Frankincense: A Natural Wonder for Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, and More

Have you ever heard of frankincense? It is not just a fancy word or a gift for a baby king. It is a natural product that has been used for thousands of years for its amazing benefits. Frankincense is a resin that comes from the trees of the genus Boswellia. The Boswellia trees are native to the Arabian Peninsula, to the countries of Oman and Yemen, and expanded from there to North Africa, India, and the Middle East. The Boswellia tree, also known as the Olibanum tree, is a slow-growing tree that requires a warm climate.

Frankincense is a sticky substance that has a sweet and woody smell. It can be used in many ways: you can burn it as incense, apply it as oil, chew it as gum, or take it as a supplement. But what can frankincense do for you? How can it heal your body and soul?

Let’s explore the history of Frankincense, and how it has been valued by different cultures and religions for its sacred and healing properties. And also let’s discover how frankincense can improve your physical and mental well-being with its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, respiratory, oral, skin, and gut health benefits. By the end of this blog post, you will be amazed by the wonders of frankincense and how you can use it in your daily life.

The Fascinating History of Frankincense: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Medicine

Frankincense is not a new discovery. It has been used for thousands of years by different civilizations and religions for its sacred and healing properties. Frankincense was one of the most precious commodities in the ancient world, traded along the Incense Route from Arabia to the Mediterranean. This route was a network of land and sea routes that connected the producers of frankincense in South Arabia and East Africa with the consumers in Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Frankincense was so valuable that it was sometimes worth more than gold.

One of the earliest users of frankincense was the ancient Egyptians. They used frankincense in their religious rites, cosmetics, and medicines. They believed that frankincense was the sweat of the gods and the symbol of life. They burned frankincense as an offering to the sun god Ra, and as a way to communicate with the afterlife. They also used frankincense to embalm their mummies, to preserve their bodies and souls for eternity. They mixed frankincense with other ingredients to make kohl, a black eyeliner that protected their eyes from infections and enhanced their beauty. They also used frankincense to treat wounds, headaches, coughs, and stomach problems.

Another famous user of frankincense was the Christian tradition. Frankincense was one of the gifts offered by the Magi, or the three wise men, to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. This gift was a sign of honor and respect, as well as a prophecy of Jesus’ role as a priest and a king. Frankincense was also used by the early Christians in their worship services, as a symbol of prayer and devotion. Frankincense is still used today by many Christian denominations, especially in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, as a way to create a sacred atmosphere and to honor God.

Frankincense was also prescribed in India, in traditional Chinese medicine, and in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments, such as blood stagnation, inflammation, pain, and swelling. These ancient systems of medicine recognized the benefits of frankincense for balancing the energy flow in the body and mind. Frankincense was also used to enhance meditation and spiritual awareness, as it can calm the nerves and uplift the mood.

As you can see, frankincense has a long and fascinating history that spans across time and culture. Frankincense has been valued by different people for its sacred and healing properties, as well as its pleasant scent and flavor. But let’s explore now how frankincense can be used in the modern world to help you fight arthritis, asthma, cancer, and more, with its scientific evidence and research.

The Science Behind Frankincense: How It Can Help You Fight Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, and More

Frankincense is not only a historical and cultural treasure but also a scientific wonder. Frankincense has many health benefits that are supported by modern research and evidence. It can help you fight arthritis, asthma, cancer, and more by reducing inflammation, preventing cancer cell growth, improving respiratory function, enhancing oral and skin health, and supporting gut health. How does frankincense do all these things? Let’s find out.

Frankincense for Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in your joints, such as your fingers, knees, and feet. It can make it hard for you to move and do your daily activities. There are different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of your cartilage, which is the cushion between your bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by your immune system attacking your own tissues.

Frankincense can help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects that may prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation. Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense.

Several studies have shown that frankincense extract or oil can improve pain and mobility in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. For example:

• In one study, participants took 169.33 mg of boswellia extract twice daily for 120 days. Results indicated that the supplement reduced inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, without serious side effects.
• In another study, participants took 350 mg curcuminoid and 150 mg boswellic acid supplement three times per day for 12 weeks. Results indicated that the combination reduced osteoarthritis pain more than curcumin on its own or a placebo.
• In another study, participants took 5 g of methylsulfonylmethane and 7.2 mg of boswellic acids daily for 60 days. Results indicated that the combination improved pain and function more than glucosamine sulfate, a standard supplement for osteoarthritis.
• In another study, participants applied oliban oil to their skin for 6 weeks. Results indicated that the oil reduced osteoarthritis pain.

