Looking for information on frankincense oil and cysts? This article covers the use of frankincense oil for treating cysts.
What Is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense oil is an essential oil extracted from the Boswellia carteri tree. The oil is commonly used in aromatherapy to create calm and inner peace. It is also used topically for a variety of skin conditions.
The oil is a pale yellow-green color and smells of wood, spice and camphor. It is extracted from a resin drawn from slits cut in the bark of the tree. It is also known as Olibanum.
What Kind of Cysts Can be Treated with Frankincense Oil?
There is some anecdotal evidence about frankincense oil and cysts. There are reports that topical use of frankincense oil can help to heal ganglion cysts, although there have been no medical studies to back up the anecdotal data.
A ganglion cyst, which is also known as a "bible bump" is swelling that often occurs around joints or tendons. The cysts are filled with a fluid that is similar to synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates joints.) Ganglion cysts are sometimes - but not always - painful, depending on whether or not the cyst comes in contact with and irritates nerves. The most common location for such cysts is around the hands and feet, particularly on the wrists.
Frankincense Oil and Cysts
There are a number of medical treatments for a painful ganglion cyst. Aspiration (with a needle), surgical removal or cyst rupture. This is why treatment involving frankincense oil and cysts might be worth a try. It is a non-invasive and pain-free alternative that has been shown anecdotally to help people without painful medical procedures. Frankincense oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may account for its reported efficacy in treating ganglion cysts.
Instructions For Use
Apply a few drops of frankincense oil into a teaspoon full of a carrier oil such as grape seed oil. Apply to the affected area twice daily. Some report relief and disappearance of the cysts in as few as four days.
Frankincense Oil Side Effects and Cautions
- Frankincense oil should not be used by pregnant or lactating woman.
- Always consult with your personal physician before self-prescribing herbal medications.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes.
- Frankincense oil may cause skin irritation. If it does, discontinue its use.
- Dilution of pure frankincense oil with a carrier oil is recommended before using topically or internally. It is strongly recommended that you dilute frankincense oil before using on areas with sensitive skin, such as your face.
- Do not use on infants or very young children.
- Do not take internally without first consulting a qualified physician.
- If you have any medical condition that is currently being treated by a doctor, check with your physician before applying frankincense oil.
- Do a skin patch test before applying frankincense oil if you've never used it before. Put a drop in a half teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to a small patch of skin. If irritation develops, do not use the oil.
Where to Find Frankincense Oil
Pure frankincense essential oil is fairly expensive. You can expect to pay around $12 to $15 for five mL. Frankincense oil can be found locally at most health food or natural products stores. It is also available at some grocery stores with a natural health section.
If you'd like to order frankincense oil online, there are a number of websites that sell it. Here are just a few:
- The Anada Apothecary offers wild frankincense oil that is distilled from wild-growing trees in India and Somalia. Prices range from $3 for a sample size to $195 for a 20 mL size.
- Pure Essential Oils offers both frankincense oil and carrier oils for dilution. The oil is distilled from pesticide free Boswellia trees in Somalia. Prices range from $7.50 for 1/6 of an ounce to $282 for 16 oz.
- Herbs Pro offers Now Foods brand frankincense oil with discounts for bulk quantities.
