Four Reasons To Try Frankincense Essential Oil For Gray Hair

As a longtime herbalist, my pantry is stocked with essential oils. I have my standbys like lavender, lemongrass, peppermint and tea tree oil… and then sometimes I just buy essential oils just because… Because I know I will eventually need it.

Frankincense has always intrigued me because it’s mentioned in The Bible. The Wise Men (is that supposed to be capitalized like a singing group??) gave it as a gift. So the first time I purchased it, I didn’t have a need for it, I just wanted to know what it smelled like.

I purchased it, took it home, popped off the cap and took a sniff. I didn’t love the smell.

And I never used it. For a really long time. I didn’t like the smell at all, not like I love lavender and lemongrass. But when I finally found a reason to use it… the scent grew on me, smelling like equal parts lime and wood. And the wood part makes sense, because it’s a resin.

Uncovering the Rich History of Southern Herbal Remedies

As people who use EO (essential oils) do, when you have a health concern you look it up and find the best essential oil for it. This is what I did, and how I finally came to use Frankincense.

My problem? My dog had one scratchy ear after staying at a new sitter (found on a pet sitter app) over the holidays.

Never used that sitter again. Grr.

He scratched so much that he made a little bald spot on the back of his right ear – and that’s how I discovered that Frankincense is 1) pet-safe, and 2) is good for regrowing hair. Because when I looked up the best essential oils for what Max had, several options presented itself – including one that I already had.

Frankincense.

It did work. Helped with Max’s itchiness, dry flaky skin and finally the regrowth of all that pretty hair he has. Yep, that’s him in the image below.

So, anyway, I had all of this in the back of mind when I recently did a podcast to talk about my Enchanted Bay Mystery series, and herbalism came up. The podcaster, crime writer Robert Justice, who has a gloriously salt and pepper beard jokingly asked me if I could suggest something for the graying. Frankincense popped into my head, even though I hadn’t specifically read that it could help white or greying hair.

It was a mystery!

And I’m a cozy mystery writer… so obviously I had to hop on the case. I also don’t like to be wrong or to inadvertently give out false information, so I began by stating the question.

Listen to me discuss my mystery series on the Crime Writers Of Color podcast.

Does Frankincense in fact help white and or greying hair?

As in my mystery series, I began researching the subject. Every amateur sleuth has to hit the pavement (or the internet) for background research. This is what I found.

Ancient History

Frankincense is an ancient resin that has been used for its medicinal and spiritual properties for thousands of years. This fragrant resin is extracted from the Boswellia tree, which grows in the dry, mountainous regions of the Middle East, particularly in Somalia, Oman, and Yemen.

The history of Frankincense dates back to ancient times. It was one of the gifts that the Magi aka Three Wise Men brought to the baby Jesus in the manger, according to the Bible. The ancient Egyptians used Frankincense in their embalming rituals, and it was a prized commodity in ancient Rome and Greece.

The Boswellia tree is typically found in dry, rocky regions. The resin is harvested by making small incisions in the bark of the tree, which allows the resin to flow out and harden into small tears. The tears are then collected and processed into the fragrant resin that we know as Frankincense.

Frankincense is typically sold in the form of resin, essential oil, or as an extract. The resin can be burned as incense or used in the production of perfumes, soaps, and other fragrant products. The essential oil can be used in aromatherapy or applied topically. It is important to note that essential oils should always be used with caution and should be diluted before applying to the skin.

Medical Uses

Frankincense has a long and rich tradition of medicinal use. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including inflammation, pain, anxiety, depression, and digestive issues. The resin contains a number of active compounds, including terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and boswellic acids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

In modern times, Frankincense has found a place in the pharmaceutical industry. Researchers have found that the active compounds in Frankincense have a wide range of therapeutic applications. For example, the anti-inflammatory properties of Frankincense have been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The boswellic acids in Frankincense have been found to have anti-tumor properties and are being studied as a potential treatment for can

Like most essential oils, Frankincense overwhelms with its naturally powerful healing ability, and I consider all essential oils as literally plant-based magic. It’s no wonder I write a magical cozy set in an herbal apothecary.

But I digress…

Natural Healing

Frankincense is also widely used in natural healing. It is often used in aromatherapy, where it is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It is also used topically to treat skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. In addition, Frankincense is often used in meditation and prayer, where it is believed to help calm the mind and promote spiritual well-being. But does it help reduce the signs of graying or white hair like some of the more popular essential oils associated with hair care?

Now that I had a good understanding of what Frankincense was, where it came from and how it was traditionally used, I turned my attention to the:

Seven Causes Of Graying Hair

Age: As we age, the melanin production in our hair follicles decreases, leading to a loss of color.
Genetics: Genetics plays a role in the onset of gray hair. Some people may experience premature graying due to a genetic predisposition.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as vitiligo, thyroid disorders, and vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause premature graying.
Stress: Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process and lead to premature graying.
Smoking: Smoking can damage the DNA in hair follicles, leading to premature graying.
Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can damage the hair follicles and contribute to premature graying.

As an herbalist, I don’t accept that I can’t find a natural way to counter the effects of graying or white hair – at least a little. But looking at this list, you might think this was hopeless.

But just as amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries are stubborn, boneheaded and downright persistent in their wrongheaded attempts to solve a mystery, I kept searching. For clues as it were.

