Aromatherapy is a practice that has been around since ancient times. While enjoying various scents may be considered quite a hobby, aromatherapy brings that to the next level. The different essential oils in aromatherapy let one enjoy different scents and offer a wide range of health benefits.
Although these oils can’t help treating health conditions, they can help alleviate some level of discomfort that comes with them. Additionally, inhaling such scents can boost the immune system and help improve one’s overall health.
Of the many essential oils available in the market for various uses, you can consider frankincense one of the most popularly used oils for the right reasons, too! It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a versatile and a great smelling oil to try for aromatherapy.
What is Frankincense & What are its Health Benefits?
Frankincense is one of the oldest essential oils that has either been used topically or in aromatherapy due to its many health benefits. Frankincense oil is a host to many health benefits because of its antiseptic and astringent properties. Such characteristics help boost the immune system and act as anti-aging.
Other health benefits of Frankincense oil include menstrual cycle regulation, stimulation of regular digestion, and prevention of some respiratory issues such as asthma. Apart from these overall health benefits, frankincense oil is also believed to improve one’s mental health. The oil is known to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. It also helps with relaxation and improves one’s sleep quality.
What Does Frankincense Essential Oil Smell Like?
Given its known health benefits and applications in aromatherapy, one can’t help but wonder what frankincense oil smells like. Most describe its scent as earthy, woody, piney, or even balsamic. However, some soft, sweet, and citrusy notes are coupled with such a scent.
Nevertheless, if you are going to ask, "what does frankincense essential oil smell like?" the overall scent profile of frankincense gives a relaxing and calming feeling to anyone inhaling its aroma. It’s a perfectly balanced aroma that isn’t too much nor too little, great for any scent enjoyer.
Medical Uses of Frankincense
The increasing interest in natural and organic lifestyle options has resulted in several studies proving the health and therapeutic properties of products like essential oils. Of course, one of the most common essential oils is frankincense, which is claimed to be one of the most versatile.
A study by Al-Yasiry & Kiczorowska (2016) has proven that Boswelia resin, the extract from which frankincense oil is isolated, has analgesic, tranquilizing, and antibacterial properties. Specifically, the resin had anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Likewise, inhalation and topical application of frankincense oil significantly reduce the risks of asthma.
How to Make Yourself Breathe Easier with the Help of Frankincense
Asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis can be quite a pain if you have them. Not only does it require you to always be prepared with medicines, but you also need to take a quick pause whenever you have episodes of it.
Although these conditions are technically not preventable, relieving and reducing their frequency is greatly helpful. Frankincense oil can primarily help with respiratory symptoms via inhalation and topical application. Here are ways to help yourself breathe better and relieve symptoms of these respiratory conditions with the help of frankincense.
Using a diffuser
Frankincense oil in aromatherapy helps relieve and reduce asthma, allergies, and cough via inhalation. The oil works as an expectorant in this manner and clears the nasal passageway, relieves congestion, and eases breathing.
Spraying on a cloth
Like when using an oil diffuser, spraying or pouring a few drops of frankincense oil on a piece of cloth can help relieve respiration symptoms through inhalation. Inhaling it in this manner functions the same as when using a diffuser.
Rubbing on the chest
Although it’s best to treat respiratory conditions via inhalation of frankincense oil, its topical application works just as fine. Do note that it is crucial to dilute any essential oil before skin application.
Likewise, only use about 0.5-2% solution of the frankincense oil and rub it on your chest. Technically, you will still inhale the oil as it vaporizes, but it will also be absorbed through the skin.'
Frankincense Incense Stick
Frankincense incense sticks are a type of incense that are made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. The resin is harvested from the tree and then formed into sticks that are lit to release a fragrant smoke. Frankincense has a warm, woody aroma that is believed to have a calming and grounding effect on the mind and body. It is often used in meditation and prayer, as well as in spiritual and religious ceremonies.
Additionally, some people use Frankincense incense sticks for aromatherapy and for creating a pleasant-smelling ambiance in a room. The incense has been traditionally used across many cultures and religions for centuries, from ancient Egyptians to the biblical era and is still widely used across the globe.
Is Frankincense Dangerous? What are the Side Effects of using it on the Skin?
Frankincense is well-tolerated and has no reported serious side effects. However, as standard practice, it is vital to exercise some caution when using any essential oil.
Although frankincense oil rarely causes any reaction in humans, it’s best to dilute it before skin application. Likewise, also only use a few drops of it when adding it to drinking water or any other beverage.
Conclusion
Essential oils are beneficial in various ways. Frankincense oil, in particular, is one of the most versatile essential oils in the market. Not only is it used due to its perfectly balanced aroma, but its medical and health benefits are also very noteworthy.
Although there are different ways to use frankincense oil for respiratory protection, it’s best to try them first by using small amounts of the product as caution. After all, each person has different sensitivities, and regardless of the type of essential oil, one must always be careful.
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