From promoting relaxation to helping you sleep, essential oils are nothing short of amazing. But with so many options to choose from, knowing which is best can be tricky. In the showdown between lavender vs. frankincense essential oil, understanding the unique benefits of each is vital.
In this post, we’ll go through the similarities and differences between them both so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
Let’s take a closer look!
The Basics on Lavender Oil and Frankincense Oil
While both lavender and frankincense essential oils offer numerous health benefits, they are different in their properties, which might be the deciding factor for you. Here’s a quick primer on which oil is which!
| Lavender Oil | Frankincense Oil | |
| Derived From | Flowers of the lavender plant | Resin of the Boswellia tree |
| Look and Smell | Pale yellow or clear color with a light, flowery, and somewhat sweet scent | Musky, somewhat earthy scent, with a thick, golden-yellow appearance |
| Top Health Benefits | Calming and relaxing properties, anti-inflammatory | Anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties |
| Best Used For | Better sleep, digestive system support, immune system support, anxiety relief | Boosts immune system function, reduces stress and anxiety, eases digestion |
| Cons | Can cause headaches or skin irritation at high doses | Can cause skin irritation if used undiluted |
| Who Can Use? | Anybody except pregnant or breastfeeding women | Anybody except pregnant women and those on blood thinners |
| Best Carrier Oils | Coconut, almond, grapeseed, avocado | Jojoba, coconut, almond, grapeseed |
| Shelf Life | 2-4 years | 1-2 years |
What is Lavender Oil?
Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant. It has a soothing and calming scent that may ease anxiety, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. It may also relieve headaches and aid in a restful sleep.
One of the most significant touted benefits of lavender essential oil is its ability to promote skin health. It may help reduce acne, prevent fungal infections, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re looking for an essential oil that can calm your mind and soothe your skin, lavender essential oil may be for you.
What is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense essential oil comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a warm and earthy aroma that promotes wellness and relaxation.
Frankincense essential oil is known to reduce inflammation, aid in digestion, and boost immunity. It may also help alleviate depression and anxiety, making it a great choice for those dealing with stress and emotional turmoil.
If you’re looking for an essential oil that has healing properties and promotes overall wellness, then Frankincense essential oil may be for you.
Lavender Oil vs. Frankincense Oil: Look and Smell
Lavender oil is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation, and it has a light, airy scent reminiscent of fresh flowers. This makes it perfect for creating a relaxed, calming atmosphere.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, has a more powerful and intense scent that is often used for grounding and centering. It’s often described as being warm, musky, earthy, and even somewhat spicy.
In terms of appearance, lavender oil is typically a pale yellow or clear color with a thin consistency. Frankincense oil, on the other hand, is thick and oily with a golden-yellow color. It is important to note that both oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to ensure their potency and effectiveness.
Top Health Benefits of Lavender and Frankincense Oil
Lavender oil has many calming properties that make it ideal for use as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. A few drops of lavender oil in your bath or diffuser may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Lavender oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in relieving pain and reducing swelling in the body. It may also help promote better sleep by helping to calm your mind and body. Diffusing lavender oil in your bedroom may help you fall asleep faster and experience more restful sleep.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for reducing swelling and pain in the body.
Plus, it may help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its regenerative properties help to soothe and heal damaged skin, making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products.
Finally, like lavender oil, frankincense oil may help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Diffusing frankincense oil may help to calm your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
Top Uses for Lavender and Frankincense Oil
Lavender oil is a versatile oil that can be used for a wide range of purposes. It has been shown to have calming and relaxing properties, which makes it an excellent oil for reducing stress and anxiety. It has been demonstrated to have pain-relieving properties and may also help with insomnia.
This oil can be used in aromatherapy, applied topically, or even ingested (with caution) to provide these helpful benefits.
Frankincense oil is another powerful oil that has numerous health benefits. It has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for treating various types of pain and swelling.
Also, frankincense oil has been shown to have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, making it useful for treating a variety of skin conditions. This oil is most commonly used in aromatherapy, but it can also be applied topically in a carrier oil for therapeutic purposes.
Now that you know the many benefits of lavender and frankincense oils, you may be wondering how to use them in your daily routine. There are several different ways you can incorporate these oils into your life, including:
- Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils to an essential oil diffuser to create a calming and therapeutic atmosphere in your home.
- Topical: Dilute a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils in a carrier oil and apply to your skin to enjoy their therapeutic benefits.
- Skincare: Add a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils to your skincare products to enhance their benefits and promote healthy skin.
- Bath: Add a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils to your bath water to create a relaxing and therapeutic bath experience.
Pros and Cons of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has been used for thousands of years for religious, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes. It has a woody, earthy scent that is both calming and uplifting.
Inhaling Frankincense oil may lower elevated cortisol levels in the body, which is commonly associated with stress. Plus, the oil can be used topically to treat joint pain, arthritis, and even headaches, along with many other uses.
