Frankincense Part II: Relieving stress and reducing anxiety.

As mentioned in the last segment, Frankincense is great for the skin and for promoting healing.  It is also well-known for its ability to induce relaxation.  Adding a few drops of oil to your bath water is great for relieving stress and reducing anxiety. 

A study published in 2008 found that a certain compound, incensole acetate (IA), found in Frankincense, elicits an anti-anxiety/anti-depressive response.  IA was shown to have influence on the limbic system, the area of the brain dealing with emotions and memories.  Common symptoms of anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, respond by lowering, aiding in the body's ability to relax.

Frankincense oil is also beneficial to the respiratory tract and lungs, helping to alleviate congestion and reduce coughing.  Taking a frankincense-infused bath before bed will help to have you sleeping more soundly, especially while fighting a cold.  And a sound sleep is one of the best anti-aging practices of all.