Frankincense - The Sacred Incense

Frankincense - The King of Sacred Resins

Frankincense, the aromatic resin from Boswellia trees, has been humanity's premier offering to the divine for over 5,000 years. From ancient Egyptian temples to Christian churches, from Islamic mosques to Ayurvedic healing centers, this golden resin bridges heaven and earth. One of the three gifts presented to the infant Jesus, frankincense symbolizes divinity, prayer, purification, and the sacred breath of the cosmos itself.

Ancient Egyptian Christian Jewish Islamic Hindu Buddhist

Botanical and Historical Overview

The Boswellia Trees

Frankincense comes from several species of small trees in the genus Boswellia, which grow in the dry, mountainous regions of Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These hardy trees thrive in harsh conditions where few other plants survive, clinging to rocky cliffs and producing their precious aromatic resin as a healing response to wounds in their bark.

Primary Frankincense Species

Etymology and Ancient Names

Historical Significance

Ancient Trade Routes

The "Incense Route" was one of the ancient world's most important trade networks, bringing frankincense from Arabia and Africa to Egypt, Israel, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Frankincense was worth its weight in gold, and entire economies depended on its production and trade. The Queen of Sheba's wealth partially derived from controlling frankincense trade routes.

The Gift of the Magi

In Christian tradition, frankincense was one of three gifts (along with gold and myrrh) presented by the Magi to the infant Jesus. The gold represented kingship, frankincense represented divinity and priesthood, and myrrh represented sacrifice and mortality. This gift emphasized Jesus's role as both divine and priestly.

Universal Themes

Prayer and Divine Communication

Across all traditions, frankincense smoke is believed to carry prayers to heaven, facilitate communication with the divine, and create a bridge between earthly and spiritual realms. The ascending smoke symbolizes prayers rising to God/gods.

Purification and Consecration

Frankincense purifies sacred spaces, ritual objects, and people. It consecrates temples, churches, altars, and ritual tools, making them suitable for holy purposes. The smoke drives away negative energies and spiritual impurities.

Meditation and Spiritual Elevation

The aroma of frankincense deepens meditation, elevates consciousness, and facilitates mystical experiences. It slows breathing, calms the mind, and opens the crown chakra, making it ideal for contemplative practices across traditions.

Protection and Exorcism

Frankincense provides powerful spiritual protection, wards off evil spirits and demons, and is used in exorcism rituals worldwide. Its high vibration repels lower energies and negative entities.

Frankincense Across World Traditions

Ancient Egyptian Religion

Temple Offerings

  • Daily Rituals: Burned in temples three times daily as offering to the gods
  • Ra Worship: Essential in solar deity worship, symbolizing the sun god's fragrance
  • Hathor and Isis: Offered to goddesses for love, beauty, and protection
  • Pharaonic Rites: Used in coronation and royal ceremonies
  • Divine Statues: Anointed with frankincense oil to honor deity presence

Mummification and Death Rites

  • Embalming: Frankincense resin used in mummification process
  • Preservative: Antimicrobial properties helped preserve bodies
  • Spiritual Protection: Protected deceased on journey through underworld
  • Tomb Fumigation: Burned in tombs to purify and protect the dead
  • Opening of the Mouth: Used in ritual to restore senses to the deceased

Famous Expedition

Queen Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BCE) sent a famous expedition to the Land of Punt (likely Somalia/Yemen) specifically to obtain frankincense trees, which she transplanted in her temple complex at Deir el-Bahari. Reliefs depicting this expedition still survive.