That said, directly applying Frankincense oil to the skin may cause irritation, redness, and rashes. You should always dilute the oil with a carrier oil before using it topically.
Avoid using frankincense oil if you’re pregnant or on blood thinners, as it is an emmenagogue that has blood thinning effects and may increase the risk of irregular bleeding.
Pros and Cons of Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils. It has a sweet, floral scent that is calming and soothing. The oil can be inhaled or applied topically to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Because it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, lavender oil may be applied topically to relieve headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.
That said, in some cases, inhaling or ingesting lavender at high doses may cause headaches, lightheadedness, or digestive issues.
It may also cause skin allergies in some people, resulting in redness, rash, and itching. It is important to patch-test the oil first before applying it to the skin.
Are Lavender Oil and Frankincense Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
Although both lavender oil and frankincense oil provide similar benefits, they are not complete substitutes for each other. Lavender oil is commonly used for relaxation and skin care, while frankincense oil is effective for respiratory issues and immune support. Lavender oil tends to have a more floral scent, while frankincense oil is more earthy and woody.
When it comes to blending these two oils together, they actually complement each other quite well. A blend of both oils may provide a relaxing and calming effect that promotes peaceful sleep and emotional balance. The combination may also help with skin care issues, respiratory issues, and immune support.
Best Carrier Oils for Lavender and Frankincense Oil
The soothing, calming scent of lavender mixed with the uplifting and rejuvenating aroma of frankincense can bring a world of benefits to your body, mind, and soul.
However, as potent as these oils can be, using them undiluted or in the wrong way may cause adverse reactions or simply waste the precious oils. Enter carrier oils, the unsung heroes of the DIY essential oil world.
Here are some of the best options to choose from:
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is often called a “liquid wax” due to its thick and velvety texture. It’s rich in vitamin E, which makes it a great carrier oil for anti-aging and skin repair. Jojoba oil is also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, making it an ideal choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil lovers, rejoice! Fractionated coconut oil is another excellent carrier oil that’s derived from coconut oil, but without the solid fatty acids. This makes it more absorbent and less greasy than regular coconut oil, making it perfect for essential oil blends. - Sweet Almond Oil: When it comes to carrier oils, sweet almond oil is one of the most popular and versatile options. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has a neutral scent that won’t overpower the essential oils. Sweet almond oil also has numerous benefits for the skin, such as moisturizing, softening, and protecting it from UV damage.
- Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil may not be as well-known as other carrier oils, but it has many benefits that make it worth considering. It’s high in antioxidants, which may protect your skin from environmental damage, and has a light and silky texture that absorbs quickly. Grapeseed oil also has a neutral scent, which allows the lavender and frankincense oil to shine through.
How to Choose and Use Lavender Oil and Frankincense Oil Safely
The quality of the essential oils you use plays a significant role in their safety and effectiveness. Poor-quality oils may contain synthetic additives or impurities that may cause adverse reactions or diminish their potency. When buying lavender or frankincense oil, look for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils from reputable brands.
Check the label for the botanical name (Lavandula angustifolia for lavender and Boswellia carterii for frankincense) to ensure you’re getting the right plant species.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts that may be irritating or sensitizing to the skin if used undiluted or in high doses. It’s crucial to dilute them with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) before applying them topically, especially if you have sensitive skin. A safe dilution rate is usually one to two drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Before applying the diluted oil to a large area of skin, do a patch test on a small area to check for any adverse reactions. It’s also best to avoid using essential oils internally unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider.
Although lavender and frankincense oils are generally safe for most people when used properly, they still have the potential to cause harm if mishandled. Some safety precautions to follow include:
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets
- Avoid contact with eyes, ears, and mucous membranes
- Do not apply essential oils to broken or inflamed skin
- Use caution when using essential oils while pregnant or nursing
- Do not use essential oils in place of prescribed medications or treatments without consulting your healthcare provider.
Lavender vs. Frankincense Oil Shelf Life and Storage
When it comes to shelf life and storage, lavender and frankincense oils have different characteristics that affect their longevity and freshness.
Lavender oil has a relatively long shelf life of two to three years when stored properly in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources. It’s also less prone to oxidation and rancidity than other essential oils due to its low level of unsaturated fatty acids.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, is more volatile and sensitive to heat and light than lavender oil, and its shelf life is shorter (one to two years).
To extend its shelf life, store frankincense oil in an airtight, amber-colored glass bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Lavender vs. Frankincense Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
Both lavender and frankincense oils are safe and versatile essential oils with numerous benefits for the body and mind. Their different properties and uses make them suitable for different purposes: lavender oil is more relaxing and calming, while frankincense oil is more restorative and grounding.
However, the ultimate verdict on which oil to choose depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Lavender oil is an excellent choice for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting healthy skin, while frankincense oil is ideal for supporting immune function, managing inflammation, and promoting mental clarity. When used safely and correctly, both oils can enhance your health and well-being.
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