Most commonly grown in Somalia, but also Yemen, Oman and India, Frankincense is a miraculous oil sourced from the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree and others of a similar species. It is an extremely durable tree, with the ability to grow in little soil with low amounts of hydration. Frankincense has been referred to by various religions, particularly Christianity, being well known as one of the gifts given to Jesus at birth by the Three Wise Men. It has been suggested that these Kings or Magi may have been sorcerers or magicians and visited Jesus to provide him with some of the most powerful substances available at the time in order to keep him in good health. It has been traded for over 5,000 years, however despite the passing of time, this substance is still of great medicinal value to us today. Mind, we’re not claiming it’ll turn you into the next Messiah, but it can certainly elevate your health in many ways. Let’s see just how exactly with our Top 5 Health Benefits of Frankincense!
1. Mood booster
Frankincense relays signals to the limbic system of the brain, which works to influence the nervous system. It reduces stress levels, frustration, anxiety and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. It is said to increase spiritual awareness and helps to significantly augment the effectiveness of practises such as meditation and yoga. It also has psychoactive and antidepressant properties which do not cause unacceptable side-effects unlike many pharmaceuticals prescribed today.
2. Wound healer
Frankincense’s powerful astringent and vulnerary actions help to promote blood clotting, accelerate the healing of cuts, insect bites, boils and acne. It also boosts immunity, improves oral and skin health and eliminates harmful germs, bacteria and pathogens.
3. Promotes healthy sleep
Frankincense is powerful in reducing stress levels, calming the mind and body, opening airways and regulating body temperature to optimal levels. These are all significant factors to inducing a restful sleep. It also helps to regulate estrogen levels within the body, making it particularly useful for managing the effects of menopause and menstrual issues, relieving anxiety, pain, cramps, headaches and mood swings.
4. Improves digestion
Being a carminative, frankincense relieves flatulence. It also aids digestion by promoting peristaltic movements, secreting digestive enzymes, gastric juices, stomach acids and bile. This can help treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and relieve indigestion and acidity.
5. Potent anti-inflammatory
Frankincense promotes an effective inflammatory response within the body, aiding with pain and issues brought on by inflammation such as asthma, bronchitis, IBS and can even help in treating cancer. It helps to reduce the degradation of cartilage tissue, protecting against arthritis and rheumatic disorders.
Essential oils have been used for millennia as part of aromatherapy. Frankincense oil can be diffused, vaporized or added to a relaxing bath. A few drops almost instantly relieves tension and stress. Frankincense can be combined with carrier oils such as avocado, coconut or jojoba oil and added to a warm bath or massaged into the skin. Frankincense oil taken internally must be food grade, and as with many things in life, less is more when it comes to frankincense. Ingestion of large quantities is best avoided due to its potential toxicity. A drop or two may also be placed under the tongue. However, internal consumption of this oil is not recommended for children aged 6 and under, with higher dilutions potentially necessary for older children and teens. Frankincense can also be taken internally as a supplement in capsule form. What’s your experience with frankincense, tell us below or @KeepFitKingdom !
