Frankincense

Parts Usually Used

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.

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

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.

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.

Medicinal Properties

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.

Biochemical Information

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.

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.

Uses

Historically, frankincense was utilized in religious ceremonies as incense and incorporated as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. In Ayurvedic medicine, practitioners administered it for respiratory complaints, digestive disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners frequently combined frankincense with myrrh to address blood stagnation and inflammation, while Islamic medical traditions utilized it for gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments.

Aromatherapists employed the substance to encourage relaxation, ease stress, and support meditation. In historical cosmetic and topical preparations, herbalists applied it for skin conditioning, wound healing, and aging skin, as well as for joint pain and muscle soreness. Additionally, it was incorporated into chewing gums and mouth rinses for oral hygiene.

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.