Benefits and Uses of Frankincense Oil
Since ancient times, frankincense has been used for various medicinal purposes. This essential oil, which comes from the resin of the Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carterii tree, is also sometimes referred to as olibanum. The Boswellia tree is generally found growing in the mountains of India, the Middle East, and Africa.
With its sweet, woody, and somewhat spicy scent, frankincense is commonly used in aromatherapy as a way of relieving stress. It has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years as a treatment for all kinds of ailments.
Today, the essential oil is widely used as an ingredient in several perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products. This is attributed not just to its unique scent, but its multiple benefits as well.
Below, we outline the science-backed benefits of frankincense or Boswellia serrata in detail.
Anti-inflammatory property may help in preventing and treating gut diseases
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it may have the ability to help you improve your gut function. According to studies, this essential oil may be particularly helpful in treating patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease – two very common inflammatory gut diseases.
According to a study, patients of ulcerative colitis grade II and III saw significant improvements in their symptoms when treated using Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation. Another study involving patients of Crohn’s disease found that frankincense extract was as effective as mesalazine – common pharmaceutical drug – at reducing the symptoms of the condition.
This essential oil can help reduce inflammation caused by such diseases and works the same way as popular over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Since it’s a natural remedy, there are no unwanted side effects that you have to worry about, which makes it the ideal solution for treating common gut diseases and improving gut health.
May help patients of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Another benefit of frankincense essential oil is that it may help patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, patients of osteoarthritis of the knee were provided with frankincense extract for eight weeks. The researchers found that these patients experienced a decrease in knee pain and an increase in knee flexion. They also reported an increase in their walking distance.
In another study involving 260 patients of rheumatoid arthritis, it was found that Boswellia serrata could help in reducing morning stiffness, as well as reduce the amount of NSAID medication required among the patients.
Thus, frankincense, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, is a great natural solution to arthritis. The best part is that since it is all-natural, patients won’t have to deal with any of the unwanted side effects that often come with the modern engineered medicines.
May help in fighting certain types of cancers
Various studies have suggested that frankincense may also help in the prevention of certain cancer cells from spreading, thanks to its boswellic acids content. According to a review of various test-tube studies, it was found that boswellic acids may be able to prevent DNA formation in cancerous cells, which, in turn, could help limit the growth of cancer.
Cancer is one of the deadliest chronic diseases today that affects millions of people across the globe. The symptoms can be painful, as well as the side effects. Research suggests that frankincense may even be useful in reducing these side effects.
May help in maintaining and improving oral health
Various studies have pointed to the benefits of frankincense in maintaining and improving oral health. The boswellic acids in frankincense give it antiseptic properties, making the essential oil a natural solution to fighting various bacteria present in the mouth that can cause bad breath, plaque, toothaches, mouth sores, and cavities.
Another study found that frankincense can effectively treat gingivitis. In the study, high school students with gingivitis were the subjects. While one group was given a gum with 100 mg of frankincense extract, another was given 200 mg of frankincense powder to be chewed for a period of two weeks. Several students were given a placebo. It was found that both gums were more effective in reducing gingivitis compared to a placebo.
Can help in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis
For many years, frankincense has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. The essential oil can help clear the airways in our body, while also helping in soothing coughs and reducing phlegm. Research suggests that the compounds of the essential oil may be able to prevent the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in patients with asthma.
In a small study conducted with asthma patients, patients were provided with 300 mg of frankincense three times every day for a period of six weeks. At the end of the study, 70 percent of the patients reported improvements in asthma symptoms.
So as we can clearly see, the benefits of this essential oil are nothing short of outstanding and using it in our self-care routines is simply a wise practice.
The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither Sixth Scents nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
With its sweet, woody, and somewhat spicy scent, frankincense is commonly used in aromatherapy as a way of relieving stress. It has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years as a treatment for all kinds of ailments.
Today, the essential oil is widely used as an ingredient in several perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products. This is attributed not just to its unique scent, but its multiple benefits as well.
Below, we outline the science-backed benefits of frankincense or Boswellia serrata in detail.
Anti-inflammatory property may help in preventing and treating gut diseases
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it may have the ability to help you improve your gut function. According to studies, this essential oil may be particularly helpful in treating patients suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease – two very common inflammatory gut diseases.
According to a study, patients of ulcerative colitis grade II and III saw significant improvements in their symptoms when treated using Boswellia serrata gum resin preparation. Another study involving patients of Crohn’s disease found that frankincense extract was as effective as mesalazine – common pharmaceutical drug – at reducing the symptoms of the condition.
This essential oil can help reduce inflammation caused by such diseases and works the same way as popular over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Since it’s a natural remedy, there are no unwanted side effects that you have to worry about, which makes it the ideal solution for treating common gut diseases and improving gut health.
May help patients of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Another benefit of frankincense essential oil is that it may help patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, patients of osteoarthritis of the knee were provided with frankincense extract for eight weeks. The researchers found that these patients experienced a decrease in knee pain and an increase in knee flexion. They also reported an increase in their walking distance.
In another study involving 260 patients of rheumatoid arthritis, it was found that Boswellia serrata could help in reducing morning stiffness, as well as reduce the amount of NSAID medication required among the patients.
Thus, frankincense, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, is a great natural solution to arthritis. The best part is that since it is all-natural, patients won’t have to deal with any of the unwanted side effects that often come with the modern engineered medicines.
May help in fighting certain types of cancers
Various studies have suggested that frankincense may also help in the prevention of certain cancer cells from spreading, thanks to its boswellic acids content. According to a review of various test-tube studies, it was found that boswellic acids may be able to prevent DNA formation in cancerous cells, which, in turn, could help limit the growth of cancer.
Cancer is one of the deadliest chronic diseases today that affects millions of people across the globe. The symptoms can be painful, as well as the side effects. Research suggests that frankincense may even be useful in reducing these side effects.
May help in maintaining and improving oral health
Various studies have pointed to the benefits of frankincense in maintaining and improving oral health. The boswellic acids in frankincense give it antiseptic properties, making the essential oil a natural solution to fighting various bacteria present in the mouth that can cause bad breath, plaque, toothaches, mouth sores, and cavities.
Another study found that frankincense can effectively treat gingivitis. In the study, high school students with gingivitis were the subjects. While one group was given a gum with 100 mg of frankincense extract, another was given 200 mg of frankincense powder to be chewed for a period of two weeks. Several students were given a placebo. It was found that both gums were more effective in reducing gingivitis compared to a placebo.
Can help in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis
For many years, frankincense has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. The essential oil can help clear the airways in our body, while also helping in soothing coughs and reducing phlegm. Research suggests that the compounds of the essential oil may be able to prevent the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in patients with asthma.
In a small study conducted with asthma patients, patients were provided with 300 mg of frankincense three times every day for a period of six weeks. At the end of the study, 70 percent of the patients reported improvements in asthma symptoms.
So as we can clearly see, the benefits of this essential oil are nothing short of outstanding and using it in our self-care routines is simply a wise practice.
The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither Sixth Scents nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.
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The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither Sixth Scents nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products. Sixth Scents essential oils are intended for topical use only. For internal use always work with a certified aromatherapist or physician.