Thanks to the flippant weather I had been stuck inside for days dabbling in which ever interests don’t require me to leave my house. And after reading up on the benefits of enhancing my regular skin care routine using frankincense essential oil I decided to give it a fair shot. I’ve never been to keen on the scent itself.
For my first mini experiment, I whipped up a quick coconut oil and frankincense body balm just before hopping in a steaming warm shower. It was that chilly outside, imagine! The weather here in Florida has been really tricky lately. One minute it’s 85 degrees and climbing, the next the sun is no where to be found and a beach day can’t be planned for days. I’ve stopped trying to figure out the weather’s mood swings and just started going with the flow. Anyway, I’ve read so many great things about frankincense essential oil that I couldn’t pass up the chance to try it out elsewhere.
But before we jump into it though I do have one disclaimer, always get your essential oils from a sustainable source – companies that have their own resources of supplies so they aren’t draining natural resources.
To make my after shower body balm mini experiment:
Melt about 1/2 cup organic unrefined coconut oil (at body temperature or at a very low temperature in a double boiler). Transfer to a low profile container with a lid (one you will be able to reach your fingers in to). Add 8-12 drops of frankincense essential oil and mix slowly to blend. Put the lid on and carefully store in a cool place to set. This is a great blend to use after an evening shower or bath.
Coconut oil carries the therapeutic benefits of skin softening and strengthening, antimicrobial, fights free radical damage, emollient, antioxidant, to name a few. Because it is a semisolid coconut oil is perfect to work with in a pinch and solidifies just as easily at room temp or around 75° F.
Natural curls booster:
Frankincense essential oil paired with rosemary essential oil is a wonder blend to boost natural curls. Both also help tone, soothe and invigorate skin (that includes your scalp). Rosemary makes for a great hair tonic and can help with hair loss and dandruff by increasing circulation.
To make my natural curls booster:
Using a mild shampoo (go for something free of parabens, sulfates and a bunch of other crap on the label you don’t understand – none of that stuff is good for your skin or hair) add 4 drops each of rosemary and frankincense essential oils to no less than 8 ounces of shampoo. Shake before each use and shampoo hair as normal. Be sure to rinse well.
Curl refresher:
In between washes use this curl refresher to wake up your curls without weighing them down. Using a small clean spray bottle fill 3/4 of the way with water and add 3-4 drops each of frankincense and rosemary essential oils. Shake well before use. Depending on your curl type it may be best to separate your curls using your fingers or a very wide-tooth comb.
Safety first:
Some essential oils come off stronger than others and the effects can vary by individual. Always work with your oils in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct skin contact (including: lips, eyes, nose, etc.) essential oils as some can be hazardous undiluted. With most oils you can safely add 12 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.
More uses for frankincense essential oil:
Plant powered ingredients (and a healthy diet) are pretty much the only guarantee to well-cared for skin that actually looks and behaves like it’s well cared for. That’s the big secret, really! Take care of your skin and it will take care of you.