Frankincense fighting cancer

What is Frankincense?

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia trees in Africa via tapping. When it first comes out of the tree, it’s a milky white sap. When left for a few days, it dries out and hardens into a gum resin.

The properties and benefits of frankincense are potent and many, especially when used as an essential oil. The oil is not a very common one, which may seem strange, considering frankincense was good enough for baby Jesus. Though there is a very obvious and understandable reason why this might be the case: it’s on the rather expensive side. A therapeutic-grade 30ml bottle for example, can go for about 80€. ($92, £62) Sometimes a lot more than that. It depends on the company and manufacturers, so it’s always good to do a background check and a little research into whatever you’re buying. You don’t want to get ripped off, but you also don’t want to buy something that’s too cheap, for the quality will reflect in the price.

Is the cost worth the result? That’s for the individual to decide. Personally, one of the few things I do like to splurge on is good quality essential oils. I think if we can alleviate our ailments and enhance our overall wellbeing with something so naturally good for us, it’s definitely worth it.

Properties and benefits

Frankincense is used both topically and aromatically. It is often combined with a carrier oil and massaged into an affected area. (i.e arthritic swelling and pain in joints, bumps, bruises and scars.)

Frankincense oil is considered a tonic, as it benefits all the systems operating in the body, including the respiratory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. It also aids the absorption of nutrients.

Inhaling the diffused oil is believed to have major effects on our emotional state, grounding us and drawing out our spirituality. It is used in holy practices for this precise reason, also because it has cleansing and purifying properties. Among these properties are:

• Stress reduction (anti-anxiety)
• Strengthening of immune functions
• Increased rate of growth and repair in skin cells
• Antiseptic astringent (perfect for topical and household use)
• Hormone balancing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Pain-relieving
• Eases digestion
• Sleep aid
• Unique cancer-fighting compound known as acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA)

Some of the research

Studies have shown that frankincense possesses strong immune enhancing abilities that help eradicate harmful bacteria, viruses and even cancer cells. A 2012 study proved that a chemical compound found in frankincense called AKBA is successful at killing cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy.

“Extracts from the resin exudates of the frankincense tree again returned into the focus of pharmacological research within the last 20 years. So far, several research groups reported on promising anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and even anti-tumour effects (in vitro and in vivo). The Boswellic acids are regarded as one of the most potent active agents thereof.” – Extract from the dissertation 

Other studies prove similar findings, such as that of Dr. Mark Evans and student, Al-Salmani at the University of Leicester.

“Frankincense shows demonstrable effectiveness in a few areas where chemotherapy isn’t all that effective, particularly with regards to ovarian cancer.” Commenting on the study’s findings, they explained that certain cancer cell lines that don’t respond to chemotherapy are notably responsive to frankincense.”

PhD student of the Molecular Medicine Department, Al-Salmani, further added:

“After a year of studying the AKBA compound with ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro, we have been able to show it is effective at killing cancer cells. Frankincense is taken by many people with no known side effects. This finding has enormous potential to be taken to a clinical trial in the future and developed into an additional treatment for ovarian cancer.”

Another significant clinical trial consisting of 44 people suffering from brain swelling due to cancer, showed impressive results when taking frankincense. This trial conducted back in 2011 was published in scientific journal Cancer and recorded an astounding 60% of patients displaying 75% reduction of cerebral swelling after being treated with 4,200 mg/day.

These groundbreaking discoveries have ignited an urge in the medical community to consider making frankincense a viable prescription. The use of frankincense could replace drugs like steroids and corticosteroids that are administered to cancer patients assigned to radiation treatment. The use of a more natural treatment such as frankincense in these cases, would eradicate the issues experienced with toxic overload.

Sources: Dr. Axe, The Truth About Cancer