Get educated about: Frankincense
Have you tried this stuff? The oil that has been nicknamed “Spanx® for the face”? Of course if touts way more benefits than those for your skin (but since we’re on that topic, I’ve heard people rave about how it diminished crows feet and frown lines for them - bonus).
Thankfully Frankincense comes in most of the Premium Starter kits around the world. Get yours here.
I recently came across this article that blew my mind quite a bit. They talk about how in oil-treated cells, cleaved PARP-levels increased… and “cleavage of PARP was involved in DNA repair following environmental stress”. That is crazy!
They also noted that the Frankincense oil “suppressed tumor growth, and induced apoptosis”.
READ THAT AGAIN!
Boswellic acids (major components of frankincense) were reported to “possess anti-tumor activity due to their cytostatic and pro-apoptotic properties in many human cancer cell lines containing meningioma, leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, fibrosarcoma, colon and prostate cancer”.
I could truly go on and on about all the things in this article that blow me away, but please read it. If science isn’t your strong suit, just head down to the results section, and read that. My mind is blown!!! Thankfully they are looking to add further studies to dig even deeper, I’m excited for that!
I also came across a great YouTube of D Gary Young explaining how they extract the resin from the Frankincense tree. It’s someone’s recording of him from their phone, but I find the information absolutely fascinating! I highly recommend checking it out. He’s sharing a remarkable experience in Oman at an estimated 850-year-old Frankincense tree. He really gets into some fascinating history and harvesting details.
This is why if you ever see Frankincense being sold for cheap, understand that you are not buying Frankincense. It’s one of the most adulterated oils out there (lavender is too). You would be buying something that smells like Frankincense (it could contain some of the real stuff, but it’s likely artificial fragrance and/or carrier oils added to it if it’s cheap). If you watch this video, you understand and appreciate the cost of a bottle of Frankincense.
Frankincense contains 8% sesquiterpenes and is 78% monoterpenes (known to be calming). Because of its AMAZING abilities in the body and it’s extensive distillation process, this one is very popular and highly adulterated. You do not want to order this from anywhere but Young Living to assure you are getting a 100% pure product. In order to collect the Frankincense resin, they scar the bark of a 40+-year-old Boswellia Tree. The tree, trying to protect itself, leaks a resin through the scarred area. The gum resin is collected and stored in caves for three months and then goes through a 6-12 month distillation process. So basically your Frank took a year to get perfectly in that bottle for you. No wonder it is so adulterated and diluted by other companies. But we don’t like to cut corners, do we?
Fun facts about our beloved Frank: Frankincense is an ancient oil also considered a holy oil in the Middle East. We know that it was given to Christ at the time of his birth and valued more than gold at one time. The uses and benefits of Frankincense date back way before the time of Christ to the Egyptians and Sumerians. You can find Frankincense referenced in the bible 52 times. It is also a hot topic in the news for its benefits and is highly researched. Don’t believe me? Just google “Frankincense and top research studies” and you will see a whole lot pop-up that I can’t talk about (like the study above). If you fall in love with Frankincense, also check out Sacred Frankincense. Another species of Boswellia with similarly amazing properties.
This from Young Living regarding Frankincense:
“It’s no surprise that Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has been sought after since ancient times. The complex aroma of this oil can elevate many aspects of your life. Diffuse Young Living Frankincense oil to refine your sense of purpose or add it to your beauty routine for a luxurious experience.
Frankincense essential oil has an earthy, uplifting aroma that’s perfect for grounding and spiritual connectedness. Create a safe and comforting environment when you diffuse or inhale this empowering oil—a perfect opportunity to collect your thoughts. When you seek purpose or engage in prayer or meditation, use this oil to enhance your experience.
In addition to elevated spiritual experiences, the benefits of Frankincense essential oil include maintaining radiant skin. Its ability to smooth the look of healthy skin makes this oil a key part of our Boswellia Wrinkle Cream™.
Frankincense is also an important ingredient in Awaken™, Brain Power™, Forgiveness™, and Highest Potential™.
Frankincense Essential Oil Uses:
Invite elevated spiritual experiences every day by diffusing this oil in your home or office.
Add Frankincense to your daytime lotion or night cream for a custom moisturizer that highlights your natural beauty.
Incorporate Frankincense into your yoga ritual by diffusing this oil during your routine and following up with a post-practice massage.”
If you’d like more info, check out this article. I also love this for a quick summary of Frankincense.
How do you use Frankincense? I love to put it in my face lotion, and I also like to combine it with copaiba for relief from back tension.
Check back here in a day or two to see a recipe I’ll be adding for a face serum containing Frankincense.