Frankincense Resin

FRANKINCENSE RESIN

Frankincense resin is the hardened, honey-colored tears of the Boswellia tree, tapped from the arid hillsides of Oman, Somalia, Yemen, and India. Known as the “King of Resins,” frankincense isn’t just a scent or a supplement, it’s one of the oldest continuously used plant medicines in the world. This is a resin that has carried prayers, preserved the dead, and healed the living for over 5,000 years.

Frankincense begins its life when the bark of a Boswellia tree (typically Boswellia sacra, carterii, or serrata) is deliberately cut. In response, the tree exudes a sticky, milky-white resin—a protective response to wounding. After a few weeks of drying in the desert sun, it hardens into translucent amber-like drops, called “tears,” which are then harvested by hand. These tears are what we call frankincense resin, and their journey from sacred offering to global trade commodity is epic.

Let’s rewind to Ancient Egypt: frankincense resin was burned daily in temples as an offering to Ra, the sun god, and ground into kohl eyeliner, used in embalming, and mixed into sacred salves. Egyptians considered it an incarnation of divine breath- cleansing the body, mind, and spirit. Meanwhile, in Mesopotamia and the Levant, frankincense was a core ritual material. Priests burned it as incense to communicate with gods, cleanse the air, and mark sacred space. It symbolized purification, ascension, and the presence of the divine.

The demand was so intense that it sparked entire trade empires. The Incense Route was a network of ancient camel caravan trails stretching from South Arabia to the Mediterranean. Frankincense was carried across thousands of miles. It was so valuable it helped build the legendary city of Petra, and was traded by the ton in Rome, Greece, Persia, and India. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder once wrote that no sacrifice was complete without frankincense. And yes, it was one of the three sacred gifts given to Jesus by the Magi, representing divinity and healing.

In Ayurveda, the resin is known as shallaki, and was used for treating arthritis, wounds, and respiratory ailments. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was used to move blood, relieve pain, and treat trauma and swelling. Across Africa and Arabia, women burned frankincense daily in the home for cleansing, protection, and fertility, while also using it internally for uterine and digestive support.

Modern science has since caught up. The resin contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called boswellic acids, which are now being studied for their effects on arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Frankincense resin is also antimicrobial, mildly astringent, and promotes wound healing.

Today, frankincense resin still does what it’s always done. When burned, it clears the air and the spirit. It’s grounding yet uplifting, connecting earth to sky. It deepens breath, settles the nervous system, and invites stillness- a moment of presence in a fast world.

So no, frankincense resin isn’t just for incense burners. It is sacred architecture in botanical form. A gift from tree to human that stands at the crossroads of medicine, mysticism, and trade for thousands of years.

Medicinal Uses of Frankincense Resin

Anti-inflammatory Support

• Contains boswellic acids that inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes

• Used to reduce inflammation in arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and joint pain

• Supports relief from chronic inflammatory diseases

Pain Relief and Musculoskeletal Health

• Eases joint pain, muscle stiffness, and back pain

• Helpful for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Respiratory Health

• Traditionally burned as incense to open airways and ease coughing

• Used in steam or tea form to support conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic congestion

Immune System Modulation

• Strengthens immune response while helping reduce autoimmune overactivity

• May help regulate immune system balance in conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Digestive and Gut Support

• Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to treat IBD, gastritis, and colitis

• Reduces intestinal inflammation and improves gut lining integrity

Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Properties

• Fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi, especially when used topically

• Used on wounds, sores, and skin infections in poultice or oil form

Skin and Wound Healing

• Promotes cell regeneration and scar healing

• Used in salves, oils, and balms for eczema, acne, scars, and dry, cracked skin

Mental and Emotional Support

• Acts as a mild anxiolytic and nervine, promoting calm and clarity

• Used in aromatherapy or incense to relieve anxiety, restlessness, and depression

Cognitive and Neuroprotective Effects

• Emerging research suggests potential support for memory, concentration, and neuroinflammation

• Being studied for possible benefits in Alzheimer’s disease

Hormonal and Reproductive Support

• In some traditions, used to balance hormones, support fertility, and tone the uterus

• Also used postpartum to support womb healing

Cancer Research and Anti-Tumor Potential

• Preliminary studies show boswellic acids may inhibit cancer cell growth and support apoptosis (cell death)

• Still under investigation; not a stand-alone treatment, but promising as complementary support

Spiritual and Energetic Cleansing

• Burned as incense for energetic purification, rituals, and meditation

• Used to clear emotional heaviness and restore spiritual clarity

Common Preparations

• Resin burned as incense: Clears respiratory pathways and uplifts mood

• Powdered resin or capsules: For anti-inflammatory or immune support

• Tincture or decoction: Less common but used for internal healing in traditional systems

• Essential oil: Applied topically (diluted) or used aromatically

• Salves and balms: For skin healing and localized inflammation