Frankincense for Emotional Overwhelm, Anxiety, and Inner Peace

“Frankincense allows us to remain focused on the tasks at hand by keeping us calm, cool and collected when chaos is all around us.” — Leon Green

When I Woke Up Crying and Reached for Frankincense

I woke up with tears on my cheeks. It wasn’t sadness, exactly—it was a strange mixture of exhaustion, anxiety, and the kind of emotional overwhelm that creeps in when life gets too loud. Maybe you’ve been there too. The to-do lists are growing, your brain won’t shut off, and your body’s sending you signals that something has to give.

That morning, I didn’t reach for coffee. I didn’t even reach for my phone. I reached for my bottle of Frankincense.

Frankincense: The “King of Oils”

If you’ve ever been curious about this essential oil, let me tell you—it’s not just hype. Frankincense (Boswellia) has earned its royal nickname for good reason. It’s been treasured for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia. Historically, Frankincense was burned as incense in sacred temples, used in embalming rituals, and gifted by kings (yep, that gift at the nativity). It was considered more valuable than gold.

Its sacred status wasn’t just spiritual—people believed in its physical healing powers, too. And they were on to something.

How We Use Frankincense Today

Today, we use doTERRA Frankincense essential oil in a thousand little moments that bring balance back to our lives. It’s a powerhouse for:

• Skincare: Smoothing fine lines, reducing blemishes, and evening tone

• Cellular health: Supporting healthy cellular function when taken internally

• Meditation & prayer: Deepening spiritual or grounding practices

• Pain relief: Soothing tired joints and muscles when diluted and applied topically

• Mood support: Easing anxious feelings and mental fatigue

For me, it’s always been more than just an oil. It’s an anchor. On days when I feel disconnected, I place a drop of Frankincense under my tongue or on the crown of my head, breathe in, and feel the fog start to lift.

Why I Keep It Close

Frankincense is part of my non-negotiable daily routine now—especially when I know I’m going to be “on” all day. If I’ve got back-to-back calls or I’m parenting through a tough moment, I’ll diffuse it with Wild Orange to create a space that feels grounded but energized.

I’ve also started adding a drop to my nightly moisturizer. Not only has my skin been glowing (and yes, even my husband noticed), but it’s become a bedtime ritual that tells my brain: You’re safe. It’s time to rest.

There’s something incredibly healing about consistency in a chaotic world, and this oil has become a kind of ritual of its own.

DIY #1 – Radiance Glow Face Serum

This simple blend supports healthy skin, softens fine lines, and gives you that dewy, “just-woke-up-peaceful” glow.

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Frankincense

• 5 drops Lavender

• 5 drops Tea Tree

• 1 oz fractionated coconut oil

• 10 ml glass dropper bottle

Directions:
Add the essential oils to the bottle, top with coconut oil, and shake gently to combine. Apply 3–4 drops nightly after cleansing, focusing on dry or uneven areas. I love how this blend smells—clean, fresh, and deeply calming.

Emotional Benefits of Frankincense

This oil works on an emotional level in a way that’s hard to put into words. Frankincense reminds me to breathe. It reminds me that I’m not just reacting to life—I get to respond to it.

Emotionally, it supports feelings of protection, clarity, and connection. It’s known to help with letting go of low vibrations—like fear, self-doubt, or overwhelm—and replacing them with peace, awareness, and spiritual insight. I call it my “reset” oil.

DIY #2 – Grounding & Gratitude Roller Blend

When I’m feeling scattered or anxious, this is the blend I reach for. It’s grounding, comforting, and helps me refocus on what matters.

Ingredients:

• 5 drops Frankincense

• 5 drops Balance®

• 3 drops Bergamot

• 3 drops Vetiver (optional, for deeper grounding)

• Fractionated coconut oil

• 10 ml roller bottle

Directions:
Add the oils to the roller bottle, then fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. Roll over your wrists, chest, or back of the neck during prayer, journaling, or anytime you need a mindful reset.

What Makes It So Powerful? (Properties of the Oil)

Frankincense is steam-distilled from the resin of the Boswellia tree (4 different species!), sourced in areas like Somalia and Oman. doTERRA’s sourcing practices ensure it’s harvested sustainably and ethically, supporting the communities who’ve grown and gathered it for generations.

Its key chemical constituents—like alpha-pinene and limonene—give it incredible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and rejuvenating properties. This isn’t just marketing—it’s science-backed. And doTERRA’s Certified Pure Tested Grade® process means you’re getting the purest, most potent oil available.

Final Thoughts

When life cracks you open (as it sometimes does), having a tool like Frankincense is a small, sacred way of caring for yourself. You don’t have to be in a quiet temple or on a yoga mat to experience its grounding effects. Sometimes all you need is a deep breath, a little oil in your palms, and a moment of stillness.

That morning I woke up crying? I didn’t stay there. I applied my Frankincense, sat on the floor with my diffuser, and gave myself permission to pause. The peace came back. The strength followed.

If you’ve never tried Frankincense, or it’s been sitting in the back of your cabinet for a while… maybe it’s time to pull it out. Trust me—this one’s worth making part of your everyday life.

See previous Frankincense blog Here for more information.