If I was stranded on a deserted island and could choose only one essential oil to have with me, I would select frankincense, an oil that is both versatile and potent. Perhaps that’s why it has been in use for thousands of years and considered a precious natural medicine. While there are many health uses for frankincense, here are 12 of my favorites:
Asthma: A study published in the medical journal Current Pharmaceutical Design assessed the effectiveness of several natural remedies against asthma, including frankincense essential oil. The researchers reviewed numerous studies to confirm that frankincense was one of the natural remedies that exhibited several mechanisms relevant to the treatment of respiratory diseases, including effectiveness against inflammation and allergic response. Another study published in ResearchGate found that animals exposed to 30 minutes of frankincense essential oil diffused into the air, three times weekly for eight weeks, had significant improvements in markers for asthma.
Biofilms: Biofilms are a thin, potentially health-damaging layer of microorganisms that secrete substances to help ensure their survival in or on the body. The presence of biofilms is usually a factor in infections that are difficult to eradicate. Frankincense has been found in research in Letters in Applied Microbiology to be effective against biofilms.
Bacterial Infections: Frankincense has been found to be effective against many types of infections. In one study, researchers found that the essential oil showed significant antibacterial action against the three types of bacteria tested, which included: E. coli, Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria are linked with food poisoning and other serious health-damaging infections. According to research published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, frankincense directly killed bacteria but it also prevented the bacteria from proliferating. The oil also demonstrated antioxidant capabilities, which means it can destroy harmful free radicals linked to cellular and tissue damage.
Brain Conditions: Research in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research found that frankincense was effective against brain cancer in 6 different ways. The Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicines found that frankincense demonstrated the ability to help with swelling on the brain, and concluded that the natural remedy might be beneficial for brain and memory disorders.
Cancer: Because frankincense has a long history of therapeutic use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for cancer, researchers set out to determine whether the traditional use could be scientifically validated. In the study, researchers compared the ability of frankincense to destroy cancer cells to the commonly used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil. They found that extracts in frankincense were as effective as both chemotherapy agents and published their findings in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (APJCP). To benefit from the anti-cancer properties of frankincense essential oil, apply directly to the skin if the cancer is topical. For other types of cancer, some experts recommend internal use of two drops, two to three times daily of a frankincense-oil product that has been FDA-approved for internal use; however, I don’t recommend using most essential oils internally as most are not pure enough for ingestion. Of course, you should work with your physician in the treatment of cancer.
Candida: Earlier research in Letters in Applied Microbiology journal also found frankincense helpful against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Mood Disturbances and Hormone Balancing: In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, a natural compound in frankincense was found to have antidepressant qualities. The compound, known as incensole acetate (IA), can regulate hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are located in the brain and are involved in mood regulation, while the adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and help address stress in the body. Frankincense contains compounds known as sesquiterpenes, which cross the blood-brain barrier and may help to oxygenate the glands in the brain. The researchers concluded that frankincense has potential as a novel treatment for depression.
Nail Infections: An exciting study in the medical journal Letters in Applied Microbiology found that not only was frankincense effective against several infections linked to skin, nail and scalp conditions, it also helped break down the biofilms that often underlie these difficult problems.
Pain: Researchers set out to determine the validity of frankincense as a traditional remedy for arthritis, muscle and stomach pain. They validated its natural analgesic effects and effectiveness for these types of pain. Frankincense can be applied directly to affected areas (dilute in equal parts of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil for sensitive skin). Frankincense, if the oil is pure enough (most is not) can be used internally. Work with a knowledgeable aromatherapist if internally using frankincense.
Scalp Conditions: The Letters in Applied Microbiology study found that frankincense was effective against scalp conditions.
Skin Infections: The same study found that frankincense worked on skin infections.
Wrinkles: Numerous small-scale studies found that daily use of frankincense essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut or sunflower reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage.
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DR. MICHELLE SCHOFFRO COOK, PhD, DNM is a celebrity nutritionist and international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include: THE CULTURED COOK: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight, and Extend Your Life, 60 Seconds to Slim, The Probiotic Promise, and Boost Your Brain Power in 60 Seconds. Her work has been featured in Woman's World, First for Women, Reader's Digest Best Health, Health, Huffington Post, Reviews.com, WebMD, ThriveGlobal, and Care2.com. Learn more about her work at DrMichelleCook.com.