My next focus was to determine which of those seven causes could be mitigated by essential oils.

By the way, my favorite essential oil brand is Aura Cacia. i don’t think all brands are created equally, and I have 2-3 I use consistently but Aura Cacia is my preference. However, I have found great brands at my local grocery and drug stores too, including Vitamin Shoppe house brand (pictured in the second image).

I’ll also mention that the scent of EO’s differ from brand to brand. Lavender for example smells different based on the brand. I love the smell of Aura Cacia’s lavender.

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Six Ways Essential Oils Can Help Graying Hair

Age-related Graying

As we age, the melanin production in our hair follicles decreases, leading to a loss of color. Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood can help to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. Rosemary oil has been shown to increase hair growth and thickness by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Lavender oil has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing the number of hair follicles and stimulating hair growth factors. Cedarwood oil has been shown to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by increasing blood circulation to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles.

Genetic-related Premature Graying

Genetics plays a role in the onset of gray hair. Some people may experience premature graying due to a genetic predisposition. Essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and lemon can help to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Rosemary oil has been shown to increase hair growth and thickness by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the scalp, which can help to improve blood flow and promote hair growth. Lemon oil has antiseptic properties that can help to prevent scalp infections and promote hair growth.

Medical Conditions-related Premature Graying

Certain medical conditions, such as vitiligo, thyroid disorders, and vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause premature graying. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary can help to promote hair growth and soothe the scalp. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to soothe and heal the scalp. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the scalp, which can help to soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Rosemary oil has been shown to increase hair growth and thickness by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp.

Stress-related Premature Graying

Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process and lead to premature graying. Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and chamomile can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Lavender oil has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the scalp, which can help to reduce stress and tension. Chamomile oil has calming properties that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Smoking-related Premature Graying

Smoking can damage the DNA in hair follicles, leading to premature graying. Essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, and peppermint can help to promote hair growth and reduce inflammation. Rosemary oil has been shown to increase hair growth and thickness by stimulating hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to soothe and heal the scalp. Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the scalp, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth.

Environmental Factors-related Premature Graying

Exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can damage the hair follicles and contribute to premature graying. Essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, and rosemary can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help to reduce dandruff and prevent scalp infections. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory

Here’s a list of the common essential oils referenced for hair care, and specifically addressing concerns related to prematurely raying. or white hair.

Rosemary oil
Lavender oil
Cedarwood oil
Peppermint oil
Lemon oil
Chamomile oil
Tea tree oil

You’ll notice that in my research, Frankincense never came up as an option. So, I tried another tactic.

Nine Ways To Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

Meanwhile, I was beginning to doubt my instincts. I didn’t see Frankincense anywhere… Could I have been wrong?

Because unlike many articles that hail declarative titles like Lavender Proven To Help Anxiety! Peppermint Reduces Symptoms Of Sore Throat. I could find nothing that definitively stated that Frankincense could help with graying or white hair.

So, what I decided to do… was find out what Frankincense has been scientifically proven to address… and then contrast that with some of the biological causes of gray or white hair. That’s right – just like a cozy mystery sleuth, thinking outside the box.

And what do you know…

Three Ways Frankincense Essential Oil May Reverse Graying Hair

Fact: Graying hair is caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.

There is evidence to suggest that inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals may play a role in hair graying and loss of hair color. Inflammation can damage the hair follicle and lead to hair loss, while oxidative stress caused by free radicals can damage the cells that produce hair color (melanocytes).

One of the potential benefits of Frankincense essential oil is its anti-inflammatory properties.

A study published in the journal PLOS One found that Frankincense essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Another study published in the journal Molecules found that Frankincense essential oil can reduce inflammation in a mouse model of colitis. By reducing inflammation, Frankincense essential oil may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth.

Fact: Free radicals reduces the production of melanin in hair cells.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells in our body, including those that produce hair color. This damage can lead to a reduction in melanin production, which can result in gray or white hair. Antioxidants, such as those found in certain foods and supplements, can help to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage, potentially slowing down the graying process.

Frankincense essential oil has been scientifically shown to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to premature graying or white hair. Additionally, Frankincense oil has been shown to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Fact: Skin health is an important factor in aging hair.

The health of our skin and hair are closely linked. As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at producing collagen and other proteins that keep it supple and healthy. This can lead to skin damage, dryness, and wrinkles, as well as hair thinning and graying. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins can damage both the skin and hair follicles, leading to premature aging and graying. Therefore, maintaining healthy skin through a balanced diet, hydration, and skincare routine can help to promote healthy hair growth and delay the onset of graying.

Frankincense essential oil may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that Frankincense essential oil can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This may also translate to the scalp, helping to promote healthy hair growth and reduce the appearance of grey or white hair.

Case solved!

I don’t know about you, but from where I’m standing, I’d try Frankincense essential oil for graying or white hair.

While further research is needed to determine the effects of Frankincense essential oil on hair health, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the oil may suggest that it could help improve the appearance of greying or white hair.

By reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals, Frankincense essential oil may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth.

As always folks, it’s important to note that essential oils should be used with caution and should be diluted before use on the skin or hair. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils – I’m a writer and home herbalist, not a medical professional.