Frankincense Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits & Safety Guide

Introduction to Frankincense Essential Oil

I've been working with essential oils for well over a decade now, and if there's one oil I return to again and again — both in my own life and in my practice — it's frankincense. Often called the "King of Oils," frankincense (Boswellia carterii, sacra, frereana, or serrata) has been treasured for thousands of years, from ancient spiritual rituals to today's modern wellness routines. Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, it has a rich, grounding aroma that I genuinely believe is one of nature's most beautiful gifts.

As a breast cancer survivor myself, I understand how deeply you want to care for your body with things that feel safe, natural, and nurturing. This guide will walk you through how to use frankincense essential oil, what it's valued for, and — crucially — how to use it safely and responsibly.

Key Properties and Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is rich in natural compounds called monoterpenes — including alpha-pinene and limonene — which contribute to its wide-ranging appeal in wellness. Here's what it's traditionally valued for:

• Promoting feelings of calm and relaxation: That earthy, woody aroma is deeply grounding. Clients often ask me what a single oil they should start with is, and frankincense is almost always my answer.
• Supporting healthy skin: It's a staple in my own skincare routine and in the routines I help my clients build. It's valued for its soothing, rejuvenating properties and for helping reduce the appearance of blemishes and skin imperfections.
• Uplifting mood and emotional wellbeing: The aromatic benefits are genuinely lovely for shifting your emotional state — grounding when you feel scattered, uplifting when you feel low.
• Supporting overall wellness: Many of my clients incorporate frankincense as part of a broader holistic routine to support their general sense of vitality and wellbeing.
• Creating a mindful atmosphere: Whether it's a morning meditation or a winding-down evening ritual, diffusing frankincense creates a beautiful, intentional space.

Please note: These benefits are based on traditional use and aromatic science. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please always consult your GP or healthcare professional for medical advice.

How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil

One of the things I love most about frankincense is how versatile it is. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, there's a way to bring it into your day. Here are my favourite approaches.

Aromatic Use: Diffusion and Inhalation

This is where I'd encourage most of my clients to start — it's simple, effective, and beautiful.

• Diffusion: Add 3–5 drops to your diffuser. I often recommend pairing it with a citrus oil like wild orange for a morning lift, or with lavender in the evening for a deeply calming effect. A client of mine, a busy mum of three in Manchester, told me that diffusing frankincense during her morning school-run chaos completely changed the energy in her home.
• Direct inhalation: Place 1–2 drops in your palms, rub together gently, cup your hands over your nose, and breathe deeply. I do this myself before speaking engagements — it centres me instantly.
• Aromatic jewellery: Add a drop to a lava bead bracelet or diffuser necklace to carry that grounding scent with you throughout the day.

Topical Use: Applying Frankincense to the Skin

Always dilute frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. This is non-negotiable, and I say that with love — not to alarm you, but to ensure you have the best possible experience.

• Facial serum: Add 1–2 drops to your daily moisturiser or a teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil (FCO) and apply to your face. I personally do this every morning and evening. A client of mine, a solicitor in her mid-forties from London, started doing this and noticed her skin felt noticeably smoother and more balanced within a few weeks.
• Soothing massage blend: Mix 3–5 drops with 1 tablespoon of FCO and massage into tired muscles or tension areas. Wonderful after a long day on your feet.
• Pulse points: Dilute 1 drop with a little FCO and apply to your wrists, temples, or the back of your neck whenever you need a moment of calm.
• Bedtime foot massage: One of my favourite simple rituals — dilute frankincense with FCO and massage into the soles of your feet before bed. A client of mine, a healthcare worker in Edinburgh who was struggling with sleep, made this part of her nightly routine and found it genuinely helped her unwind after long shifts.

Safety and Precautions

I always say: informed use is empowered use. Frankincense is generally considered safe for most people, but there are important guidelines I want to share with you.

Dilution Guidelines

Always dilute with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil before applying to the skin. This reduces the risk of sensitivity and supports better absorption.

• General adult use: A 2–3% dilution is recommended for everyday topical use — that's roughly 2–3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. For sensitive areas or full-body massage, drop to 1%.
• Patch test: Before applying to a larger area, always do a patch test on a small area of skin — your inner forearm works well. Wait 24 hours and check for any redness, itching, or irritation.
• Avoid sensitive areas: Keep essential oils away from eyes and inner ears. If contact happens, dilute with a carrier oil (not water) and seek medical attention if irritation continues.

Special Considerations

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Please consult your midwife or GP before using essential oils during pregnancy or while nursing. Individual circumstances vary enormously, and professional guidance matters here.
• Children: Use with great caution and much higher dilution rates. Diffusing frankincense or applying it very diluted to the soles of the feet is generally considered a gentler approach for little ones. Always consult a paediatrician or certified aromatherapist first.
• Pets: Many essential oils can be harmful to pets, particularly cats. Always check with your vet before using oils around animals, and ensure diffusers are in well-ventilated areas where pets can leave the room if they choose.
• Internal use: I don't recommend internal use of essential oils without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist. Aromatic and topical use offers wonderful benefits — start there.
• Storage: Keep your oils in dark glass bottles, away from direct sunlight and heat, to preserve their potency and shelf life.

Sourcing High-Quality Frankincense

The quality of your essential oil genuinely matters — both for effectiveness and for safety. At Melini, we exclusively offer doTERRA essential oils, which are CPTG™ Certified Pure Tested Grade. Every single batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to confirm it's free from contaminants, fillers, and harmful substances. When I was rebuilding my own health after cancer treatment, knowing exactly what was going into and onto my body was everything. That same peace of mind is something I want for you too.

Bringing Frankincense Into Your Daily Life

Frankincense is truly one of nature's most extraordinary offerings. Whether you're drawn to it for its skincare benefits, its grounding aroma, or simply the ritual of slowing down and caring for yourself, it has something to give you. Start simple — a few drops in a diffuser, a diluted blend on your pulse points. Notice how you feel. Let it become part of your self-care story.

You deserve to feel well. And sometimes, the most powerful steps are the smallest, most consistent ones.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils, particularly if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ingest frankincense essential oil?

I generally don't recommend internal use of essential oils without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist. Aromatic and topical use offers so much — begin there and always seek expert advice before considering anything further.

How should I dilute frankincense oil for topical use?

Always dilute with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil. For general adult use, a 2–3% dilution — around 2–3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil — is the place to start. Always do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Is frankincense essential oil safe for children?

Essential oils should be used very cautiously with children and always at much higher dilution rates. Please consult a paediatrician or certified aromatherapist before using any essential oils on or around children.

What are the main benefits of frankincense essential oil?

Frankincense is beloved for promoting feelings of calm and relaxation, supporting healthy-looking skin, and contributing to overall emotional wellbeing through its deeply grounding aroma. It's a beautiful all-rounder for a holistic wellness routine.

What does frankincense smell like?

It has a rich, warm, earthy, woody aroma with subtle spicy and resinous notes — and sometimes a gentle hint of citrus. People often describe it as both grounding and uplifting at once. Once you smell it, you'll understand why it's been treasured for thousands of years.

Sources

• doTERRA Science Blog
• National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)
• Tisserand Institute
• PubMed (National Institutes of Health)