Oman Health: On the trail of Frankincense

Skin care

Frankincense essential oil is great for skin care and nearly everything related to skin: burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes, and oozing sores. It’s also fabulous for mature, prematurely ageing, and environmentally challenged skin.

To use it as a night (or day) cream: just add a few drops to the base of your choice. This can be as simple as something like a bottle of whole foods unscented lotion, liquid soap, shower gel, or moisturiser. Or it can be as complex as you like. If you are making your own creams or oils, frankincense will be an excellent and appropriate addition. Percentages will vary but a reasonable rule is about 6 drops per oz.

That’s not set in stone! Feel free to experiment. Here are some general rules regarding use on the skin:

You can use more drops in lotions meant for body – they can be stronger. Use less drops for facial creams  – they should be less strong, as your face is usually more sensitive.

Making a blend for massage of a specific (limited) area, such as feet, hands and lower legs, can be stronger in general than an all-around massage blend.

Soaps, shampoos, conditioners (things that you wash off) can be stronger in general than products you leave on your skin.

Frankincense oil can be added to pure water and used as a toner or refresher. You can add a little vodka to help it blend if you like. If you don’t have any way to mix them, don’t despair. The oil will float on top, yes, but all that means is you have to shake the bottle before you spray it.

In the shower

No need to add frankincense oil to your bath gel if you don’t want to, or have some other blend in there. Just add a few drops to your washcloth and run it over yourself during your final (hot water) rinse. The steam will infuse with frankincense and you will enjoy a quick and intense frankincense steam bath, refreshing and relaxing at the same time.

As a facial steam

Frankincense is a great mini-facial. Just take a pot or pan of boiling water, add a drop or two (no more) frankincense oil to it. Lean over it and cover your head with a towel, breathing deeply. Your lungs will be so happy! And your face will rejoice! You can also try one drop of frankincense and one drop of lavender.