Frankincense has long been used to promote calm and relaxation, particularly in spiritual and religious settings. It can be used in aromatherapy or as an ingredient in incense. The scent of frankincense is said to stimulate calming effects when inhaled.
The properties of frankincense are believed to induce relaxation, reduce stress, and reduce anxiety. Studies conducted on frankincense have shown that it acts as an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and calm the nervous system.
Therefore, the effect of frankincense on the body depends on the individual, but many report that it has a calming and soothing effect. It has also been used in traditional medicine to restore mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, calm the mind, and improve mood.
Is frankincense oil good for anxiety?
Yes, frankincense essential oil is thought to be helpful for reducing symptoms of anxiety. Frankincense essential oil has a calming effect and helps to reduce feelings of stress, fear and nervousness.
Research has demonstrated that its unique combination of chemicals can have anti-inflammatory, therapeutic and calming effects on the body and mind. Studies have shown that it can reduce stress-induced depression and improve overall mood.
It is also believed to help induce relaxation and promote feelings of comfort. Some of its constituents may even help reduce cortisol levels in the body, meaning it can help manage the body’s natural response to stress.
Additionally, frankincense essential oil can help create a sense of spiritual balance by promoting positive emotions, self-awareness and inner peace. As with any form of natural treatment, it is important to use caution and consult a doctor or qualified health practitioner before using frankincense oil to treat anxiety.
What is essential oil for anxiety?
Essential oils are natural substances extracted from the leaves, flowers, and other parts of plants. They are a popular alternative treatment for reducing symptoms of anxiety.
When diffused or used topically, they can help calm the body and mind, increase relaxation, and reduce stress hormones in the body. Common essential oils used to reduce anxiety include lavender, lemon, ylang-ylang, bergamot, orange, sandalwood, cedarwood, chamomile, and frankincense.
For aromatherapy, you can diffuse essential oils through a diffuser or humidifier, combine them with a carrier oil and get a massage, or wear a diffuser locket. The inhalation of essential oils through these methods can help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety as well as make your environment more relaxing.
When used topically, you can combine essential oils with a carrier oil and apply them directly to the skin. It’s best to avoid applying essential oils close to the eyes and nose. Additionally, you should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation or burns.
Essential oils are generally considered safe, but it’s important to always follow the instructions on the label. It’s also important to consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns before using essential oils.
What does frankincense do to the brain?
Frankincense has been used traditionally in the spiritual ceremonies of many cultures around the world due to its purported ability to reduce stress and anxiety, soothe a variety of skin ailments and illnesses, enhance meditation, and even reduce inflammation in the body.
On a scientific level, it may even play a role in helping the brain. Studies have suggested that frankincense may help boost cognitive performance, memory, and alertness. More specifically, experiments have shown that components of frankincense, called sesquiterpenes, can pass through the blood-brain barrier, the normally impenetrable defence system that separates the brain from toxic pathogens and foreign molecules, and activate specific receptors in the brain.
The receptors in question, called the aromatic compound receptors, are believed to be involved in learning, memory, and other cognitive functions. Additionally, frankincense has been found to contain anti-inflammatory substances that may help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to improved cognitive performance as well.
Can you apply frankincense oil directly to skin?
Yes, frankincense oil can be applied directly to the skin. When applied topically, this oil can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin, among other potential benefits. Before applying it directly to the skin, however, it is important to do a small patch test to make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to the oil.
To do this test, mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, then apply it to a small area of skin such as the wrist or behind the ear. Wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
If there is no reaction, it should be safe to use the oil directly on the skin. If you do experience any kind of sensitivity, it is best to dilute the oil further or avoid using it completely.
Where do I apply frankincense essential oil?
Frankincense essential oil can be applied topically to the skin, inhaled using a diffuser or oil burner, or taken internally in softgel capsules. When applied topically, dilute 1-2 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.
Rub the diluted essential oil blend onto the chest, back of neck, temples, or bottoms of feet. For diffusion, add 4-5 drops of essential oil into a diffuser or oil burner. When taking internally, can be taken with liquid in a veggie capsule or added to a drink.
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any essential oils internally. Frankincense oil is widely used to reduce stress, inflammation, pain, and to heal wounds, improve digestive health, and reduce the appearance of scars.
It is a great oil to incorporate into your wellness routine.
Can frankincense be taken orally?
Yes, frankincense can be taken orally. It is most commonly used in the form of essential oil, capsules, or powder, which can be added to foods or beverages, or taken as nutritional supplements.
In most cases, frankincense is taken for its purported therapeutic properties, as a way of increasing energy, calming the mind, and improving digestion. Studies have also demonstrated the ability of frankincense to reduce inflammation and pain, and its possible benefit for symptoms of depression.
Studies on humans and animals, as well as personal accounts, have reported that frankincense oil taken orally helps in reducing inflammation, relieving emotional stress, and improving memory and cognitive functioning.
