12 Ways to Use Frankincense in Your Daily Life (3 Easy DIY Recipes)

Frankincense, also known as incense, is a resin prized for its soothing aroma and numerous therapeutic properties. Derived from the Boswellia tree, it has been valued for centuries for its use in meditative rituals and holistic healing. Here's how you can incorporate the magic of frankincense into your daily life. 

1. morning meditation

 

Start your day in calm by burning a little frankincense resin or diffusing frankincense essential oil. Its soothing aroma promotes concentration and mental clarity, ideal for meditation.

2. aromatherapy diffuser

 

Add a few drops of frankincense essential oil to your diffuser to purify the air and create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for refocusing at the start of the day.

3. Steam bath ritual for the face

 

For a natural facial, add a few drops of frankincense oil to a bowl of hot water, then lean over it with a towel over your head to trap the steam. This ritual cleanses the pores, soothes the skin and brightens the complexion.

4. Skin care serum

 

Rich in anti-aging properties, frankincense can be added to your moisturizer or carrier oil. It deeply moisturizes, smoothes fine lines and restores skin's youthful appearance.

5. relaxing bath

 

After a long day, add a few drops of frankincense oil to your bath with Epsom salt. Its soothing fragrance relaxes muscles, comforts the skin and helps you release tension.

6. natural fragrance

 

Olibanum has a warm, resinous aroma perfect for a natural, earthy fragrance. Apply a drop to your wrists and behind your ears for a subtle, long-lasting fragrance.

7. soothing pocket inhaler

 

Create your own personal inhaler by adding a few drops of frankincense essential oil to absorbent cotton in a small container. Breathe deeply when you feel stressed or need to calm down during the day.

8. natural household cleaner

 

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, frankincense can be added to a mixture of water and vinegar for a natural, pleasantly scented cleaner that also purifies the space.

9. massage oil for sore muscles

 

Mix frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, for a relaxing massage. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve tension and reduce muscle pain.

10. sleep aid

 

Before going to bed, diffuse olibanum oil in your bedroom or apply a drop to your pillowcase. Its soothing aroma calms the mind and promotes deep, restful sleep.

11. purification of the sacred space

 

Burn frankincense resin or diffuse its oil in spaces you wish to purify. Many people use it during yoga or meditation to create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual clarity.

12. creativity booster

 

Frankincense is reputed to stimulate creativity and spiritual awareness. Diffuse it or apply a diluted drop to your temples before embarking on a creative activity such as painting, writing or brainstorming.

 

By integrating frankincense into your daily routine, you can access a world of benefits for both your mind and your physical well-being. Whether it's a simple meditative gesture in the morning, a soothing skin care treatment or a relaxation aid at the end of the day, frankincense offers you a privileged moment of rejuvenation. Each use is an invitation to reconnect with ancient traditions while bringing harmony and balance to your modern life.

 

 DIY Recipe #1: Relaxing massage oil with frankincense

 

 Benefits:

• Deeply relaxes muscles

• Calms the nervous system

• Promotes meditation and grounding

• Captivating and soothing fragrance

• Nourishes and regenerates the skin

 

 Ingredients:

• 50 ml jojoba (or sweet almond) vegetable oil

• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil

• 5 drops of true lavender essential oil

• 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil (optional)

• 1 x 50 ml amber glass bottle with pipette

 

Cost: Approximately $12–15 for 50 ml

 

 Equipment:

• Small funnel

• Glass or stainless steel spoon

• Label for noting the date

 

Preparation (5 minutes):

 

1. Sterilization

   → Clean the bottle with boiling water.

   → Allow to dry completely (very important)

 

2. Mixing the oils

   → Pour 50 ml of vegetable oil into the bottle.

   → Add the essential oils one by one:

     * 10 drops of frankincense

     * 5 drops of lavender

     * 3 drops of sandalwood

 

3. Homogenization

   → Close the bottle

   → Shake gently for 1 minute.

   → Let rest for 24 hours before first use.

     (the flavors blend better)

 

How to use :

 

• Relaxation massage:

  - Take 5-10 ml in the palm of your hand

  - Rub your hands together to warm the oil.

  - Gently massage in circular motions

  - Ideal areas: the neck, shoulders, lower back, and feet

 

• Frequency:

  - 2-3 times a week in the evening

  - or after a workout/yoga session

 

• Tip:

  - Apply to slightly damp skin (immediately after showering)

  - The skin absorbs oil better

  - The effect will be even more relaxing

 

Storage:

• Duration: 6 months

• Location: away from light and heat

• Temperature: storeat room temperature (not in the refrigerator)

 

Precautions:

• Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Avoid the eye area

• Skin test: Apply one drop to the crook of the elbow 24 hours beforehand.

• Avoid exposure to sunlight immediately after application (photosensitive essential oils)

 

 

 

 DIY Recipe #2: Calming frankincense room spray

 

 

 Benefits:

• Purifies the air instantly

• Eliminates unpleasant odors

• Creates a sacred atmosphere

• Promotes concentration

• Natural antibacterial properties

 

 Ingredients:

• 90 ml distilled water (or boiled and cooled spring water)

• 10 ml of vodka or 70° alcohol (natural dispersant)

• 20 drops of frankincense essential oil

• 10 drops of lemon essential oil

• 5 drops of lavender essential oil

• 1 x 100 ml amber glass spray bottle

 

Cost: Approximately $8–10 for 100 ml

 

Equipment:

• Funnel

• Measuring spoon

• Label

 

Preparation (3 minutes):

 

1. Alcoholic base

   → Pour 10 ml of alcohol into the spray bottle.