→ Learn more about Ancient Egyptian Religion

Jewish and Biblical Traditions

Temple Incense (Ketoret)

Frankincense was a key ingredient in the sacred incense burned in the Tabernacle and later Solomon's Temple:

"Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal weight), and make an incense..." - Exodus 30:34-35

Sacred Uses

  • Daily Offering: Burned twice daily on the golden altar of incense
  • Showbread: Pure frankincense placed on the Table of Showbread
  • Grain Offerings: Added to certain grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1)
  • Holy of Holies: Incense cloud covered the Ark of the Covenant on Yom Kippur
  • Priestly Service: Only priests could handle the sacred incense
  • Divine Presence: Smoke represented God's glory filling the Temple

Symbolic Meanings

  • Prayer: "Let my prayer be set before You as incense" (Psalm 141:2)
  • Preciousness: Gift worthy of kings and deity
  • Purity: The "pure" frankincense symbolized spiritual purity
  • Worship: Ascending smoke represented worship rising to heaven

Kabbalah

  • Sephirot: Associated with Keter (Crown) and Chokmah (Wisdom)
  • Divine Names: Connected to highest aspects of God
  • Mystical Practice: Used in Kabbalistic meditation and ritual

→ Explore Jewish Mysticism and Sacred Practices

Christian Traditions

Biblical Significance

  • Gift to Christ: One of three gifts from the Magi (Matthew 2:11)
  • Symbolism: Represented Christ's divinity and priestly role
  • Temple Continuity: Connected Jesus to Temple worship and priesthood
  • Revelation: Golden bowls of incense represent prayers of saints (Revelation 5:8)

Liturgical Use

  • Catholic Mass: Thuribles (censers) swung during High Mass
  • Eastern Orthodox: Extensive use in Divine Liturgy
  • Benediction: Altar and Eucharist censed with frankincense
  • Processions: Carried before religious processions
  • Consecration: Churches, altars, and sacred objects consecrated with frankincense
  • Funerals: Body and casket censed during funeral rites
  • Exorcism: Used in rites of exorcism and deliverance

Coptic Christianity

  • Continuous Tradition: Unbroken use since ancient Egypt
  • Boswellia frereana: Specific species preferred
  • Daily Liturgy: Essential to daily worship
  • Fasting Periods: Increased use during Lent and fasts

→ Christian Symbolism and Ritual

Islamic Traditions

Sacred Uses

  • Mosque Fumigation: Mosques purified with frankincense smoke
  • Home Blessing: Homes fumigated, especially on Fridays
  • Ramadan: Increased use during holy month
  • Hajj Preparation: Pilgrims purified with frankincense before Hajj
  • Wedding Ceremonies: Bride and groom fumigated with frankincense
  • Baby Welcoming: Newborns passed through frankincense smoke
  • Quran Recitation: Burned during Quran reading to create sacred atmosphere

Regional Traditions

  • Arabian Peninsula: Central to daily life and spirituality
  • Oman: Frankincense deeply embedded in culture, national symbol
  • Yemen: Ancient production continues, sacred to pre-Islamic and Islamic traditions
  • Somalia: Major producer, used in traditional medicine and ritual
  • North Africa: Bakhoor (incense blends) with frankincense base

Prophetic Medicine

  • Sunnah: Encouraged for purification and blessing
  • Healing: Used in traditional Islamic medicine
  • Protection: Guards against jinn and evil eye

→ Islamic Spiritual Practices

Hindu and Ayurvedic Traditions

Hindu Religious Use

  • Puja Offerings: Burned during puja (worship) ceremonies
  • Temple Worship: Daily offerings to deities
  • Havan/Homa: Fire ceremonies incorporating frankincense
  • Aarti: Waved before deities during devotional songs
  • Meditation: Enhances meditation and yoga practice
  • Deity Associations: Offered to Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati

Ayurvedic Medicine (Salai Guggul)

Species: Boswellia serrata

  • Anti-inflammatory: Primary use for arthritis and joint pain
  • Rasayana: Rejuvenating tonic, promotes longevity
  • Digestive: Treats inflammatory bowel conditions
  • Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough
  • Skin Health: Eczema, psoriasis, wound healing
  • Nervine: Calms mind, enhances mental clarity
  • Dosha: Balances Vata and Kapha, may aggravate Pitta in excess

Energetic Properties

  • Rasa (Taste): Bitter, pungent, sweet
  • Virya (Energy): Cooling
  • Vipaka (Post-digestive): Pungent
  • Guna (Qualities): Light, dry

