Frankincense oil has been long used for medicinal purposes due to its antiseptic, anti-neurotic, expectorant, and anti-cancer properties and ability to treat various ailments. This ancient oil also contains boswellic acids, which makes it an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
As unbelievable as it sounds, frankincense oil really works as a miracle potion. After all, there is a strong reason why particularly this oil was gifted to baby Jesus by the wise men and it has been widely used in healing practices since ancient times. Below you have a list of 5 ways in which frankincense oil can boost your health. Check them out!
5 Ways Frankincense Oil Can Boost Your Health
1. Relieves Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Frankincense oil helps alleviate digestive distress like stomach aches, constipation, gas, and IBS. According to a study published in the European Journal of Medical Research which investigated its efficacy in treating symptoms of ulcerative colitis, taking 350 milligrams of this oil three times daily for six weeks was effective in inducing remission in up to 80% of participants.
Additionally, researchers also emphasize the effects of frankincense oil, which are similar to a chemical drug called sulfasalazine, used to treat IBS. Frankincense oil helps boost digestion and allow the entire digestive system to function more efficiently.
2. Supports the Respiratory System
In folk medicine, this oil has been used in bath, massages, and steam inhalations to treat respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. According to a study published in the European Journal of Medical Research in which patients with bronchial asthma were given 300 milligrams of frankincense oil three times a day over a 6-week period, 70% of them exhibited an improvement in hissing lung sound, difficulty breathing, and number of asthma attacks.
3. Relieves Arthritis Pain
Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense oil hinders the production of inflammatory molecules responsible for conditions like arthritis.
It has been scientifically shown that unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, frankincense oil doesn’t cause any side effects, such as increased risk of heart failure, gastrointestinal damage, and accelerated joint damage.
To use frankincense oil to alleviate arthritic pain, apply a few drops topically onto the affected area. Dilute the oil with carrier oil like coconut oil, in case you have sensitive skin. Another option is to add 5-10 drops of frankincense to a warm bath.
4. Serves As A Natural Oral Hygiene Product
Due to its antiseptic properties, frankincense serves as an amazing oral hygiene product. Rubbing a few drops into the gums or adding the oil to your toothpaste helps prevent dental issues like bad breath, cavities, tooth decay, and oral infections. What`s more, it has been scientifically shown that frankincense works against gum plague-induced gingivitis and its symptoms like swelling and irritation, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Helps to Fight Cancer and Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects
Frankincense oil is appreciated for its capability to fight off cells of certain types of cancer, including stomach, colon, prostate, pancreatic, brain, and breast cancer. It is believed that it does so by activating genes which are in charge of cell growth suppression and cell death in cancer cells.
As reported by a study in which it suppressed cell viability in bladder cancer, frankincense was also found to distinguish between cancer and normal cells. This means that it attacks cancerous cells while leaving the healthy ones intact. It reduces cancer symptoms by boosting immunity, preventing inflammation, and causing the proliferation of white blood cells.
Additional Benefits of Frankincense Oil
It helps reduce acne
Reduces the appearance of large pores
Prevents wrinkles
Tightens the skin and works as anti-aging agent
Helps reduce dark spots caused by acne
Helps treat stretch marks and eczema
Balances hormones levels, reducing symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause
Relieves mood swings, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue
Acts as sleep aid by lowering stress levels and opening the breathing passages