Medicinal Uses for Frankincense

Frankincense has been used for thousands of years to treat medical issues and ailments. The Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese all have remedies containing frankincense, and today it is still used for aromatherapy and as a diuretic, an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. There are an array of medicinal uses for this resin, and because it has been around for so many centuries, its good reputation for healing is well-known. The alternative medicine practice of using frankincense is ideal for those who want to treat minor medical ailments naturally.

History

• You can read about frankincense being used even in ancient Egypt and Greece. Many cultures used it for both internal as well as external purposes. In the Bible, it is mentioned that frankincense was offered in ceremonies, but other cultures used it for different reasons: Egyptians utilized the resin for personal beauty, perfume and hair removal. Chinese cultures used it to treat disorders such as leprosy and other skin conditions. People across the world have used frankincense to heal or promote well being.

Origins

• Frankincense, from the Boswellia Thurifera tree, is mainly found in Africa and Arabia. To retrieve frankincense from its natural environment, you must split the tree open at the trunk and wait for the milky white resin to harden before it is taken. Trees containing frankincense grow best in an arid climate, where light mist waters the trees. These trees are also found on hillsides and rocky cliffs.

Uses

• Frankincense treats many health and mental ailments: indigestion, insomnia, asthma, emphysema, congestion, hysteria and anxiety. It is also ideal for use when treating any respiratory or breathing conditions, especially for those who suffer from chest colds or congestion. Skin care options it can be used for include cuts and inflammation, as well as an anti-aging treatments for wrinkles. Frankincense can be used for many internal and external ailments but should never be taken internally.

Treatment

• Use a frankincense essential oil to treat a variety of medical ailments. Massaging the oil into muscles can relieve pain and stiffness. Add a few drops of the essential oil to massage oil and gently knead the areas where muscle pain exists. Massage the it on the chest to help with congestion or other respiratory ailments. Allow the body to reap the benefits of using frankincense once it has been massaged into the skin. It is important to test out the essential oils on a small patch of skin before use to make sure there are no allergic reactions or irritation to your skin.

Benefits

• Frankincense can be used in countless ways to treat medical ailments. Used as an astringent, it can improve skin and help with wound healing. It also helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, causing the marks to slowly fade away.