Frankincense essential oil is one of the best oils to keep on hand to use around the house. It has many culinary and medicinal uses. Try some of these recipes to see just how easy it is to incorporate frankincense oil into some of your daily routines and needs.
Cooking
Frankincense oil may not be the first essential oil that comes to mind when bringing a new ingredient into your kitchen but it has actually been used in cooking for thousands of years. It adds a rich flavor to desserts and teas but remember that a little goes a long way. A drop is usually plenty if you are coming up with your own recipes. If you want to add less than a drop, simply dip a clean toothpick into your bottle of oil and mix with your other ingredients.
Frankincense Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon Arak Haddad Mastic (Middle Eastern liquor)
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Sift flour, powdered sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the Arak Haddad mastic and frankincense oil to the butter and mix well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula. Once the mixture is mostly combined, use your hands to mix the dough, working gently. Roll teaspoon sized balls of dough by hand and place them on the cookie sheet. Gently press each cookie down with a spoon or bottom of a glass. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, moving the baking sheets to different racks several times throughout. This will keep the cookies even. The cookies will be barely tan around the edges when they are ready. Remove from the oven and cool down slightly before placing on wire racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Frankincense Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 15 drops frankincense oil
- 1 cup sugar, divided in half
- 3 egg yolks
Directions
Whip the egg yolks with a ½ cup of sugar. Heat up the milk, cream and remaining sugar in a medium pot. Remove from heat right before it reaches a bubble. Whisk as you slowly add the egg mixture. Return to medium-low heat and cook until thickened. Whisk in the frankincense. Chill overnight in the refrigerator. Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Candied Almonds with Frankincense
Ingredients
- 175 grams raw almonds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a frying pan on medium heat. Add honey and cinnamon, stirring and allowing the honey to melt slightly. Add the almonds and stir well to coat. Remove from heat and add the sugar and salt. Stir again. Add the frankincense at the end, stirring once more. Place the almonds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread them into a single layer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool before removing from the baking sheet and breaking apart.
Note: When cooking with essential oils, always make sure that your chosen brand is labeled GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
Cleaning
Frankincense oil can be a great booster for your homemade or store bought cleaning products. Not only will it leave behind a fabulous scent but it will also leave your home cleaner because it is antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral.
Frankincense Toilet Spray Cleaner
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup liquid castile soap
- 1 tablespoon tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on toilet surfaces. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Frankincense Air Freshener
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 15 drops frankincense essential oil
Directions
Mix ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray into the air for an instant burst of freshness. Test on a discreet part of fabric before spraying a large surface to be safe.
Frankincense All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup water
- 20 drops Frankincense essential oil
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. While most surfaces should be fine, always clean a small test area before applying to a large surface.
Body Care
Frankincense oil can work wonders for both your skin and hair. Using homemade shampoos and lotions with frankincense is a great way to get dangerous chemicals away from your body while promoting the natural healing benefits of frankincense.
Frankincense Dandruff Removing Blend
Ingredients
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions
Mix the ingredients well to combine. Rub into the hair and scalp and leave in for at least 10 minutes before rinsing out. Apply to unwashed hair for best results.
Frankincense Anti-Aging Lotion
Ingredients
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 3 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 drops myrrh essential oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions
Mix the ingredients well to combine. Massage into problem areas once daily before bed. Take care to avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas.
Frankincense Acne Cream
Ingredients
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- contents of one vitamin E capsule
Directions
Mix the ingredients well to combine. Apply acne cream to problem areas after washing the entire face with a gentle cleanser.
Frankincense Deodorant
Ingredients
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops myrrh essential oil
- ¼ cup baking soda
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a jar with a wide mouth. Stir well. To use, take a small amount and pat onto dry armpits. For best results, use daily after showering.
