Frankincense Essential Oil for Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oil to achieve healing and mood alleviation. This holistic method originated from the medieval period, and many essential oils have been discovered to possess therapeutic properties over time. The frankincense essential oil is one of them.

The frankincense essential oil is also known as Olibanum. The word “Franc encens” means eminent incense in old French. The oil is extracted from the resins of the Boswellia frereana, Boswellia carterri or the Boswellia serrata tree native to India. Extracts from this tree, including the Frankincense essential oil, have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties.

All these properties make the frankincense essential oil suitable for aromatherapy use. It can be diffused into the air during the massage or applied topically on the body. This article will discuss the usage, risks, and cautions to be taken when using Frankincense essential oil.

Usage

By diffusing it in the air, you can use Frankincense oil to attain a calm and relaxed state. However, to prevent allergic reactions, it’s advised that only a few drops of this essential oil should be added to a diffuser.

Also, too much oil should not be applied topically on the skin. Two or three drops of pure Frankincense essential oil should be diluted in carrier oil before application on the skin. The carrier oil could be Coconut oil or Jobaba oil.

Risks

Frankincense oil is not harmful and doesn’t show any serious risk. However, it shouldn’t be used inappropriately because not all Frankincense oils are pure essential oil. Impure products are for aesthetic uses and may contain synthetic compounds, which are harmful to the body.

Also, Frankincense oil may be dangerous because the FDA does not check them. Therefore, you can’t trust every Frankincense bottle you see in the market. Some may contain preservatives that are harmful to health.

The only risks of pure essential oils are skin irritation and allergic reactions. Human bodies react differently to essential oils. But a few drops for inhalation and topical use will eliminate these risks.

Cautions

First and foremost, do not drink Frankincense essential oil. It should not be ingested into the body before, during or after an aromatherapy massage. Bottles of this oil should be well covered with lids and keep out of the reach of children. Also, desist from the continuous use of Frankincense essential oil if you have experienced allergic reactions to it.

Discuss with your doctor or massage specialist before undergoing a Frankincense aromatherapy massage. This is an important message to people that are on medications and pregnant women. Frankincense essential oil may react with medications to cause a more serious health issue. Also, it has been found that essential oil may negatively impact fetuses in pregnant women.

Although Frankincense oil is organic and safe, users should not go overboard. Little research has been done to justify its benefits and side effects, and there are ongoing studies to actualize the correct mode of usage. Users are advised to stick with a few drops for aromatherapy uses and instructions from their medical doctor and massage therapist.

Takeaways

Frankincense oil massage will help you achieve a relaxed state of mind, reduce blood pressure, and regulate anxiety levels. Ensure that you follow all the instructions above for safe aromatherapy massages.