Table of Contents
Updated October 2026
Frankincense, vetiver and helichrysum make a deep, earthy, honey-sweet blend that I reach for when I want to feel grounded. Frankincense brings warm resin, vetiver adds smoky roots, and helichrysum lends a soft, herbal sweetness. It's lovely for meditation, a calm bedtime routine and nourishing skin care. Here's what each oil brings and four easy ways to use the blend.
Meet the Three Oils
Frankincense
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is sweet, resinous and lightly woody. It's traditionally used for mature skin, scar care, calm breathing and quiet reflection. See my frankincense essential oil guide.
Vetiver
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is distilled from the roots of a tall grass. It's thick, smoky and earthy, and it's traditionally used for restless minds, grounding and bedtime routines. A little goes a long way. Learn more about vetiver essential oil and vetiver diffuser blends.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also called immortelle, has a honey-sweet, herbal scent. It's traditionally used for bumps and bruises, scar care and emotional stress. See what blends well with helichrysum.
Why This Blend Works
- Grounding: two base notes and a soft herbal heart make a steady, calming scent.
- Bedtime and wind-down: vetiver's earthy depth is a favorite in sleep routines.
- Meditation: frankincense has been part of spiritual practice for millennia.
- Skin care: frankincense and helichrysum are classics for mature skin, scars and bumps.
How to Use Frankincense, Vetiver and Helichrysum
Grounding Body Oil
Adults, 2%
- 4 drops Frankincense
- 4 drops Vetiver
- 4 drops Helichrysum
- 2 tablespoons (1 oz) carrier oil
Massage into shoulders, feet or the back of the neck in the evening.
Steady Roller
Adults, 2%
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Vetiver
- 1 drop Helichrysum
- Carrier oil to fill a 10 ml roller
Roll onto wrists, over the heart or the soles of your feet. For the face, use 1 drop frankincense and 1 drop helichrysum (1%).
Quiet Evening Diffuser Blend
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Vetiver
- 2 drops Lavender
Vetiver is strong and thick, so 1 drop is plenty. Helichrysum is pricey, so I save it for skin blends.
Grounding Bath
Adults
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Vetiver
- 1 drop Helichrysum
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil or unscented castile soap
Stir the oils into the carrier or castile soap first, then add to a warm bath. Essential oils don't mix with water on their own. See my frankincense bath salts.
Prefer it ready-made? My Frankincense, Vetiver and Helichrysum blend is pre-mixed for you. Dilute it before using on skin.
Safety Tips
- Dilute for skin: 1% for the face and kids 2+, up to 2% for the body.
- Patch test new blends first, and avoid the eyes.
- Taking blood-thinning medication? Check with your provider before using helichrysum regularly.
- Never swallow essential oils. Keep them away from cats and out of reach of children.
More Frankincense Blends
- Frankincense and Cedarwood Blend
- Frankincense and Myrrh Roller Recipes
- Essential Oils for Grounding
- Frankincense Diffuser Blends
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