Frankincense Essential Oil & Immune Health

This week’s spotlight essential oil is Frankincense. Frankincense is known as the “king of oils” and has many notable qualities.

​Frankincense essential oil is extracted from the resin of Boswellia trees, The sap is first extracted from the tree bark, it then hardens and is scraped off in hard droplets.

This oil helps the body to have an appropriate response to inflammation. While we usually associate inflammation with negative outcomes, the inflammatory process is important; it’s only when the body becomes repeatedly or chronically inflamed that we see poor health outcomes.

Along with immune boosting and antimicrobial properties, Frankincense is also great for the skin, which is an important first line of defense for the immune system. Simply add a couple of drops to your daily moisturizer, or to your favourite carrier oil* such as coconut, olive or jojoba.
Frankincense has a beautiful, powerful aroma that can help to relieve feelings of stress.

*a carrier oil is an oil that is used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them into the skin. Carrier oils also help to prevent the essential oil from evaporating before it’s absorbed.