→ Hindu Sacred Traditions and Ayurveda

Buddhist Traditions

Ritual and Devotional Use

  • Altar Offerings: Burned on Buddhist altars as offering to Buddha
  • Meditation: Enhances meditation and mindfulness practice
  • Temple Purification: Temples and stupas fumigated regularly
  • Ceremony: Used in various Buddhist ceremonies and initiations
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Component of complex incense blends
  • Zen Practice: Creates atmosphere conducive to zazen (sitting meditation)

Symbolic Meaning

  • Impermanence: Rising smoke symbolizes impermanent nature of all things
  • Purification: Cleanses mind and environment of defilements
  • Mindfulness: Watching incense smoke cultivates present-moment awareness
  • Offering: Represents giving, one of the paramitas (perfections)

→ Buddhist Philosophy and Practice

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoism

TCM Applications

  • Ru Xiang (乳香): Chinese name meaning "milk fragrance"
  • Blood Circulation: Invigorates blood, dispels stasis
  • Pain Relief: Treats traumatic injury, arthritis, abdominal pain
  • Swelling: Reduces swelling and inflammation
  • Meridians: Enters Heart, Liver, Spleen channels
  • Topical: Applied externally for wounds, carbuncles, sores

Taoist Ritual

  • Temple Offerings: Burned in Taoist temples
  • Meditation: Aids in alchemical meditation practices
  • Purification: Cleanses ritual space
  • Immortality: Associated with longevity practices

→ Chinese Medicine and Taoism

Ancient Greco-Roman World

Religious Practices

  • Zeus/Jupiter: Primary offering to king of gods
  • Apollo: Solar deity worship
  • Athena: Wisdom goddess offerings
  • Mystery Religions: Used in Eleusinian and other mystery cults
  • Oracle of Delphi: Burned during prophetic sessions
  • State Ceremonies: Official Roman religious rites

Medicinal Use

  • Hippocrates: Prescribed for digestive and respiratory conditions
  • Dioscorides: Documented extensive medical uses
  • Galen: Included in compound medicines
  • Pliny the Elder: Detailed frankincense varieties and uses in Natural History

→ Greek Mythology and Medicine | → Roman Traditions

Medicinal Properties and Modern Research

Active Constituents

  • Boswellic Acids: Primary bioactive compounds, potent anti-inflammatory agents
  • Alpha-boswellic acid (ABA)
  • Beta-boswellic acid (BBA)
  • Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA): Most potent anti-inflammatory
  • 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (KBA)
  • Essential Oils: Alpha-pinene, limonene, myrcene, cymene
  • Terpenes: Various monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes
  • Polysaccharides: Immune-modulating compounds
  • Pentacyclic Triterpenes: Additional bioactive molecules

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Uses

Anti-Inflammatory and Arthritis

  • Mechanism: Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, reducing leukotriene production
  • Osteoarthritis: Multiple clinical trials show significant pain reduction and improved mobility
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Reduces inflammation, swelling, and morning stiffness
  • Gout: Decreases uric acid levels and inflammation
  • Clinical Studies: 100-250mg boswellic acids 2-3 times daily shown effective
  • vs. NSAIDs: Comparable efficacy with fewer side effects
  • Combination: Often combined with turmeric for enhanced effect

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Ulcerative Colitis: Clinical trials show remission rates comparable to sulfasalazine
  • Crohn's Disease: Reduces inflammation, improves symptoms
  • Mechanism: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukotrienes in gut
  • Dosage: 300-400mg boswellic acids three times daily
  • Safety: Well-tolerated, fewer side effects than conventional drugs

Respiratory Conditions

  • Asthma: Reduces frequency of attacks, improves lung function
  • Chronic Bronchitis: Decreases inflammation in airways
  • COPD: Preliminary evidence for symptom improvement
  • Allergies: Reduces allergic response and histamine release
  • Mechanism: Inhibits leukotriene synthesis, reducing airway inflammation

Brain Health and Neuroprotection

  • Brain Tumors: Research shows potential in glioma treatment, reduces edema
  • Traumatic Brain Injury: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Multiple Sclerosis: May reduce neuroinflammation
  • Anxiety and Depression: Aromatherapy studies show mood improvement
  • Memory: May protect against age-related cognitive decline
  • Incensole Acetate: Specific compound activates TRPV3 receptors, anti-anxiety effects

