15% off €25

Code:TREAT
OffersSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutlet2 for €23 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for €6 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBioglanNatures AidBetterYouNovominsWild NutritionNeubria3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutletIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaNakdHeath & HeatherPerfectTedTwiningsTrekManuka DoctorSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyShort Dated2 for €6 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionMyproteinGrenadeUSNPhDTriActiveSiSPulsinSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventOnline Only3 for 2 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for €35 Mix & Match2 for €45 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmSea MagikSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyOutlet3 for 2 Mix & MatchAlcohol FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDEat WaterUSNNatures AidNew NordicApplied NutritionSave up to 1/2 pricePayday Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceShort Dated2 for €35 Mix & MatchSugar FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesEnergyGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseHolland & BarrettNaturtintVitabioticsDr OrganicSolgarBetterYouApplied NutritionWildOptimum NutritionWeledaSave up to 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline Only2 for €23 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergyWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Frankincense oil: Uses and benefits

Frankincense resin on a wooden spoon
Infamous as a one of the gifts of the three wise men, but why would it make such a good present? Find out all of its uses in this comprehensive guide.

Summary

1How long have people been using frankincense for?

Frankincense goes back a long way! It’s said to have been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 5,000 years. Its roots go so far...

2Frankincense oil benefits

Frankincense oil has soothing and cleansing properties, as well as many more qualities. As a result, there are lots of advantages, including...

3How to use it safely

Always do a patch test to it make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin and don’t ingest it unless advised by a medical professional. Always follow...

Explore related topics

What springs to mind when you think about frankincense? Is it the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that were given by The Three Wise Men to Jesus Christ? Or maybe it’s a smell that you associate with Christmas? 

Many people may be able to recall learning about this biblical event, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:11).

Biblical references aside, frankincense essential oil is known worldwide as the King of Oils and reportedly has lots of health-related benefits (more on these below).2 It’s for this very reason that it’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.3

Frankincense oil is sourced from the sticky sap of the Bowellia Carterii or Bowellia Sacra tree that can be found in Somalia, Ethiopia, Oman, Yemen, India and China.4 

Frankincense goes by several names other than frankincense. They are - Bowellia Carterii, Bowellia Sacra and Olibanum.5

How is frankincense oil made?

As with most essential oils, frankincense oil is extracted from the tree sap in a number of ways, which usually involves steam distillation. It’s also possible to dry it out and use it in its dried form too.

How long have people been using frankincense for?

Frankincense goes back a long way! It’s said to have been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 5,000 years. 

Its roots go so far back that sacks of frankincense appear in the murals that decorate the walls of the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who once ruled Egypt and died around 480BC.

Meanwhile, in the Holy Bible, frankincense and myrrh were components of the holy incense that were ritually burned in Jerusalem’s sacred temples.6

How can frankincense be used?

There’s so much you can do with frankincense oil. You can:7
Attractive african girlfriends applying toner on faces with cotton pads, looking at mirror. Two prertty black women having beauty day at home, looking at mirror and cleansing their faces, copy space

1. Apply it

Dilute it with a carrier oil and then apply a few drops to the bottom of your feet or rub it into your pulse points.

You can also add it to your moisturisers, body lotions and other beauty products to get the benefits into your skincare routine.

Pro tip

  • Use ~ 6 drops per ounce for face products 
  • Use ~ 12 drops per ounce for body lotions 
  • Use ~ 20 drops per ounce for shampoos, hair masks, and products you rinse off
 
brown tray with beige face towels rolled up with a white ceramic jug of essential oils for relaxing treatment, background is a deep teal colour

2. Inhale it

Either breathe it in directly from the bottle or sprinkle some droplets on a towel or cloth and pop it under your pillow. You can also breathe it in by lighting some incense sticks.

Pro tip

  • In aromatherapy, essential oils like frankincense are mixed with other oils.
  • Frankincense blends well with citrus flavours like lemon, lime and wild orange.
  • It also goes well with cypress, lavender, geranium, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and clary sage.
 
Shot of essential oil aroma diffuser humidifier diffusing water articles in the air while woman listening music lying on coach.

3. Diffuse it

Put some in a diffuser and take in the grounding and calming aroma.

Why not try a couple of our diffuser formulas that mix well with frankincense.

Emotional Wellness

  • 3 drops Copaiba
  • 2 drops Bergamot
  • 2 drops Frankincense
 

Frankly Relaxing

  • 4 drops Frankincense
  • 3 drops Himalayan Cedarwood
  • 2 drops Lavender
 

Frankincense oil benefits

Frankincense oil has soothing and cleansing properties, as well as many more qualities. As a result, there are lots of advantages to using it, including these 11 handpicked benefits:8

8 benefits of frankincense

1. May help reduce feelings of stress

When inhaled, frankincense oil has been shown to possess anti-anxietyproperties.9

It is thought that a component called Boswellia resin has calming effects when burnt. Which is why you are may feel sense of calm when you burn an incense stick. 
 

2. Reduces feelings of anxiety

Thanks to its comforting properties it can help calm a busy mind, reducing the feelings of anxiety.
 

3. Improve concentration and mood

Much in the same way as it works for stress and anxiety, frankincense can diminish the feelings of stress helping to improve your mood and your concentration.
 

4. Can kill harmful germs and bacteria

Frankincense acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant agent that has been known to display antimicrobial effects. It may even be used in place of chemical household cleaners.

Since 1500 BC the combination of frankincense oil and myrrh oil has been used in this way.11 They also make for some great gifts apparently!
 

5. May help your immune system

Research carried out at the Mansoura University in Egypt found that frankincense oil can prevent germs and bacteria from forming on your skin, in your mouth or even in your home.12,13
 

6. May prevent signs of ageing

According to studies, frankincense may reduce redness and skin sensitivity.

In the same study, frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It may help tone and lift skin.14
 

7. May improve memory

Research suggests that frankincense oil can be used to help improve memory.15
 

8. May improve relaxation

With the relaxation properties that frankincense possesses, it may be that it can also give you a more restful night’s sleep. 

Due to its help with feelings of anxiety and stress, as pointed out above, it is likely that the use of frankincense before bedtime may help you get more rest.
 

How to use it safely

Always do a patch test to it make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin and don’t ingest it unless advised by a medical professional. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to use it.10

4 fun facts about frankincense oil

  1. When burned, it gives off a sweet, citrusy scent and when combined with myrrh, produces a piney, bitter odour.17 
  2. Cleopatra is said to have used frankincense oil, in conjunction with geranium oil, as a skin treatment.18 
  3. When buying pure frankincense essential oil, check the label for its Latin name, Boswellia Carterii or Boswellia sacra. No other oils ingredients should be listed.19
  4. In ancient history, many believe that frankincense was protected by dragons. Ancient Greek writer Herodotus (5th century B.C.) wrote: “Arabia is the only country which produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia, and cinnamon… the trees bearing. 

We hope you’ve found this guide to frankincense oil useful and hopefully come away wanting to give it a try. Intrigued about the popularity of essential oils? Check out this article, ‘The 7 most popular essential oils

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.