Herbal Remedies

Finding Balance through Frankincense Essential Oil. An expert opinion.

By Jaclyn Jacobsen, MS
Alan Caishan, Unsplash

Frankincense, otherwise known as Boswelia Serrata, has been used both in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has been used to support inflammation and immunity as well as been used in religious practices along with yoga and massage for its calming properties.

It is one of the most popular essential oils due to its healing properties with regard to cellular health and alleviating stress. It also serves as a fantastic cleaning agent for your household.

According to the journal, Arthritis Research and Therapy, frankincense may support joint inflammation in both men and women experiencing osteoarthritis.

It is typically used in the essential oil form and pairs well with other essential oils such as bergamot, clove, and clary sage which all may have potential healing benefits as well.

Frankincense essential oil is typically applied on the skin when combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. It is not advisable to ingest this essential oil.

Best Product Transparency

Plant Therapy Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil

When purchasing any essential oil as a consumer, you always want to be aware of where the product is originating from, whether it’s free of toxic solvents and if it has been processed in a way that is conducive to ensure its highest efficacy. Plant Therapy utilizes third-party testing at multiple labs in an effort to offer a wholesome and pure frankincense essential oil. All results are also viewable on their website.

Summary of Plant Therapy Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil:

  • Organic
  • Vegan
  • Team of certified Aromatherapists

Best Value

Handcraft Frankincense Essential Oil

Many essential oils may be blended with other cheaper oils which can affect the therapeutic benefits. Coming in a dark brown glass bottle to protect it from denaturing due to light exposure, Handcraft Frankincense Essential Oil ensures there are no fillers or other oils used to dilute their product. This product also blends well with other essential oils that Handcraft offers such as lemon, bergamot and rosemary.

Summary of Handcraft Frankincense Essential Oil:

  • Therapeutic grade
  • Made in the USA
  • Third party tested

Best Quality

Healing Solutions Frankincense Essential Oil

Maintaining a USDA certified organic seal and being listed on the USDA’s product website are just a few ways Healing Solutions ensures the quality of their frankincense essential oil. Their product is 100% pure and considered therapeutic grade so it may support inflammation and mood.

Summary of Healing Solutions Frankincense Essential Oil:

  • High quality standards
  • Money back guarantee
  • USDA organic

What You Need to Know

When looking to purchase essential oils, there are three things to consider. First, cheaper is not always better. For example, it takes multiple pounds of sap from the Boswellia Sacra tree to produce Frankincense essential oil. If you locate a cheap product, chances are it may not be pure frankincense essential oil.

Secondly, review the label. A reputable essential oil distributor should have the following listed on the label to ensure transparency of purity:

  • Botanical name
  • Country of origin
  • Testing
  • Association memberships (i.e. NAHA, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Lastly, keep an eye out for an organic certification. Any pollutants on the plants can be more concentrated in the essential oil. The term “organic” is one more possible indicator of quality.

With regard to individuals with bleeding disorders or who are pregnant, frankincense is considered an emmenagogue, which means it has blood thinning effects and could increase the risk of irregular bleeding, so be sure to consult with your doctor before using it.

Why Would You Use Frankincense Oil?

Frankincense has robust research showcasing its calming effects as well as supporting reductions in multiple types of inflammation, especially at the cellular level. It is also a great option for those with inflammation in the gut. Research published from the University of Poland showed that frankincense may be helpful in alleviating symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ulcerative colitis and bacterial infections.

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