Frankincense

Scientific Names

frankincense

Boswellia serrata
Boswellia carterii
Boswellia sacra

Common Names

Frankincense
Olibanum
Indian Frankincense
Boswellia
Sacred Frankincense

The gum oleoresin (hardened resin) that exudes from the bark of the Boswellia tree trunk. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the bark, allowing the gum to flow out and harden into tear-shaped droplets.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

boswellia serrata

Boswellia trees are small to medium-sized deciduous trees that grow in arid, mountainous regions. The trees have compound leaves and produce small white or pale pink flowers. The bark is papery and peels off in thin layers. These hardy trees can survive in harsh, dry climates with minimal water.

There are five main species of Boswellia from which frankincense is derived, with B. serrata (Indian Frankincense), B. carterii, and B. sacra being the most well-known and studied varieties. The trees typically begin producing resin after about 8-10 years of growth.
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Where Found

Boswellia trees are native to the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. They are primarily found in Yemen, Oman, Somalia, Ethiopia, India, and Pakistan. The trees grow naturally in the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa.

Frankincense is collected primarily from tree farms in East Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. In some areas, Boswellia species are threatened due to bug infestations, cattle grazing, fires, and diminishing habitats, which can make high-quality frankincense expensive.
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Medicinal Properties

boswellia serrata

Frankincense has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-cancer, expectorant, antiseptic, anxiolytic, and immune-modulating properties. The resin contains compounds that can affect the immune system in various beneficial ways.

Research demonstrates that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, compounds that cause inflammation and bronchial muscle constriction. The boswellic acids in frankincense, particularly 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, are believed to be the primary active compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects.

Studies suggest frankincense may help reduce symptoms of arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel conditions, and various skin disorders. It may also have potential anticancer properties and could help improve oral health due to its antibacterial effects.
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Biochemical Information

The main component of frankincense is oil (approximately 60%), which contains monoterpenes (13%) and diterpenes (40%), as well as ethyl acetate (21.4%), octyl acetate (13.4%), and methylanisole (7.6%).

The most biologically active compounds are the boswellic acids, particularly 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-α-boswellic acid. These triterpenic acids are responsible for most of frankincense’s anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects. Note that boswellic acids are only present in frankincense resins and specially made extracts, not in essential oils.
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Legends, Myths and Stories

Frankincense has been treasured for over 6,000 years and holds legendary status as one of the gifts brought by the three wise men to the infant Jesus, alongside gold and myrrh. This “gift fit for a king” was considered as valuable as gold in ancient times.

The resin has been used extensively in religious ceremonies throughout history, particularly in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. In ancient Egypt, frankincense was used in mummification processes and religious rituals. Ancient trade routes, including the famous “Incense Route,” were established specifically to transport this precious commodity from the Arabian Peninsula to Mediterranean markets.
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Uses

Frankincense is used both medicinally and commercially in various forms. It serves as incense in religious ceremonies, as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, and as a therapeutic agent in traditional and modern medicine.

In traditional medicine systems, frankincense has diverse applications:

In Ayurvedic medicine: Used for respiratory conditions, digestive disorders, and inflammatory conditions
In Traditional Chinese Medicine: Combined with myrrh for treating blood stagnation and inflammation
In Islamic medicine: Used for gastrointestinal conditions and respiratory ailments
In aromatherapy: Used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance meditation
In skincare: Applied topically for anti-aging, wound healing, and skin conditioning
In oral care: Used in chewing gums and mouth rinses for oral hygiene
In pain management: Applied topically for joint pain and muscle soreness

Formulas or Dosages

For osteoarthritis: 169.33 mg of Boswellia extract taken twice daily for 120 days has been used in clinical studies.

For asthma: 300-500 mg of Boswellia extract daily for 4-6 weeks has shown beneficial effects in research studies.

For inflammatory bowel conditions: 250-1200 mg of Boswellia daily for 4-26 weeks has been studied for ulcerative colitis and IBS.

For topical use: Frankincense essential oil should be diluted with carrier oils (such as jojoba, coconut, or olive oil) before skin application. A typical dilution is 2-3 drops of frankincense oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

For aromatherapy: A few drops in a diffuser or inhaled directly from the bottle. No specific dosage guidelines have been established, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.
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Nutrient Content

Frankincense resin contains various bioactive compounds rather than traditional nutrients. The primary constituents include:

Boswellic acids (triterpenic compounds) – 5-15% of resin
Essential oils – approximately 60% of resin
Monoterpenes – 13% of oil content
Diterpenes – 40% of oil content
Ethyl acetate – 21.4%
Octyl acetate – 13.4%
Methylanisole – 7.6%
Various other terpenes and aromatic compounds

How Sold

Frankincense is available in several commercial forms including essential oils, resin chunks or tears, powdered resin, standardized extracts in capsules or tablets, topical creams and lotions, aromatherapy products, and combination supplements with other herbs.

Essential oils are sold in amber-colored bottles to preserve their integrity, while resin is often sold as whole tears or ground powder. Standardized extracts are available as dietary supplements, often standardized for boswellic acid content.
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Warning

Frankincense is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, but some precautions should be observed. It may cause skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always perform a patch test before topical use.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid frankincense as some research suggests it may increase the risk of miscarriage. People with asthma, allergies, epilepsy, or migraines should use caution, as essential oils may trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Frankincense may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It may also interact with immunosuppressants and statins. Those undergoing chemotherapy should avoid frankincense due to potential medication interactions.

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety has cautioned that frankincense supplements may interfere with the body’s inflammatory response during COVID-19 infection, though some research suggests potential benefits.
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