Essential oils for relaxation: festive Frankincense

If you’re looking for the scent of Christmas, look no further than Frankincense essential oil. Although not as well-known as its fellow oils such as Lavender – Frankincense is not to be underestimated, and it’s even referred to as the ‘King of essential oils’. Although it’s been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, today it’s used in aromatherapy to soothe the mind, to promote healing, even helping to create routines and assist sleep. Read on to find out how you can incorporate this essential oil into your wellness routine.

 Mindfulness

With our busy, modern lives, we sometimes might need a little reminder to take some time out of our day to practice mindfulness. Living in the present moment has positive benefits for our mental wellbeing, and Frankincense is believed to help you establish a routine – having been used in meditation, yoga practices and prayer for centuries. If you practice meditation, try adding four drops to the palm of your hands, or rub onto your crystals to help create a calming and rejuvenating meditation practice.

If meditation isn’t for you, but you still want to practice other ways to be mindful, simply add a few drops to a tissue and inhale the scent before you start a routine – whether this is eating mindfully, reading, exercising or just taking some deep breaths.

To calm the mind and body

The aroma of Frankincense is believed to be incredibly powerful, and its properties can help to alleviate stress and other negative feelings and emotions. Not only can it dispel negativity, it may also encourage positive feelings, too! It’s a fantastic oil to balance the mind, relax the senses and bring an overall feeling of stability. Add a few drops to a bath or diffuser and inhale the soothing scent. It also blends well with citrus, floral, spices and wood oils, so can be used to accompany most aromas.

Inspire Sleep

Frankincense is renowned for helping to establish rituals and a sense of routine, so why not use this oil as part of your bedtime ritual? If you need a little help drifting off peacefully into the land of nod (don’t worry, you’re not alone!), try adding a few drops (around 6) to your diffuser and combine with 5 drops of lavender essential oil shortly before bedtime. Lavender is renowned for providing a sense of overall calm and inspiring sleep, and mixed with the Frankincense, it’ll help you to establish your sleep routine. This will fill the room with a relaxing aroma which will signal your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Skin routine

The routines don’t stop there – Frankincense can also be used as part of your daily skin routine as a facial oil. With its rejuvenating and restorative properties, it’s ideal for mature, or tired skin. Simply add a drop or two to your favourite moisturiser to reap the benefits. It can also be used to soothe muscular aches and pains  as it can bring a warming feeling to achy muscles.