Essential oils have been around for quite a while and have been used for their healing properties. They come from leaves, stems, or roots of plants. Frankincense oil is a common type of essential oil used in aromatherapy (use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in massages.) that offers a variety of health benefits. It is used by either inhaling the oil or absorbing it through the skin.  Here are five health benefits that Frankincense oil provides.

Helps Reduce Stress Reactions and Negative Emotions:

When the oil is inhaled, it has been proven to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure. It has anti-anxiety and depression-reducing abilities. The oil, unlike prescription medications, does not have negative side effects.

Helps Boost Immune System Function and Prevents Illness:

Studies have proven that frankincense may help destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses and even cancers. Researchers at Mansoura University in Egypt conducted a lab study and found that the oil shows strong immunostimulant activity. Other things that frankincense can prevent are germs, gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, and other infections.

May Help Fight Cancer or Deal with Chemotherapy Side Effects:

Several research groups have found that frankincense has promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects when tested in lab studies and on animals. It has been shown to help fight cells of specific types of cancer. A 2012 study found that a chemical compound found in frankincense called AKBA is successful at killing cancer cells that have been resistant to chemotherapy. This could be a potential natural cancer treatment.

Heals Skin and Prevents Signs of Aging:

This oil has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and appearance as someone ages. It could reduce the appearance of scars, acne, and heal wounds. According to a review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, the oil reduces redness and skin irritation. It also produces a more even skin tone.

Improves Memory and Acts as a Sleep Aid:

Research suggests that the oil can be used to improve memory and learning functions. Some animal studies show that using frankincense during pregnancy may increase the memory of a mother’s offspring. When pregnant rats received the oil, there was a significant increase in the offspring’s power of learning, short-term memory and long-term memory. Frankincense oil is useful in lowering levels of anxiety or stress that keeps you up at night. The oil has a calming, grounding scent that helps you naturally fall asleep. It helps open breathing passages and eliminates pain that keeps you up.