Frankincense essential oil is known to support healthy joints and bones, aid with respiratory disorders, promote oral health and prevent digestive issues. However, as with all medications and essential oils, precautions should be taken when using the oil, especially if you are new to using essential oils. Here are some basic guidelines for administering the oil but keep in mind that the effect of frankincense essential oil is different for everyone.
Can you consume frankincense oil?
Frankincense oil is considered generally safe to consume, but only with food or drink. It should never be taken alone as it may cause irritation or burning to the mouth, throat and stomach. For this reason, always keep the oil out of reach of small children and pets.
Can you inhale frankincense oil?
Frankincense oil is safe to inhale and doing so can help with many different ailments, as the oil molecules enter the blood stream through the nasal passages. To safely inhale the oil, it may be diffused throughout a room. Try to only diffuse the oil for fifteen minutes out of an hour. If you do not have a diffuser, add a few drops to a pot of boiling water, place a towel over your head and lean over it to inhale the steam. If you want to inhale the oil on the go, either inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a cotton ball or tissue. Take a few deep breaths but take a break every few minutes. This last method should be avoided by people who suffer from asthma though because it may trigger an attack.
Can you put frankincense oil on your skin?
Frankincense oil is safe to apply to the skin but like most other essential oils, it should be diluted. It may be applied neat under certain circumstances but should be approved by a physician. To dilute the oil, mix the it with a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond or jojoba, and then distribute over desired areas but only after a test patch has been conducted to rule out any allergies. To conduct a test patch, place a drop of diluted oil on the inner part of the arm near the elbow. If there are no signs of irritation after a day, you should be able to use the oil over large surface areas without worrying about irritation. If there is redness or bumps that develop, you may either try another test patch with a higher concentration of carrier oil or make the decision to avoid the oil.
Can frankincense oil be used on children or infants?
Frankincense oil is considered to be safe for infants and children but should be used with caution. If you decide to use frankincense oil on a young child, it should be heavily diluted and closely monitored for allergic reactions and undesirable side effects. Be sure to speak with the child’s pediatrician before administering any essential oil.
Should pregnant women use frankincense oil?
Pregnant women should avoid frankincense oil as there is a chance that it can stimulate menstruation or affect the uterus and possibly cause a miscarriage.. With limited scientific research regarding pregnancy and topical applications of essential oils, it is best to avoid frankincense in body care products during a pregnancy, especially the first two trimesters. Frankincense is most likely safe when it is added to food if it is in small amounts. Because infants should not be exposed to frankincense, it should be avoided by breast feeding mothers as well, as it may travel through the breast milk to the child.
Should frankincense oil be diluted?
Yes, frankincense oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil. Cold-pressed oils work best with frankincense but any carrier oil will work. Even once diluted with a carrier oil, avoid contact with the eyes, mucus membranes and sensitive areas of the body. If a diluted topical application still causes irritation, use a towel dipped in vegetable oil to remove the product, as water can make the irritation worse and will not remove the oil. There are some cases where the oil works best if applied neat but this should only be done after being approved by a physician.
Can pets be given frankincense oil?
Frankincense is considered a safe essential oil for dogs and can have the same positive effects that it does with humans. For example, it can help increase the blood supply to the brain, which supports overall brain health and promotes mental clarity. It can also be administered to help a dog recover from an infection. The oil can be administered topically after being diluted with coconut oil or added to a diffuser where a dog will benefit from the inhalation of the oil.
Cats should never come into contact with any essential oils, as they lack an enzyme that allows their body to metabolize the oil. If you still want to use frankincense to help your cat’s digestive system or other conditions, look into oil hydrosols, which are a by-product of essential oils. If there is any concern with using frankincense for your pets, contact a veterinarian.
What precautions should be taken with frankincense oil?
Overall, frankincense oil is regarded as a very safe essential oil. However, as with all essential oils, frankincense oil should be used with caution. While safe for most, allergic reactions are possible which can range from mild to severe. If you notice any signs of a reaction, such as redness, irritation or painful bumps, discontinue use of the oil and seek medical attention if the reaction worsens.
Individuals who suffer from blood disorders, such as hemophilia, should avoid frankincense oil. If medications are taken that thin the blood, such as warfarin, ibuprofen or aspirin, frankincense oil should be used with extreme caution after being approved by a physician.
Before medicating with frankincense oil, it is best to seek approval with your doctor, especially if you are taking any prescribed medications or have any diagnosed health conditions.