   → Alcohol allows essential oils to disperse in water.

 

2. Adding essential oils

   → Add directly to the alcohol:

     * 20 drops of frankincense

     * 10 drops of lemon juice

     * 5 drops of lavender

   → Shake to mix

 

3. Adding water

   → Top up with 90 ml of distilled water

   → Close and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

 

4. Maturation

   → Let stand for 2-3 hours before use.

   → The spray will be more uniform.

 

Usage:

 

• Space purification:

  - Always shake before use (essential oils rise to the top)

  - Spray 5-10 sprays into the air

  - Do not spray directly onto delicate fabrics

  - Focus on high-traffic areas (entrance, living room)

 

• Ideal times:

  - In the morning when you wake up (energizing)

  - Before meditation or yoga

  - After receiving visitors

  - When the air feels heavy

 

• Frequency:

  - 2-3 times a day maximum

  - Wait for the spray to disperse (1-2 min)

  - Ventilate for 5 minutes after

 

• Tips:

  - On curtains (test first)

  - In the linen closet

  - On the pillow before going to sleep (light spray)

  - In the car

 

Storage:

• Duration: 3 months

• Location: away from light

• Temperature: store at room temperature

 

Variants:

 

• Energizing spray:

  - Replace the lemon with peppermint.

  - Add 5 drops of rosemary

 

• Sleep aid spray:

  - Double the amount of lavender (10 drops)

  - Add 5 drops of Roman chamomile

 

• Concentration aid spray:

  - Add 10 drops of rosemary cineole

  - 5 drops of tropical basil

 

 Precautions:

• Do not spray directly onto the face

• Avoid contact with eyes

• Keep out of reach of children

• Do not use around sensitive animals (cats, birds)

 

 

 DIY Recipe #3: Meditative Balm

 

 

 Benefits:

• Promotes entry into meditation

• Relieves headaches and tension

• Anchor in the present moment

• Melt-in-the-mouth texture, non-greasy

• Captivating fragrance that lasts

 

 Ingredients:

• 10 g organic beeswax (or vegetable wax for vegan version)

• 20 ml of jojoba vegetable oil

• 10 ml virgin coconut oil

• 15 drops of frankincense essential oil

• 8 drops of true lavender essential oil

• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (refreshing effect)

• 1 small 30 ml glass jar with lid

 

Cost: Approximately $10 for 30ml

 

Equipment:

• Double boiler (or bowl over a pot of boiling water)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Kitchen thermometer (optional)

• Clean, dry pot

 

Preparation (15 minutes):

 

1. Preparing the double boiler

   → Heat water in a saucepan.

   → Place a glass bowl on top

   → Low heat (do not boil)

 

2. Melting the ingredients

   → Add to the bowl:

     * 10 g beeswax

     * 20 ml of jojoba oil

     * 10 ml coconut oil

   → Stir until completely melted (5-7 min)

   → The texture should be liquid and smooth.

 

3. Cooling

   → Remove from heat

   → Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.

   → Ideal temperature: 40°C (lukewarm to the touch)

   → If it is too hot, essential oils lose their properties.

 

4. Adding essential oils

   → Once lukewarm, add:

     * 15 drops of frankincense

     * 8 drops of lavender

     * 2 drops of peppermint

   → Mix vigorously for 1 minute.

 

5. Potting

   → Pour into the glass jar

   → Do not fill to the brim (leave 2-3mm).

   → Allow to cool at room temperature (2-3 hours).

   → Do not put it in the refrigerator (the texture would become too hard).

 

6. Solidification

   → The balm solidifies as it cools.

   → Final texture: semi-solid, melting to the touch

   → If it is too soft: reheat and add 2g of wax.

   → If it's too hard: warm it up and add 5ml of oil.

 

 How to use :

 

• Application

 

  - Take a small amount with your fingertip.

  - Rub between your fingers to melt

  - Apply to the following areas:

    * Temples (circular movements)

    * Point between the eyebrows

    * Back of the neck (base of the skull)

    * Wrists (pulse points)

 

• Ideal moments:

  - Before meditation or yoga (5 minutes beforehand)

  - In case of stress or anxiety

  - To relieve a headache

  - Before bedtime (soothing version)

 

• Technique:

  - Breathe deeply after application

  - Inhale the scent slowly 3-5 times

  - Gently massage in circular motions

  - Immediate effect in 2-3 minutes

 

• Quantity:

  - A small amount is sufficient (do not use too much)

  - The balm is concentrated

  - One 30ml jar = approximately 100 applications

 

Storage:

• Duration: 12 months

• Location: Away from light and heat

• Temperature: ideally 15-25°C

• Avoid bathrooms (humidity)

 

Variants:

 

• Anti-migraine balm:

  - Increase peppermint to 5 drops

  - Add 3 drops of wintergreen

 

• Sleep aid balm:

  - Remove peppermint

  - Add 5 drops of Roman chamomile

  - 3 drops of petitgrain bigarade

 

• Concentration-boosting balm:

  - Add 5 drops of rosemary cineole

  - 3 drops of tropical basil

 

Precautions:

• Do not apply near the eyes

• Mandatory skin test 24 hours prior

• Not for pregnant women (peppermint)

• Avoid children under 6 years of age

• Wash hands after application

• Avoid exposure to sunlight afterwards (photosensitizer)