Frankincense essential oil is derived from resin of the Boswellia tree.

Highly revered in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, frankincense has been used since antiquity in religious ceremonies, perfumes, and incense, as well as medicine.

In traditional medicine, frankincense was used to treat constipation, microbial infection, and chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, rheumatic disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Frankincense essential oil is known for its ability to combat fatigue. A 2018 case report concluded that frankincense provided relief from fatigue in a cancer patient. According to the report, “The topical application of the frankincense helped to take her fatigue from being barely able to lift her head to being able to do some basic activities of daily living.”

Studies have confirmed that frankincense contains numerous healing properties, including:

• Anti-cancer
• Anti-diabetic
• Anti-arthritic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Stress reducer
• Antidepressant
• Immunomodulatory
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-fungal
• Analgesic
• Neuroprotectant and memory enhancer

Because of its diverse array of healing properties, frankincense can replace several man-made medications commonly found in a modern first-aid kit.

When experiencing muscle soreness or joint pain, I reach for frankincense instead of Bengay, Aspirin, Aleve, or Motrin.

Because of its ability to reduce pain and swelling, frankincense is an effective topical treatment for muscle soreness and joint pain.

While frankincense and Bengay are both topical analgesics, frankincense is a natural plant remedy while Bengay can contain ingredients derived from fossil fuels, such as propylparaben and methylparaben.

Aspirin also contains synthetic ingredients including carnauba wax, D&C yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, and triacetin.

Meanwhile, Aleve and Motrin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have well-known adverse effects such as increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding “from the first day of use,” according to a 2016 editorial in the British Journal of General Practice.

When experiencing a minor cut or scrape, I reach for frankincense instead of Neosporin.

Frankincense was used to treat infected wounds in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for minor cuts or scrapes.

According to a report in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, frankincense has “measurable antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties” and therefore is valuable for “wound dressings.”

The common man-made alternative is Neosporin, which contains petrolatum, a synthetic chemical made from fossil fuels.

When to Use Frankincense

Frankincense has been shown through scientific studies to be useful due its ability to:

• Reduce pain
• Decrease joint stiffness
• Enhance memory
• Decrease anxiety
• Elevate mood
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve sleep
• Combat skin infection
• Reduce headache

Different Forms to Choose From

The best options for a first-aid kit include undiluted frankincense essential oil and aromatherapy. Below are my favorite recipes along with common dosages.

A Word on Frankincense Quality

Avoid frankincense essential oils that state “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” on the label. Those oils can be synthetic. Only purchase oils that are labeled “100 percent essential oil.”

When choosing an essential oil, I only purchase products that are organic, don’t contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes, and glyphosate.

Frankincense Used Topically

Frankincense essential oil can be applied neat (with no dilution) directly to the skin.

For sensitive skin, or if using for the first time, prepare a dilution by adding 10 drops frankincense essential oil to two teaspoons organic fractionated coconut oil. I add the oils to a glass essential oil roller bottle for ease of application, but a glass bottle with eye dropper also works well.

Apply the frankincense oil, neat or diluted, to the skin where needed. For example, to relieve a tension headache, apply frankincense essential oil to the temples and back of the neck; gently massage into the skin. For joint pain, massage the oil directly on the joint.  For minor cuts or scrapes, gently dap or drip oil on the cut.

Frankincense for Aromatherapy

Add 2 to 3 drops frankincense essential oil to a vaporizer or diffuser and enjoy the woody aroma. For a soothing bath, add a couple drops of essential oil directly to the bathwater and breath in the vapors. Alternatively, add five drops of frankincense to three cups distilled water in a spray bottle and spritz your home, car, or office.

To clear congestion and reduce inflammation in the lungs, stir a few drops of frankincense oil into a large bowl of hot water.  Drape a towel over your head and inhale the fumes deeply. Make sure the water isn’t boiling or the steam may burn the skin.

To ease throbbing pain from a sinus infection or headache, soak a washcloth in a solution of warm water and frankincense oil, then lay the washcloth across the eyes, nose, and forehead. For muscle soreness, place the soaked washcloth directly on the muscle.

When on-the-go, simply open the lid of the frankincense essential oil bottle and breath in the earthy aroma for 1 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, place a drop of frankincense under your nose and take deep breaths.

Frankincense in Mouthwash

Due to its antiseptic properties, frankincense is an effective mouthwash.

Frankincense contains a compound that is so effective at killing “oral cavity pathogens,” researchers recommended using frankincense as a “mouthwash for preventing and treating oral infections,” according to a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

Add 2 to 3 drops frankincense essential oil to one cup of warm water. Swish the solution through your teeth for one minute, making sure it contacts the front and back of each tooth, under the tongue and across the roof of the mouth. Next, gargle and then spit into the sink.

Frankincense Used Orally

Frankincense can be consumed orally if diluted properly and unadulterated. Add one drop frankincense essential oil to eight ounces of water or one tablespoon honey. If ingesting frankincense essential oil, make sure the product is 100 percent pure oil.

Frankincense capsules are also available for purchase online.

Precautions and Possible Interactions:

Frankincense “has not shown any serious side effect and is considered to be safe,” according to a review in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their health care provider before consuming frankincense.

Frankincense may interact with conventional medications to create toxicity or undesired side effects. For instance, frankincense has reportedly interfered with warfarin and leukotriene inhibitors. Frankincense has blood-thinning effects and, therefore, shouldn’t be used if on blood-thinning medication.

Although rare, frankincense can cause minor skin rashes and digestive problems, including nausea and stomach pain.

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