If the Christmas season brings one dōTERRA® oil to mind, it’s undoubtedly Frankincense! We’ve become rather accustomed to receiving this timeless, royal oil as a promotional gift from our favorite essential oil company, and for good reason. If you haven’t yet experienced the aroma of Frankincense, here’s an attempt to encapsulate its nature in as few words as possible: warm, clean richness. Words fall short of what the olfactory sense can perceive, and this is truly the most wonderful time of the year to procure a prized bottle for yourself and join the ranks of royalty! When you do, you’ll see how it encourages positive feelings, promotes sound sleep, helps rejuvenate the skin, and more.

After harvesters make shallow incisions in the bark of the Boswellia sacra tree, resin oozes out and hardens. This sap-like substance is then scraped off so it can go through distillation and become the King of Oils we know and love so well. It’s essentially a process of bleeding the tree, which sounds painful but is done as lovingly and sustainably as possible, that produces Frankincense. Multiple cultures across the centuries have recognized the Boswellia sacra tree as a divine gift that should be carefully handled and preserved. The tree may not be much to look at with its peeling bark, tangled branches, and clustered leaves, but don’t be deceived by appearances. What’s inside is anything but ordinary.

Some say when in doubt, use Frankincense.How can one oil possibly be appropriate across the board, in so many different situations? Remember that King of Oils isn’t a title that’s thrown around. Frankincense promotes feelings of relaxation, assists with emotional balance, and eases tension when used aromatically. As wise men in a famous historical account knew, it’s a wonderfully practical gift! Get Frankincense floating in the air with the following diffuser blend, which is sure to promote peace and warm, uplifted feelings.

Star in the East

1 drop Frankincense

1 drop Sandalwood

2 drops Grapefruit

For a soothing and warming effect on your ever active hands and feet, give them a gentle rub down with a few drops of Frankincense; adding it to a favorite lotion works great. Let Frankincense revive the look and feel of your hands and feet, making sure to give special treatment to the fingernails. When rubbed around the cuticles and nail edges, Frankincense helps them stay healthy and strong, even in tough and dry conditions. Other ways to put the versatility of this King of Oils to the test include adding it to your skincare regimen, from shaving to moisturizing, and strategically employing it within your morning routine to set the right tone for the day.

Responsible sourcing is especially important when it comes to handling this precious tree, which grows on the rocky slopes and mountains of Northern Africa, Yemen, Oman, and India. In these regions of the world, Frankincense has been highly valued and used throughout the rise and fall of empires during Bible times. At times, it has been even more costly than gold. Soothing, beautifying, calming, and supportive, Frankincense seems to leave nothing out of its dominion. Now is an amazing time to join the ranks of the ancients and lay claim to this royal resin.