Frankincense: The mind-blowing uses of this ancient oil for cancer, anxiety and arthritis
Since Biblical times, Frankincense oil has been used for a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. This ancient medicine possesses antiseptic, anti-neurotic and even anti-cancer properties. The boswellic acids found in Frankincense oil has an anti-inflammatory ability, which is great because the inflammation is a factor in nearly every sickness or disease.
If we look all those properties, we can say that Frankincense oil is some sort of miracle potion. This confirmed the reason why the Frankincense was gifted to baby Jesus by the wise men. It has also been used continuously in aromatherapy and other healing practices since then.
Here are 5 Frankincense Oil Uses that Can Boost Your Health
- Relieves Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Relieving digestive distress is one of the first Frankincense oil uses. It can help in case of gas, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach aches. According to the study published in the European Journal of Medical Research, frankincense is very effective in treating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that taking 350 milligrams of frankincense oil was effective in inducing remission in 80 percent of patients. They took it three times a day over a period of six weeks
Researchers found also a similarity of frankincense and sulfasalazine effectiveness. Sulfasalazine is a chemical drug that is commonly used to treat irritable bowel disease. In addition, Frankincense, similar to digestive enzymes, can help to speed up the digestion of food and causes your entire digestive system to operate more efficiently.
- Supports the Respiratory System
The frankincense oil has been used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. It can be used in steam inhalations, baths, and massages.
Patients with chronic bronchial asthma can be treated with 300 milligrams of frankincense three times daily for a six-week period. The study, in which the patients were treated this way, showed that 70 percent of patients noticed an obvious improvement of physical symptoms of asthma. Accordingly, researchers concluded that frankincense can play a definite role in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
- Soothes Arthritic Pain
Its anti-inflammatory properties allow frankincense oil to inhibit the production of the main inflammatory molecules, which usually associated with conditions like arthritis. In addition, it can also be useful in helping to prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue.
In fact, the anti-arthritic activity of frankincense extracts is described in the first two pillars of Ayurveda (the 5,000-year-old healing system of ancient India). Studies have shown that frankincense has just the same effects like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but due to the boswellic acids, it doesn’t cause side effects like NSAIDS.
This means that people when trying to find an all-natural treatment for arthritis, don’t have to take their chances with the dangers of NSAIDS.
Use: – apply 2-3 drops topically to the area of pain. In case of sensitive skin, dilute frankincense with a carrier oil like coconut, and then apply the mixture to your skin.
You can also add 5-10 drops of frankincense to a warm bath, which will soothe your muscle and joint pain.
- Serves As a Natural Oral Hygiene Product
As an antiseptic agent Frankincense oil can be used for oral hygiene.
Use: – Add frankincense to your toothpaste or rub 1-2 drops into the gums. This method will help you to prevent dental health issues like tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, and oral infections.
Studies showed that the extracts of frankincense are effective against a common form of gum disease that causes redness, irritation, and swelling, known as a plaque-induced gingivitis.
- Helps to Fight Cancer and Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects
One of the most important values of the Frankincense oil is its ability to help fight cancer cells (breast, colon, brain, prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancers). According to the research, the frankincense oil activates genes that are responsible for cell growth suppression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
As it is shown in a study Frankincense has the ability to distinguish cancer from normal cells and then frankincense oil-suppressed cell viability in cancer cells of the bladder without causing the breakdown of DNA. This allows Frankincense oil to fight cancer and to reduce cancer symptoms by keeping inflammation at bay. Additionally, it significantly boosts the immune system and causes the proliferation of white blood cells, which are responsible for defending the body.
Of course, these five frankincense oil uses are not all you can benefit from it, as it is just the beginning of its capabilities. It can be used to fight infections, heal skin issues like acne and scarring and improve anxiety.
A special tip: For internal use, you must ensure that it is organic, therapeutic grade, 100 percent pure (with no added fillers or preservatives), and purchased from a reliable and trustworthy company.
Warnings:
– Do not use essential oils internally unless properly trained in the safety or do it under the supervision of a licensed aromatherapist.
– Specific advice should be required about the use of essential oils for children, babies, and pregnant women.
Sources:
– https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9049593/
– https://theheartysoul.com/frankincense-oil-uses/
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664784/