Frankincense Essential Oil

Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carteri, Boswellia serrata

Burseraceae (bur-ser-AY-see-ee)

The Sacred Oil of Clarity, Calm, and Spiritual Connection

Other names:

Olibanum, Sacred Resin, Boswellia Oil

Superpower

Cautions

Known Constituents

Botanical Description

Spiritual Associations

Superpower

Spiritual Clarity and Sacred Connection

Cautions

Internal Use: Do not ingest essential oil unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Skin Sensitivity: May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; always dilute with a carrier oil.

Pregnancy: Not for use during pregnancy unless under the supervision of a physician.

Known Chemical Constituents

Alpha-pinene: Offers anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects.

Limonene: Supports detoxification and uplifts the mood.

Beta-caryophyllene: Binds to CB2 receptors, offering anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

Boswellic Acids: Found in the resin, known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

Incensole Acetate: Associated with mood enhancement and a sense of spiritual upliftment.

Botanical Description

Habitat: Frankincense trees are native to arid regions of the Middle East, East Africa, and India. They thrive in rocky, dry, and well-drained soils with minimal water, often growing in harsh, rugged environments.

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound with small, leathery, oval-shaped leaflets.

Stems: The stems are gnarled and twisted, with a hardy bark that is manually scored to release the resin.

Flowers: Small, fragrant flowers form in clusters, typically pale yellow or white.

Roots: The roots anchor the tree firmly into rocky crevices, allowing it to access deep water sources.

Fun Facts

Frankincense was one of the most valuable trade items in the ancient world, sometimes referred to as “liquid gold.” It was so prized that it was burned as an offering to the gods and traded along the Incense Route, a major trade network in antiquity.

Parts Used

Resin (Distilled into essential oil)

Harvest

Frankincense resin is collected by tapping the bark of Boswellia trees, allowing the resin to ooze out and harden into small, amber-colored tears. The tears are later distilled into essential oil.

Preparations

Diffusion: Added to a diffuser to promote relaxation, meditation, and spiritual clarity.

Massage Oil: Blended with carrier oils to support pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Skin Serum: Used in skin care to reduce signs of aging, promote regeneration, and even skin tone.

Salves and Balms: Infused into salves for topical use on joints, wounds, or bruises.

Anointing Rituals: Used for ritual anointing of the body, candles, or ceremonial tools to invite protection and spiritual clarity.

Sacred Rituals

Clarity Ritual: Before meditation, apply a drop of frankincense essential oil to your third eye (forehead) to promote mental clarity and spiritual connection.

Protection Ritual: Add frankincense to a cleansing spray or burn it as incense to purify your space and create a protective barrier.

Anointing Ritual: Use frankincense oil to anoint sacred objects, crystals, or yourself during the full moon to invite insight and protection.

Affirmations

“I am clear, protected, and divinely guided in every step I take.”

Spiritual Associations

Frankincense is a sacred oil of protection, clarity, and divine connection. Used in many spiritual traditions, it is associated with prayer, meditation, and purification. The full moon phase aligns with its energetic qualities of illumination, clarity, and spiritual insight.