Cancer Research (Preclinical and Clinical)

  • Breast Cancer: Laboratory studies show anti-tumor effects
  • Colon Cancer: Induces apoptosis in cancer cells
  • Prostate Cancer: Inhibits cancer cell proliferation
  • Leukemia: Shows promise in some blood cancers
  • Brain Tumors: Clinical use in Germany for glioblastoma (reduces edema)
  • Mechanism: Multiple pathways - apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition
  • Status: Ongoing clinical trials, promising but needs more research

Skin Health

  • Wound Healing: Accelerates healing, prevents infection
  • Psoriasis: Reduces inflammation and plaque formation
  • Eczema: Soothes irritation, reduces itching
  • Acne: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Anti-aging: Stimulates collagen production, reduces wrinkles
  • Scars: Topical application may reduce scarring

Immune System

  • Immune Modulation: Balances immune response
  • Autoimmune: May help regulate overactive immune system
  • Infections: Antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi
  • Immunosuppression: Prevents organ rejection in transplant studies (animal models)

Oral Health

  • Gingivitis: Clinical trials show reduction in gum inflammation
  • Periodontitis: Improves periodontal health
  • Plaque: Reduces bacterial plaque formation
  • Bad Breath: Antimicrobial action freshens breath
  • Traditional Use: Chewed as gum for oral health (Boswellia frereana)

Other Therapeutic Applications

  • Diabetes: May improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
  • Cardiovascular: Anti-inflammatory effects benefit heart health
  • Liver Protection: Hepatoprotective properties
  • Menstrual Pain: Reduces dysmenorrhea
  • Weight Loss: May aid in obesity management (preliminary research)

Forms of Frankincense Medicine

Magical and Spiritual Properties

Purification and Consecration

  • Sacred Space: Purifies and consecrates ritual spaces, temples, churches
  • Tool Blessing: Consecrates magical tools, crystals, altars
  • Deep Cleansing: Removes stubborn negative energy and spiritual pollution
  • Exorcism: Powerful ally in casting out negative entities
  • Aura Cleansing: Elevates and purifies personal energy field
  • Home Blessing: Blesses new homes, rooms after illness, spaces after conflict

Spiritual Connection and Prayer

  • Divine Communication: Opens channels to higher realms and divine beings
  • Prayer Carrier: Carries prayers and intentions to the divine
  • Meditation: Deepens meditative states, facilitates transcendence
  • Channeling: Aids in channeling divine messages and wisdom
  • Vision: Enhances prophetic visions and spiritual sight
  • Crown Chakra: Opens and activates crown chakra for divine connection

Protection Magic

  • Spiritual Shield: Creates powerful protective barrier
  • Evil Spirits: Repels demons, negative entities, malevolent forces
  • Curse Breaking: Breaks curses, hexes, and negative magic
  • Psychic Attack: Defends against psychic attack and ill-wishing
  • Blessing: Invokes divine protection and blessing
  • Travel Protection: Protects during physical and spiritual journeys

Blessing and Prosperity

  • Divine Favor: Attracts blessings and divine grace
  • Success: Enhances success in spiritual and material endeavors
  • Abundance: Opens channels for prosperity (when used with gratitude)
  • Good Fortune: Brings good luck and favorable outcomes
  • Solar Energy: Connects to solar abundance and vitality

Devotional and Religious Magic

  • Deity Work: Offering to gods and goddesses across pantheons
  • Ancestor Veneration: Honors ancestors, facilitates communication
  • Saint Petitions: Used when petitioning saints (Catholic tradition)
  • Angel Work: Attracts angelic presence and assistance
  • High Magic: Essential in ceremonial magic and theurgy

Healing Magic

  • Energy Healing: Enhances Reiki, hands-on healing, energy work
  • Emotional Healing: Releases grief, trauma, depression
  • Spiritual Healing: Heals wounds to the soul and spirit
  • Chakra Work: Balances and activates all chakras, especially crown
  • Grounding Light: Brings divine light into physical body

