Essential oils are a thing of much debate these days.
I personally love using them and am glad they are making a "come back" so to speak.
There are too many kinds of oils to list here but one that I use as a "go-to" oil in our household is frankincense.
A few years ago when I was in one of the worst places I had been health-wise and I was at a very low point, I turned to natural healing methods and started doing some research.
Essential oils came up quite often and one of the ones that seemed to continually catch my eye was frankincense.
Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation - a HUGE deal for someone with autoimmune disease that often causes chronic pain and inflammation.
In one 2018 review, frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility. (1)
Another 2018 study found that 350 mg curcuminoid (a compound found in turmeric- another huge favorite thing of mine), and 150 mg boswellic acid supplement taken 3 times a day for 12 weeks was associated with a reduction in osteoarthritis pain. The combination was more effective than curcumin on its own or a placebos that were given.
(2)
It's also thought that frankinsence's anti-inflammatory properties may also help your gut function properly.
A big plus if you have an autoimmune condition that is totally "gut" related like I do - Celiacs.
In one 2017 study they found that frankincense, in combination with other herbal medicines, was able to reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and even associated depression and anxiety in people with irritable bowel syndrome. (3)
Traditional medicine has actually used frankincense to treat things like bronchitis and asthma for centuries (another condition that I've inherited).
Research suggests that its compounds may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma. (4)
There have also been studies on it's effectiveness on oral health and it's effectiveness on certain bacteria that can lead to aggressive gum diseases.
All really incredible for anyone who is suffering from any of those conditions and is looking to try out natural remedies - although just to be clear none of this information is meant to be used for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
Discussing any issues you have or products you want to try should be a conversation held between yourself and your medical care provider or naturopathic practitioner first.
One of the biggest "pluses" I think about frankincense however is this:
In recent years there have been studies documenting it's anti-cancer potential!
Which is HUGE!
Test-tube studies have suggested that the boswellic acids it contains might be able to prevent cancer cells from spreading. (5)
Again, a research review has noted that boswellic acids may also prevent the formation of DNA in cancerous cells, which could help limit cancer growth. (6)
So far, test-tube studies have suggested as well that frankincense may be able to fight breast, prostate, pancreatic, skin, and colon cancer cells.
(7, 8, 9, 10)
It may also help reduce side effects of cancer treatments which everyone knows can be some of the most challenging part of those kinds of procedures.
Frankincense is also being tested for its potential effectiveness on things like acne (which makes since due to its anti-bacterial properties), diabetes, heart disease, memory improvement, fertility, stress/anti-anxiety, and much more.
There's no wonder this incredible little oil has been used for centuries and was the gifts given to king's!
If you are interested in trying frankincense essential oil I recommend getting a high quality one.
It's often hard to know which ones are pure and therefore safer and more effective for whatever use you are interested in.
DoTerra oils are in my opinion some of the better ones I have tried and I am going to post my link for the DoTerra site where you are welcome to order.
Of course I do make a credit or commission if you use some of the links I post here however, I do also use the oils/products myself and would not endorse anything I don't like.
I have ordered and used the frankincense off the Dr. Mercola website as well but you'd have to google that one.
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