
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Add 10 drops each of frankincense and sandalwood oils and mix well.
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Add the bath salts to warm bathwater for a soothing and aromatic bath experience.
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essential emotions & spirituality
Frankincense - The Oil of Truth
Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Frankincense oil's earthy aroma can promote relaxation and help reduce stress. Diffuse it in your home or office to create a calming atmosphere.
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Anxious Feelings Relief: Inhaling the scent of frankincense oil may help alleviate anxious feelings and promote a sense of tranquility. You can use a personal inhaler or add a few drops to a warm bath.
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Mood Elevation: Frankincense oil has been associated with improved mood and emotional well-being. Apply diluted oil to your wrists or temples for a mood boost.
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Emotional Balance: This essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to balance emotions and promote mental clarity. Diffuse it during meditation or mindfulness practices.
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Grounding: Frankincense has a grounding effect that can help you feel more centered and connected. Use it in a diffuser or apply diluted oil to the soles of your feet before yoga or meditation.
Spiritual Benefits
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Meditation Aid: Frankincense has a long history of use in spiritual practices and meditation. Inhaling the aroma while meditating can help create a sacred and focused space.
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Ceremonial Use: It is often used in religious and spiritual rituals to purify the environment and enhance the connection with the divine. Burn frankincense resin as incense during ceremonies.
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Spiritual Awareness: Frankincense is believed to enhance spiritual awareness and intuition. Anoint your third eye (forehead) or crown chakra with a diluted oil blend to support this connection.
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Prayer and Reflection: Incorporate frankincense into your daily prayers or moments of reflection to create a sacred ambiance and enhance your spiritual connection.
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Energy Cleansing: Use frankincense oil to cleanse and purify energy in your home or sacred space. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and mist the area, or use it in a diffuser.
Negative Emotions: Abandonment, spiritually disconnected, distant from father, unprotected, spiritual darkness
Positive Properties: Enlightened, loved, protected, wisdom, discernment, spiritually open, connection with father/Universe
Don't have this oil?
substitutes may include:
Cedarwood, Lavender, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Myrrh, Copaiba
frankincense oil affirmations
Here are five affirmations that you can use with doTERRA Frankincense essential oil to promote a sense of peace, focus, and overall well-being:
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"I am grounded and centered, like the ancient wisdom of Frankincense, I am resilient and wise."
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"With each breath, I inhale the calming energy of Frankincense, and I release stress and negativity with each exhale."
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"I am in perfect harmony with my mind, body, and spirit. Frankincense supports my inner balance and clarity."
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"As I apply Frankincense oil, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my health and vitality, and I radiate positivity."
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"I embrace the present moment and let go of worries from the past and fears of the future. Frankincense guides me to a state of mindfulness and peace."
These affirmations can be used in your daily meditation or mindfulness practices while applying or diffusing doTERRA Frankincense essential oil to enhance your overall sense of well-being and mindfulness. Remember to personalize them to resonate with your own intentions and feelings.