Mystical and Transcendent Work

  • Mystical Union: Facilitates union with the divine
  • Enlightenment: Supports spiritual awakening and realization
  • Past Lives: Aids in past life regression and recall
  • Akashic Records: Helps access universal knowledge
  • Astral Travel: Protects and elevates during astral projection

Magical Correspondences

Preparation and Use Methods

1. Burning as Incense (Traditional Method)

Most traditional and spiritually potent method

Materials: Frankincense resin tears, charcoal disc, heat-safe burner (censer/thurible)

  1. Light self-igniting charcoal disc and place in burner
  2. Wait until charcoal is fully ignited and covered with white ash (2-3 minutes)
  3. Place 1-3 small pieces of frankincense resin on hot charcoal
  4. Resin will begin to melt and produce fragrant smoke
  5. Add more resin as needed
  6. Waft smoke to cleanse space, person, or objects
  7. Set clear intention while working with the smoke

Safety: Ensure good ventilation, use heat-safe surface, never leave unattended

2. Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Modern convenience with therapeutic benefits

Diffuser:

  • Add 5-10 drops to diffuser
  • Use for meditation, prayer, relaxation
  • Creates sacred atmosphere without smoke

Direct Inhalation:

  • Place 1-2 drops on tissue or in palms
  • Cup hands over nose and inhale deeply
  • Use for anxiety, stress, spiritual practice

Room Spray:

  • 15-20 drops frankincense essential oil
  • 2 oz distilled water in spray bottle
  • 1 tsp vodka or witch hazel (dispersant)
  • Shake and spray to cleanse space

3. Topical Application (Diluted)

For skin health, pain relief, spiritual anointing

Dilution Ratio:

  • Face: 1-2% (1-2 drops per tablespoon carrier oil)
  • Body: 2-5% (3-5 drops per tablespoon carrier oil)
  • Acute Issues: Up to 10% for short-term use

Carrier Oils: Jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, argan, rosehip

Applications:

  • Skin Care: Add to facial serum for anti-aging
  • Joint Pain: Massage into arthritic joints
  • Scars/Wounds: Apply to healed wounds to reduce scarring
  • Chakra Anointing: Apply to crown, third eye, heart chakras
  • Ritual Anointing: Anoint forehead, hands, feet before ritual

4. Internal Use - Standardized Extract

Medicinal supplementation

CAUTION: Only use supplements specifically made for internal use, not essential oils or raw resin

Dosage (Standardized to Boswellic Acids):

  • General Anti-inflammatory: 300-500mg extract (37.5-65% boswellic acids) 2-3x daily
  • Arthritis: 300-400mg three times daily with meals
  • IBD: 350-400mg three times daily
  • Asthma: 300mg three times daily

Timing: Take with food to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset

Duration: Benefits typically seen after 2-4 weeks of consistent use

5. Traditional Decoction (Water Extract)

Ancient method, gentle internal use

  1. Crush 1-2 teaspoons frankincense resin into small pieces
  2. Add to 2 cups water in pot
  3. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer
  4. Simmer covered for 20-30 minutes
  5. Strain through fine mesh or cheesecloth
  6. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup, 1-2 times daily

Uses: Digestive complaints, respiratory issues, general tonic

Note: Bitter taste; add honey if desired

6. Tincture (Alcohol Extract)

Concentrated extract for internal use

  1. Fill jar 1/3 full with crushed frankincense resin
  2. Cover with 80-95% alcohol (high-proof vodka or Everclear)
  3. Seal and shake well
  4. Store in cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily
  5. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing out all liquid
  6. Store in dark dropper bottles

Dosage: 30-60 drops (1-2 ml) in water, 2-3 times daily

7. Frankincense Infused Oil (Topical)

For massage, salves, anointing

  1. Fill jar 1/2 full with crushed frankincense resin
  2. Cover completely with carrier oil (olive, jojoba, sweet almond)
  3. Option 1: Place in sunny window for 4-6 weeks, shake daily
  4. Option 2: Gently heat in double boiler on lowest heat for 2-4 hours
  5. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing well
  6. Store in dark glass bottle

