Frankincense: Aromatic benefits in wellness candles

 

In this journal, we will highlight in detail our wellness molecule Frankincense, it’s origin, overall benefits to health and wellness and specific benefits in our Four Truffles candle formulation.

Where does Frankincense come from?

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia Carterii tree, which is native to the Horn of Africa, specifically Somalia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.  The resin has been used for thousands of years in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and perfumery. 

Attributes of Frankincense

Frankincense is a complex substance with over 200 identified chemical constituents, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes.  Its primary active ingredients are Boswellic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties.  The resin also contains essential oils that are responsible for its characteristic fragrance and therapeutic qualities.

6 General Benefits of Frankincense

Frankincense have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and promote overall well-being. Some of the benefits include:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Frankincense has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as leukotrienes.
2. Pain relief: Boswellic acids have analgesic effects that can help alleviate pain from conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
3. Immune system support: Frankincense can modulate the immune system and enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
4. Respiratory health: The resin has been used traditionally to treat respiratory issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
5. Skin health: Topical application of frankincense can help improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote wound healing.
6. Anxiety and stress relief: The calming scent of frankincense can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.

Why we chose Frankincense as a wellness molecule for self-care.

Frankincense, a functional ingredient in our formulation, has a wide range of therapeutic properties that make it an ideal candidate for use in self-care and wellness practices.  Incorporating frankincense essential oil into daily routines can provide a holistic approach to health and well-being. From its calming aroma to its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, frankincense offers a versatile and effective means of addressing various physical, mental, and emotional health concerns.

Mental Health Benefits

Frankincense can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.  Its calming and grounding aroma can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression.  Using frankincense essential oil in a diffuser or during meditation can create a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional balance.

Sleep and Relaxation

Frankincense essential oil can be used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.  Adding a few drops of frankincense oil to a diffuser or a warm bath before bedtime can create a soothing environment that encourages restful sleep.  Alternatively, you can mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the bottoms of your feet, temples, or wrists for relaxation.

Respiratory Health

Frankincense has long been used to support health.  Inhaling the aroma of the frankincense essential oil can help alleviate congestion, reduce inflammation in the airways, and soothe coughs.  You can also add a few drops of the essential oil to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the steam for relief from respiratory issues.

Skin and Hair Care

Frankincense essential oil can be incorporated into your skincare and hair care routines.  Adding a few drops to your facial moisturizer or serum can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and blemishes, while promoting skin regeneration and elasticity.  For hair care, mixing frankincense oil with your shampoo or conditioner can help strengthen hair, improve scalp health, and add shine. 

Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation

The analgesic properties of frankincense make it an effective option for reliving pain and relaxing tense muscles.  Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage int into the affected area to alleviate discomfort from conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains, and joint pain.  Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense can help reduce swelling and inflammation, further easing pain and discomfort. 

Immune System Support

Incorporating frankincense into your self-care routine can help boost your immune system.  Its immunomodulatory properties aid in balancing the immune response, promoting overall immune health.  Diffusing frankincense essential oil or using it topically can help enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms and ward off infections. 

Overall, frankincense’s diverse range of therapeutic properties make it an ideal addition to any self-care regimen.  By incorporating frankincense essential oil into your daily routine, you can support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness.

It is such an amazing gift from nature that at Four Truffles, we wanted to formulate our candles with Frankincense.  Now that you have information on the overall health benefits of Frankincense, below, we highlight specifically why we chose this wonderful ingredient for candles.

Wellness molecule Frankincense in Candles

Frankincense Boswellia Carterii, with its rich history and myriad of therapeutic properties, has long been used in various forms, including candles.  Incorporating frankincense into candles allows for the release of its essential oil when burned, providing an easy and effective way to reap the wellness benefits of this ancient resin.  As a wellness molecule, frankincense offers a wide range of advantages when used in candles.

Aromatherapeutic Benefits

Frankincense has a warm, woody, and slightly spicy aroma that can create a calming and soothing atmosphere.  When burned in candles, the essential oil from the frankincense resin is released into the air, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.  The scent can aid in relaxation, promote a sense of balance, and support emotional well-being.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Frankincense has long been used in spiritual and religious practices, including meditation.  The aroma of frankincense candles can help create a tranquil environment conducive to meditation, deepening focus, and promoting mindfulness.  The scent can encourage a deeper connection with oneself and enhance spiritual growth.

 

 Air Purification

Frankincense candles can help purify the air in your living space.  The essential oil released from the resin when burned is thought to have antimicrobial properties, which can help neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses.  This can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment, promoting overall wellness.

Sleep and Relaxation

The calming aroma of frankincense candles can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.  Burning a frankincense candle in the bedroom or during a warm bath before bedtime can create a soothing environment that encourages restful sleep.  This can help improve overall sleep patterns and contribute to better mental and physical health.

Respiratory Health

Frankincense is known for its potential benefits in supporting respiratory health.  When burned in a candle, the essential oil released into the air can help soothe coughs, reduce inflammation in the airways, and alleviate congestion.  This can provide relief from respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds.

Mood Enhancement

The warm and inviting scent of frankincense can uplift the mood and create a positive atmosphere in any living space.  Burning frankincense candles can help combat feelings of sadness, irritability, or fatigue, and promote a sense of well-being and contentment.

In summary, candles infused with frankincense Boswellia Carterii, serve as an excellent wellness tool, combining the therapeutic benefits of the resin with the soothing ambiance of candlelight.  Incorporating frankincense infused candles into your self-care routine can help improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being, promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness. 

It is important to note that all our Four Truffles candles are infused with frankincense wellness molecule in addition to 3 others, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Ho Wood.  While each candle scent in our Elements collection has its distinct aroma, all 4 wellness molecules are included.  At Four Truffles, we not only created amazing, scented candles but we are going beyond by taking into consideration using safe functional ingredients that promote wellness.  From our plant-based wax to our functional fragrance formulations, we can provide what we consider as “clean” candles.

Sources:

Mental Health Benefits:  

• Moussaieff, A., Rimmerman, N., Bregman, T., Straiker, A., Felder, C. C., Shoham, S., ... & Mechoulam, R. (2008). Incensole acetate, an incense component, elicits psychoactivity by activating TRPV3 channels in the brain. The FASEB Journal, 22(8), 3024-3034. Link

Sleep and Relaxation: 

• Han, X., Parker, T. L. (2017). Relaxant effects of volatile oil from Boswellia carterii on human airway smooth muscle cells. Medicines, 4(4), 87. Link

Respiratory Health: 

• Safayhi, H., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. (1995). Mechanism of 5-lipoxygenase inhibition by acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. Molecular Pharmacology, 47(6), 1212-1216. Link

Skin and Hair Care: 

• Rahimi, R., Ardekani, M. R. S., & Rezaei, M. (2012). Medicinal properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 18(1), 73-79. Link

Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation: 

• Sengupta, K., Alluri, K. V., Satish, A. R., Mishra, S., Golakoti, T., Sarma, K. V. S., & Dey, D. (2008). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin® for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 10(4), R85. Link

Immune System Support:  

• Ammon, H. P. (2010). Modulation of the immune system by Boswellia serrata extracts and boswellic acids. Phytomedicine, 17(11), 862-867. Link

The information in this article represents a selection of studies that support the claims regarding Frankincense.   Please note that these studies are not an exhaustive list of all the research on frankincense and its health benefits mentioned here. Additionally, it is important to note that further research is necessary to fully understand the potential health benefits of frankincense and its constituents when using in home fragrance and personal care products.