Frankincense for Asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects your lungs and makes it hard for you to breathe. It can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is triggered by various factors, such as allergens, pollution, exercise, or stress. Frankincense can help improve your asthma and respiratory problems by reducing inflammation and mucus production in your airways. Frankincense may also relax your bronchial muscles and open up your air passages.

Some studies have reported that frankincense can improve symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. For example:

• In one study, participants took 300 mg of frankincense daily for six weeks. Results indicated that 70% of them experienced improvements in their symptoms.
• In another study, participants took 400 mg of frankincense three times per day for four weeks. Results indicated that they had fewer asthma attacks and less dependence on inhalers.

Frankincense for Cancer

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control and invade other parts of your body. It can affect any organ or tissue in your body. There are many types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer.

Frankincense may help fight certain types of cancer by preventing cancer cells from spreading. Frankincense may also induce apoptosis, which is the process of programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells.

Some studies have suggested that frankincense or its compounds may have anticancer properties against breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer. For example:

• In one study, researchers found that frankincense oil induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells in vitro (in a test tube).
• In another study, researchers found that acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), a compound in frankincense, inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo (in mice).
• In another study, researchers found that frankincense extract inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
• In another study, researchers found that frankincense oil induced apoptosis in human skin cancer cells in vitro.
• In another study, researchers found that frankincense extract inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Frankincense for Oral Health

Oral health is the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. It is important for your overall well-being, as it can affect your eating, speaking, and smiling. Poor oral health can lead to infections, bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems.

Frankincense can help enhance your oral health by killing bacteria and fungi that cause infections and bad breath. Frankincense may also reduce gum disease and tooth decay by inhibiting plaque formation and inflammation.

Some studies have indicated that frankincense can improve oral health. For example:

• In one study, researchers found that frankincense oil had antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that causes tooth decay.
• In another study, researchers found that frankincense oil had antifungal activity against Candida albicans, a fungus that causes oral thrush.
• In another study, researchers found that frankincense extract reduced gingivitis, a type of gum disease, in rats.

Frankincense for Skin Health

Skin health is the health of your largest organ, which covers and protects your body. It is important for your appearance, comfort, and confidence. Your skin can be affected by various factors, such as aging, sun exposure, pollution, stress, or hormones.

Frankincense can help benefit your skin health by toning, lifting, and firming your skin. Frankincense may also help reduce blemishes, scars, stretch marks, wounds, and aging signs by stimulating collagen production, regulating sebum levels, and exfoliating your skin. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying properties that can benefit oily and acne-prone skin.

Some studies have shown that frankincense can improve skin health. For example:

• In one study, participants applied a cream containing 10% frankincense oil to their face twice daily for 30 days. Results indicated that the cream improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.
• In another study, participants applied a gel containing 5% frankincense extract to their faces twice daily for six weeks. Results indicated that the gel reduced acne lesions and improved acne severity.
• In another study, participants applied a cream containing 2% frankincense oil to their stretch marks twice daily for eight weeks. Results indicated that the cream reduced the length and width of the stretch marks.

Frankincense for Gut Health

Gut health is the health of your digestive system, which includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, and anus. It is important for your nutrition, immunity, and mood. Your gut can be affected by various factors, such as diet, stress, medication, or infection.

Frankincense can help benefit your gut health by speeding up the secretion of digestive juices in your stomach. Frankincense may also aid with the movement of food through your gut by stimulating the muscles of your intestines. Frankincense may also reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by relaxing your gut muscles and reducing inflammation.

Some studies have suggested that frankincense can improve gut health. For example:

• In one study, participants took 350 mg of boswellia extract three times per day for six weeks. Results indicated that the extract improved symptoms of IBS more than a placebo.
• In another study, participants took 900 mg of boswellia extract three times per day for six weeks. Results indicated that the extract reduced ulcerative colitis activity more than sulfasalazine (a standard drug).

In this part, I explained how frankincense can help you fight arthritis, asthma, cancer, and more with its scientific evidence and research. You learned how frankincense can reduce inflammation, prevent cancer cell growth, improve respiratory function, enhance oral and skin health, and support gut health. In the next part, I will explain how to use frankincense in traditional medicine.

The Best Ways to Use Frankincense for Health and Healing: Oil, Resin, Extract, and More

Frankincense is not only a historical and scientific wonder but also a versatile and practical product. Frankincense can be used in different forms and methods for various purposes in traditional medicine. You can use frankincense oil, resin, extract, or capsule to improve your physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the best ways to use frankincense for health and healing.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil is the liquid form of frankincense that is obtained by steam distillation or solvent extraction of the resin. Frankincense oil has a sweet and woody smell, and it can be used topically on the skin or in aromatherapy to relieve stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It can also be added to bath water or massage oil for relaxation and skin care.

