It’s time to chat about two amazing essential oils that have been gaining more and more popularity recently: helichrysum vs frankincense essential oil. Both derived from natural sources, these oils have some fantastic touted health benefits, but as with any powerful substance, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of both types of essential oil – and give you the lowdown on which you might want to choose and why. Let’s take a closer look!
The Basics on Helichrysum Oil and Frankincense Oil
When it comes to essential oils, helichrysum and frankincense both offer a range of touted benefits. Let’s take a closer look at all of them in this post, but first, check out this chart to get a better idea of the key differences and similarities:
| Helichrysum Oil | Frankincense OIl | |
| Derived From | All green parts of the Helichrysum italicum plant, including stems and leaves | Resin of the Boswellia tree |
| Look and Smell | Warm, honey-like scent with notes of wood and herbs; light yellow in color with a watery consistency | Musky, somewhat earthy scent, with a thick, golden-yellow appearance |
| Top Health Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties | Anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties |
| Best Used For | Healing wounds and skin irritation, relieving pain and cough, promotes digestion | Boosts immune system function, reduces stress and anxiety, eases digestion |
| Cons | Can be quite expensive, may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction | Can cause skin irritation if used undiluted |
| Who Can Use? | Anybody besides pregnant women (it has not been thoroughly studied) | Anybody except pregnant women and those on blood thinners |
| Best Carrier Oils | Coconut or almond oil | Jojoba, coconut, almond, grapeseed |
| Shelf Life | 2-3 years | 1-2 years |
What is Helichrysum Oil?
Helichrysum is derived from the green parts of the Helichrysum italicum plant, including its stems and leaves. This oil has a warm, honey-like scent with notes of wood and herbs. Its color is light yellow with a somewhat watery consistency.
But the real magic of helichrysum lies in its touted health benefits! It is known for its alleged anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This oil is said to be a great choice for healing wounds, relieving pain and cough, and promoting digestion.
What is Frankincense Oil?
You may have heard of frankincense oil before, but do you actually know what it is? This unique essential oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree and has a musky, somewhat earthy scent with a thick, golden-yellow appearance.
It’s said to have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, making it a great option for anyone looking to boost their immune system function, reduce stress and anxiety, and ease digestion.
Helichrysum Oil vs. Frankincense Oil: Look and Smell
When it comes to look and smell, helichrysum oil and frankincense oil definitely have their own unique characteristics. Helichrysum oil has a warm, honey-like scent with notes of wood and herbs, making it a delightful aroma to experience. It also has a light yellow color with a watery consistency, making it easy to mix with carrier oils like coconut or almond oil.
On the other hand, frankincense oil has a musky, somewhat earthy scent with a thick, golden-yellow appearance. It’s definitely a more pungent aroma, and it takes some getting used to for some people. But if you like a more potent fragrance, frankincense oil might be the perfect choice for you.
Top Health Benefits of Helichrysum and Frankincense Oil
Both of these essential oils are said to contain a wide range of potent touted health benefits that can help you feel better both physically and emotionally.
Let’s start with helichrysum oil. This sweet-smelling oil is said to be rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that make it a top choice for promoting unbeatable healing.
It’s been said to be effective in reducing swelling and inflammation, and it can also help soothe skin irritations and speed up the healing of wounds. Plus, it has the added benefit of being a natural pain reliever and cough suppressant, so it’s great to have on hand during cold and flu season. Helichrysum oil may also support healthy digestion and promote healthy immune system function.
When it comes to frankincense oil, this musky-smelling oil is best known for its alleged anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It’s been used for centuries to treat everything from physical wounds to emotional stress, thanks to its touted ability to reduce inflammation and promote cell growth and repair. Frankincense oil may also help support healthy immune system function, reduce stress and anxiety, and ease digestive issues.
Top Uses for Helichrysum and Frankincense Oil
Helichrysum and frankincense oils are said to offer various benefits that may help with many health issues. Here are some top uses for these two incredible oils:
- Healing Wounds and Skin Irritation: Helichrysum oil is said to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent choice for healing wounds and soothing skin irritation. The combination of helichrysum and frankincense oils is said to improve skin regeneration, making it a powerful ally for skin health.
- Relieving Pain and Cough: Helichrysum oil is known for its touted analgesic properties, making it an effective natural pain reliever. On the other hand, frankincense oil helps ease cough symptoms, making it ideal for those who suffer from respiratory issues.
- Boosting Immune System Function: Frankincense oil allegedly boosts immune system function by promoting the production of white blood cells. This oil has been used since ancient times for its healing properties, promoting overall health and wellness.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Both helichrysum and frankincense oils are said to have calming properties, making them effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Their soothing and relaxing scent can help promote a sense of peace and serenity.