It is also suggested that taking frankincense orally can help in treating respiratory and digestive issues and boosting the immune system.
However, more scientific research is needed to confirm the true potential of frankincense when taken orally. In any case, it’s important to note that essential oils should be used with caution, due to their strong medicinal properties.
Always consult your doctor before introducing any new supplement into your diet.
Do you need a carrier oil for frankincense?
Yes, you do need to use a carrier oil with frankincense. The best option for this is a cold-pressed, organic carrier oil like jojoba, almond, apricot, or rose hip seed oil. These oils can help to lock in the therapeutic properties of frankincense, as well as protect your skin from possible irritation.
To use frankincense with a carrier oil, you will need to combine 6-8 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of your chosen carrier oil. Mix these two ingredients together in a small bowl, then apply the mixture to your skin.
It’s important to patch test the blend on a small area of skin before using it more widely. If you experience any irritation, wash the area with warm water and avoid using the oil.
Does frankincense need to be diluted?
Yes, frankincense does need to be diluted before use. It is a powerful oil that can be irritating to the skin when used undiluted. It should usually be diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, coconut, jojoba, or olive oil.
Generally, a ratio of 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil is recommended. For facial use, it is especially important to dilute since the skin may be more sensitive. If using frankincense topically, always make sure to test it on a small patch of skin first before applying to the whole body.
Which essential oils are safe to put directly on skin?
It is important to always be mindful of any potential skin reactions, such as allergic reactions or irritation. Before using any essential oils directly on the skin, it is always recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any issues.
Furthermore, it is important to use only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils and to ensure they are labeled as safe for direct topical use. Some essential oils are very strong, and may require dilution before being applied directly to the skin.
Coconut oil is often used as a carrier oil to help reduce skin irritation.
Some of the most common essential oils that are safe to put directly on the skin are Lavender, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Tea Tree, German Chamomile, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint. It is important to avoid using any essential oils on the sensitive skin of babies and young children.
Why can’t you put essential oils directly on your skin?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants and should not be applied directly to the skin without being diluted first. The aroma and flavor of essential oils come from their percentage of volatile compounds, which are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and can be sensitizing to the skin, especially when they are applied undiluted.
When applied to the skin, these same volatile compounds can cause irritations such as rashes, burning sensations, or skin sensitivities. Applying essential oils directly to the skin also increases the risk for photosensitization, as some of the compounds in essential oils can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, leading to skin irritation and pigmentation.
To reduce these risks, it’s best to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, before applying it to the skin. Additionally, some essential oils should be avoided altogether when applying them topically, especially in pregnant women, children, and those who are ill.
It’s important to always research essential oils thoroughly before attempting to use them topically.
Is frankincense a sedative?
Frankincense is a natural oil that has been used for thousands of years in aromatherapy and spiritual ceremonies. Although it is not a scientifically approved sedative, it has been said to have calming properties and to reduce anxious feelings.
This is due to the chemical components found in frankincense essential oils, which have been found to have a mild sedative effect on the body.
Research conducted on mice suggests that one of the active ingredients in frankincense, called alpha-pinene, has a calming effect on the nervous system and can act as a sedative. Other studies have suggested that frankincense may be able to help with sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
Although frankincense has been suggested to be a natural sedative, more research is required to assess its effectiveness. Additionally, there are many other natural sedatives that may be more effective in treating symptoms such as insomnia, including herbs like chamomile, lavender and valerian root.
Before attempting to use frankincense or other natural remedies to improve sleep quality or reduce anxiety, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
What essential oil heals the brain?
Essential oils can be used to support the healing of the brain. Numerous essential oils have been studied for their ability to reduce inflammation, ease stress and depression, and provide neurological protection.
Some of the most-studied and most beneficial essential oils for the brain include lavender, bergamot, frankincense, jasmine, lemon, chamomile, and rose.
Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming, sedative effects and has been studied to reduce the levels of epinephrine and cortisol, two hormones associated with stress. It has also been used to promote pain relief and improved sleep quality.
Bergamot essential oil has been known to reduce anxiety, improve mood and lower cortisol levels. Frankincense can also reduce cortisol levels, relieve anxious thoughts and may promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of depression.
Jasmine has also been studied for its calming properties. Lemon essential oil can provide an uplifting feeling, help reduce stress, and has even been used to combat fatigue. Chamomile, known for its calming properties, can provide relief from stress and improve mood.
Finally, the sweet, gentle aroma of rose oil can be very calming and uplifting, and can provide relief from depression and anxiety.
By diffusing these essential oils in the home and using topical applications, one can experience the healing effects that these essential oils can provide to the brain. It is important to note, however, that these essential oils are powerful and should be used with care and in diluted amounts.
It is best to consult with a healthcare professional or aromatherapist if you are unsure how to use these essential oils safely.