Some of the benefits of using frankincense oil are:

• It can reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, and blemishes by stimulating collagen production and exfoliating the skin.
• It can help heal wounds, cuts, burns, and insect bites by killing bacteria and fungi and promoting skin regeneration.
• It can soothe dry, itchy, or inflamed skin by moisturizing and nourishing the skin barrier.
• It can balance oily and acne-prone skin by regulating sebum levels and preventing clogged pores.
• It can ease muscle and joint pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
• It can calm the nerves and uplift the mood by activating the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions.
• It can enhance cognitive function and memory by increasing oxygen supply to the brain.

To use frankincense oil on your skin, you need to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. A general rule is to use 2–3 drops of frankincense oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. You can then apply the mixture to your desired area and massage gently. You can also add a few drops of frankincense oil to your lotion or cream for daily skin care.

To use frankincense oil in aromatherapy, you need to use a diffuser, an inhaler, or a spray bottle. You can add 5–10 drops of frankincense oil to your diffuser and let it run for 15–30 minutes. You can also inhale frankincense oil directly from the bottle or from a cotton ball soaked with a few drops of oil. You can also make a spray by adding 10–20 drops of frankincense oil to a cup of water and spraying it around your room or on your pillow.

Frankincense Resin

Frankincense resin is the solid form of frankincense that is collected from the trunk of the Boswellia tree. Frankincense resin has a yellowish or brownish color, and it can be burned as incense to create a pleasant scent and purify the air. It can also be chewed or added to coffee or tea for flavor and health benefits.

Some of the benefits of using frankincense resin are:

• It can improve oral health by killing bacteria and fungi that cause infections and bad breath.
• It can reduce gum disease and tooth decay by inhibiting plaque formation and inflammation.
• It can boost immunity by stimulating white blood cell production and fighting pathogens.
• It can improve digestion by speeding up the secretion of digestive juices in the stomach.
• It can aid with the movement of food through the gut by stimulating the muscles of the intestines.
• It can reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by relaxing your gut muscles and reducing inflammation.
• It can create a relaxing and spiritual atmosphere by inducing alpha brain waves, which are associated with meditation and mindfulness.

To use frankincense resin as incense, you need to use a charcoal burner, a heat-resistant dish, or an electric burner. You can place a small piece of charcoal on the burner and light it until it glows red. You can then place a small piece of frankincense resin on top of the charcoal and let it melt and release its smoke. You can also add other resins or herbs to create your own blend.

To use frankincense resin as chewing gum, you need to select small pieces of resin that are clean and free of dust or dirt. You can then chew them slowly and enjoy their flavor and benefits. You can spit out the resin when it loses its taste or becomes too hard.

To use frankincense resin as a flavoring agent, you need to crush or grind the resin into a fine powder. You can then add a pinch of the powder to your coffee or tea and stir well. You can also add some honey or sugar to sweeten the drink.

Frankincense Extract or Capsule

Frankincense extract or capsule is a supplement form of frankincense that is made by extracting the active compounds from the resin. Frankincense extract or capsule can be taken orally as a supplement to boost immunity, digestion, and overall wellness. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any herbal remedies, as they may interact with other medications or cause side effects.

Some of the benefits of using frankincense extract or capsules are:

• It can reduce joint inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.
• It can prevent cancer cells from spreading and induce apoptosis.
• It can improve respiratory function and reduce asthma symptoms.
• It can modulate the immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases.
• It can balance the hormones and improve reproductive health.

To use frankincense extract or capsule, you need to follow the dosage and instructions on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage may vary depending on the concentration and quality of the product, as well as your age, weight, and health condition. A typical dosage range is 300–500 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.

In this part, I explained how to use frankincense in different forms and methods for various purposes in traditional medicine. You learned how to use frankincense oil, resin, extract, or capsule to improve your physical and mental well-being. In the next part, I will summarize the main points of your blog post and restate your thesis statement.

Conclusion

Frankincense is a natural product that has been used for thousands of years for its amazing benefits. It has a rich history that spans across time and cultures and has been valued by different civilizations and religions for its sacred and healing properties.

Frankincense can heal your body and soul with scientific evidence and research. It can reduce inflammation, prevent cancer cell growth, improve respiratory function, enhance oral and skin health, and support gut health. It can also help you relax, meditate, and feel good. Frankincense can also be used in different forms and methods to improve your physical and mental well-being.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to try frankincense and experience its wonders for yourself. Frankincense is a remarkable natural product that can change your life. If you have any questions or feedback about my blog post or criteria, please let me know.