The History of Frankincense Oil and 9 Powerful Uses

The healing power of essential oils has been known and used since the most ancient of times. This is testified in Egyptian hieroglyphics dating more than 5,000 years ago. They are considered to be the first medicines of mankind and were an important part of the prescriptions of Hippocrates. Essential oils were also used very regularly during biblical times, and they are mentioned frequently throughout the bible.

One oil that is referenced often in the bible is frankincense. Frankincense was one of the oils used to make the holy incense of Exodus (Exodus 30:34-36), and it was brought as a gift from the 3 Wise Men to Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:11).

The specific word frankincense occurs 16 times in the English bible, but the Hebrew word “lebonah”, which is hebrew for frankincense, occurs in 6 other places. However, it was translated as incense in the English bible. So there are actually 22 references to frankincense by name in the bible. There are also 54 indirect references to frankincense as a required ingredient for holy incense.

Egyptian tradition considered frankincense to be a universal cure-all. It was used for just about any ailment. 100% pure, therapeutic grade frankincense can be inhaled, applied topically, and taken internally. The Israelites in biblical times used it all three ways.

The oil of frankincense is extracted from its oleo-gum-resin, which is crude exudates from the bark of the tree. The oil is also present throughout its leaves, flowers, and branches, but these are not used as a source for the oil.

Frankincense contains high levels of monoterpenes, which offer a variety of healing properties, but the most important ability of monoterpenes is that they can reprogram miswritten information in the cellular memory (DNA). With improper coding in cellular memory, cells malfunction and diseases result, including lethal ones like cancer.

Frankincense also contains sesquiterpenes. These molecules deliver oxygen molecules to cells. They can also de-program or erase miswritten codes in the cellular memory.  Sesquiterpenes are thought to be especially effective in fighting cancer. The root problem with a cancer cell is that it contains misinformation, and sesquiterpenes can delete that misinformation. Also the oxygen carried by the sesquiterpene molecules creates an environment where cancer cells can’t reproduce.

In addition to frankincense acting as a potential anti-cancer agent, it has several other health-promoting properties.

Below are 8 additional uses for frankincense.

Elevate Mood

Frankincense has emotional impact that is positive and uplifting. Put a drop in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale. See how it makes you feel. any excess, you can rub on your neck. I do this every morning, and I definitely notice improvement in my ability to focus, an uplifting in my mood, and overall sense of wellbeing. A state of cheerfulness is elevating to the immune system, helping to protect you from many illnesses. Our emotional state is a key element to our state of health and healing of disease.

Decrease Stress

Frankincense has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. It also may reduce anxiety and depression without the harmful side effects of many antidepressant medications.

IBS and Digestive Upset

Frankincense can help relieve GI discomfort (gas, bloating, constipation, cramps). It also helps speed up the digestion of food. You can add 1-2 drops of oil to 8 oz of water. You can also apply topically to your abdominal area.

NOTE: Make sure it’s pure, therapeutic-grade oil before ingesting! Do not ingest store-bought essential oils. They are usually diluted or extracted with chemicals.

Wound Healing and Acne

Frankincense is great for skin health, particularly wound healing and reducing the appearance of scars and dark spots caused by acne. You can mix with moisturizer or carrier oil and apply to skin. As with any new topical agent, do a skin patch test on the inside of your arm first. Examples of carrier oil include olive, coconut, and jojoba oil.

Cold/Flu Remedy

Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties, helps provide relief from coughing, and offers respiratory benefits. Place a drop in your hand, rub hands together and inhale to make breathing easier. Or you can use in a diffuser.

Boosts Immune System

Studies have shown that frankincense has immune boosting abilities, which may help destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, and cancer. You can diffuse it in your home to kill off harmful germs. It’s also great for skin health and oral health.

Balance Hormones

Frankincense may help reduce symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause by balancing hormone levels. It may help reduce pain, cramps, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and may help regulate estrogen production.

Inflammation and Pain

Frankincense oil may help improve circulation and reduce joint and muscle pain associated with conditions like arthritis, digestive disorders, and asthma. You can massage it on the painful area  or diffuse it in your home.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of essentials oils and learn how to get 100% pure, therapeutic grade oils, then click here or contact me for more information