Why I Turned to Frankincense Oil for Health and Wellness Solutions

I never thought sitting at a desk could leave me feeling so physically defeated.

But here I am, after months of remote work, realizing that my body is somehow more exhausted than it ever was hauling boxes or climbing ladders.

It started gradually—tight hips, that pinching in my lower back, and a stiffness that would creep in by 2pm no matter how many stretches I did.

The worst was last Tuesday, when I tried to stand up after a marathon Zoom call and my legs felt like they’d been shrink-wrapped. My chair squeaked as I lurched sideways, bumping my knee into the desk and sending my water bottle flying. The crash echoed through my tiny apartment. I just sat there, rubbing my knee and thinking, is this really what my dream job is supposed to feel like?

"Working from home (and just on a computer all day in general, I suppose) is really taking a toll on my body lately."

I tried everything. Foam rollers, yoga videos, posture gadgets. I even bought a seat cushion that promised miracles but mostly just slid around and made me feel ridiculous. My floor is basically a graveyard of abandoned wellness products.

Still, nothing seemed to undo the toll of sitting. My body does NOT like to sit or be still for extended periods of time. I’m only 32, but if I don’t move my whole body through its full range of motion every day, I stiffen up like crazy.

Every Friday, I’d peel myself out of my chair and wonder how I could be more sore than after a weekend of hiking. It’s wild, I’ve worked strenuous outdoor labor jobs, yet this one takes the cake as far as wear and tear on my body goes.

I started to worry that this was just how it would be from now on. Maybe this is the price of working from home? Not exactly the trade-off I was hoping for.

The Search for Something That Actually Helped

After one particularly bad week—think hobbling to the kitchen and wincing as I reached for the coffee—I decided I needed a new strategy. I dove into research. I read about anti-inflammatory diets, standing desk hacks, and even considered acupuncture.

But what kept coming up, surprisingly, was essential oils. I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first. Aromatherapy always seemed like one of those things that worked for other people. Still, I was desperate.

Frankincense kept popping up in forums and articles. People swore by it for joint pain, muscle soreness, and even skin issues. I figured, for about $11, it was worth a shot. So I ordered a big 4-ounce bottle of frankincense essential oil that promised to be 100% pure and natural.

The day it arrived, I twisted open the cap and was hit with this warm, woodsy aroma—surprisingly comforting. I started by mixing a few drops with unscented lotion and rubbing it into my lower back and hips after a long workday. At first, I mostly noticed the smell. But after about a week, I realized I wasn’t wincing every time I stood up.

How I Actually Used Frankincense Oil

Here’s what worked for me:

Mixing a few drops into lotion and massaging sore spots
Adding 3-4 drops to my diffuser in the afternoon slump
Dabbing a diluted bit on my temples when tension headaches crept in

The oil itself was gentle—no stinging, no weird residue. Just a subtle, comforting scent that somehow made my cramped apartment feel less like a cubicle.

I noticed my skin looked less irritated, too, especially around my elbows and hands where I get dry patches from typing all day. I’m not saying it was a miracle, but for the first time in months, I felt like I was actually recovering from a week at my desk instead of just surviving it.

"My body does NOT like to sit or be still for extended periods of time. I’m only 24 but have terrible joints and if I don’t move my whole body through it’s full range of motion every day I stiffen up like crazy."

The biggest surprise? I started looking forward to that little ritual at the end of my workday. It was a signal that I was off the clock, and it gave me permission to actually care for my body instead of just powering through.

Alternatives I Considered (and Why I Still Use Frankincense)

Essential oils aren’t the only game in town for desk-job aches, obviously.

Topical CBD creams: These worked okay for surface soreness, but they’re pricier and left a weird film on my skin.
Heat packs: Great for instant relief, but not something I can do while typing.
Arnica gel: Helped with bruises, but not much for everyday stiffness.
Foam rolling/stretching: Still part of my routine, but not always enough on their own.

I did try a blend with myrrh oil (which supposedly boosts the effects of frankincense), but honestly, I didn’t notice a huge difference compared to just using frankincense on its own.

If you’re more into herbal patches or fancy ergonomic gadgets, those can help too—if you have the space (which I definitely don’t).

Final Thoughts and What I’d Recommend

If you’re stuck at a desk, feeling like your body is slowly turning into a pretzel, don’t wait as long as I did to try something new.

Frankincense oil isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s become a small, affordable part of my routine that actually makes a difference. I paid about $11 for a giant bottle, and I still have most of it left months later. If you want to see if it helps, check out the exact one I used or try one of the alternatives above.

Just don’t keep letting desk pain hijack your week. Whether it’s frankincense, a new stretching routine, or something totally different, do something for your body now—you’ll thank yourself later.

Why I Turned to Frankincense Oil for Health and Wellness Solutions