- Easing Digestion: Helichrysum oil may help stimulate digestion, making it an excellent natural remedy for digestive issues. The combination of helichrysum and frankincense oils is said to promote the production of digestive enzymes, making them both effective in regulating digestion.
Pros and Cons of Frankincense Oil
In terms of touted health benefits, frankincense oil is known for its alleged anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It may help boost your immune system function and reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, it’s said to be great for easing digestion and promoting healthy bowel movements.
But, like with any oil, there are also some cons to keep in mind. For starters, frankincense oil may cause skin irritation if used undiluted. So be sure to mix it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or grapeseed, before applying it to your skin. Also, if you’re pregnant or taking blood thinners, it’s best to avoid using this oil altogether, as it hasn’t been extensively studied.
Another thing to keep in mind is the shelf life. Frankincense oil typically has a shelf life of one to two years, so make sure to use it up before it goes bad. The price can be a bit steep for some people. But if you’re willing to splurge a little, the touted benefits are definitely worth it.
Pros and Cons of Helichrysum Oil
One of the best touted benefits of helichrysum oil is its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This makes it a good potential choice for healing wounds and skin irritation, as well as relieving pain and cough.
That said, helichrysum oil can be quite expensive, and it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions if used without diluting it first.
Keep in mind that while anybody can use helichrysum oil, pregnant women should avoid it since it hasn’t been thoroughly studied yet, as is the case with frankincense oil.
Are Helichrysum Oil and Frankincense Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
While both helichrysum oil and frankincense oil are said to have similar properties, they cannot be considered substitutes for each other.
Helichrysum oil is best known for its alleged ability to reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, and promote digestion. It’s often used for healing wounds and skin irritation, as well as relieving pain and cough.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, has top health benefits that include anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, as well as the alleged ability to boost immune system function, reduce stress and anxiety, and ease digestion.
While both oils are popular choices for aromatherapy and natural healing, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Helichrysum oil is a great choice for anyone looking to soothe skin and reduce inflammation, while Frankincense oil is a better option for boosting immunity and reducing stress. And while they may share some similar properties, they shouldn’t be used interchangeably or as substitutes for one another.
Best Carrier Oils for Helichrysum and Frankincense Oil
If you’re looking to mix down your helichrysum or frankincense oil before use, it’s important to choose the right carrier oil.
For helichrysum oil, try using a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. These oils are great for mixing with essential oils and can provide added benefits to your skin. Coconut oil, for example, is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E which can help soothe and moisturize dry skin. Almond oil, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin A and can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
For frankincense oil, jojoba, coconut, almond, and grapeseed oils are all said to be great carrier oils to use. Jojoba oil is particularly helpful when it comes to promoting skin health and reducing inflammation, making it a perfect match for the anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense oil.
Coconut oil is also said to be great for skin health and can help regulate your skin’s natural oil production. Grapeseed oil is high in antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation, while almond oil is, again, great for reducing inflammation and even promoting hair growth.
How to Choose and Use Helichrysum Oil and Frankincense Oil Safely
When choosing your oils, make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Look for oils that are 100% pure and organic. This ensures that they are free from any harmful additives or chemicals.
Next, be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have. Helichrysum oil is generally safe, but it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Frankincense oil should not be used by pregnant women or people on blood thinners. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
When it comes to using the oils, it’s important to properly dilute them. Both helichrysum and frankincense oils are potent, so you want to be careful not to use them undiluted. A good rule of thumb is to use a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil, and mix in a few drops of the essential oil before applying it to your skin. This will make the oil easier to absorb and also help reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Helichrysum vs. Frankincense Oil Shelf Life and Storage
When it comes to the shelf life and storage of Helichrysum and Frankincense oils, there are a few differences to note. Helichrysum oil has a slightly longer shelf life of two to three years compared to Frankincense’s very modest one to two years. However, both oils should be properly stored to maximize their longevity. It’s best to keep them in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat sources. Some people even store their oils in the fridge for added preservation!
Both oils should be stored in a dark glass bottle to protect their potency and aroma. Avoid using plastic or clear glass containers, as they can allow light to penetrate and damage the oils. It’s also important to keep the lids tightly sealed to prevent oxygen exposure, which can cause the oils to oxidize and degrade.
Helichrysum vs. Frankincense Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
When it comes down to it, helichrysum and frankincense oils both have impressive touted health benefits. If you’re looking to heal wounds and skin irritation or relieve pain, helichrysum oil should be your go-to. But if you want to boost your immune system and reduce stress and anxiety, frankincense oil is the way to go.
So, there you have it – the ultimate verdict on helichrysum vs. frankincense oil. Which one will you be using in your next aromatherapy session?
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