Uses: Massage oil, salve base, ritual anointing, skin care

8. Frankincense Salve

For joint pain, skin healing, anointing

  1. Make frankincense-infused oil (see above)
  2. For every 1 cup oil, add 1-2 tablespoons beeswax
  3. Heat gently in double boiler until wax melts
  4. Optional: Add 10-15 drops frankincense essential oil for potency
  5. Pour into tins or jars
  6. Allow to cool and solidify

Uses: Arthritic joints, muscle pain, wound healing, dry skin

9. Frankincense Hydrosol

Gentle facial toner, room spray

  • Purchase commercial frankincense hydrosol (water produced during distillation)
  • Spray on face as toner after cleansing
  • Use as room spray for gentle purification
  • Add to bath for aromatherapeutic benefits

10. Sacred Incense Blends

Traditional Temple Blend:

  • 3 parts frankincense
  • 2 parts myrrh
  • 1 part sandalwood
  • 1 part benzoin
  • Pinch of saffron or dragon's blood (optional)

Purification Blend:

  • 2 parts frankincense
  • 1 part copal
  • 1 part cedar
  • 1/2 part lavender

Burn on charcoal for ritual, meditation, or space clearing

11. Meditation and Prayer Practice

Using frankincense for spiritual practice:

  1. Light frankincense incense 5-10 minutes before practice
  2. As smoke rises, set intention for session
  3. Sit comfortably, focus on breath
  4. Allow frankincense aroma to deepen meditation
  5. Visualize smoke carrying prayers to divine
  6. Frankincense helps quiet mind, open crown chakra
  7. After practice, offer gratitude

Safety Information and Contraindications

Generally Safe

Frankincense has been safely used for thousands of years and is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, certain precautions apply.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Contraindications for Internal Use

Essential Oil Safety

Side Effects (Rare)

Drug Interactions

Allergic Reactions

Smoke Inhalation Concerns

Quality and Sourcing

Sustainability and Ethical Concerns

Storage

Who Should Consult Healthcare Provider

Modern Scientific Research

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Arthritis Clinical Trials

IBD Research

Asthma Studies

Cancer Research

Neurological Research

Ongoing Research Areas

Key Researchers and Institutions

🔗 Related Across the Mythos

Sacred Traditions
𓂀 Temple Offerings

Egyptian Religion

Temple incense, mummification, Ra worship
✡️ Ketoret Incense

Jewish Tradition

Temple incense, Holy of Holies, Kabbalah
✝️ Liturgical Use

Christian Tradition

Gift of the Magi, Mass, consecration
Associated Deities
☀️ Ra Egyptian Sun God ⚡ Zeus/Jupiter Greek/Roman Sky Father 🕉️ Vishnu Hindu Preserver
Associated Rituals
🔥

Incense Magic

Fumigation & Offerings

Universal
✨

Consecration

Blessing Rituals

Sacred
🧘

Meditation

Contemplative Practice

Spiritual

🌍 Cross-Cultural Sacred Uses

𓂀 Egyptian Temple offerings to Ra ✡️ Jewish Ketoret temple incense ✝️ Christian Gift of the Magi ☪️ Islamic Mosque purification 🕉️ Hindu Puja offerings ☸️ Buddhist Meditation incense

🌿 Related Sacred Plants

Companion Resins & Incenses
🌿

Myrrh

Embalming • Anointing • Death Rites

Companion resin, Gift of the Magi
🌲

Cedar

Temple Building • Purification • Sacred Space

Solomon's Temple, sacred wood
🪵

Sandalwood

Meditation • Calming • Temple Incense

Buddhist, Hindu sacred incense
Purification Plants
🍃

Sage

Cleansing • Wisdom • Protection

Native American, European traditions
🌿

Hyssop

Temple Purification • Biblical Cleansing

Jewish, Christian traditions

📚 See Also

🌿 Herbalism Index 🙏 The Priest Archetype ✨ The Mystic Archetype 🔥 Exorcism Practices 🏛️ Sacred Temples

Resources and Further Reading

Books

Scientific Literature

Online Resources