Frankincense: what it is, effects, types and how to use it

When Frankincense is gently heated over a small ember, it releases a scent that people have associated with peace and concentration for thousands of years. It's spicy, slightly citrusy, with a woody undertone – a scent that quiets the mind and makes a space cozy. This is why incense appears in sacred rituals across cultures and remains a part of Christian liturgy. It is a symbol that connects tradition with the present.

What is Frankincense?

Practically, it is a resin collected from various species of the Boswellia genus, mainly from B. sacra, B. papyrifera, B. frereana, and B. serrata. These trees grow in hot and dry areas of Oman, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and India.

How is Frankincense collected?

Collection takes place during the dry season. Collectors make small incisions in the bark using a special tool known as a mengaff. The tree is usually notched 8–12 times per season. After each collection, a scar remains, so moderation is important to avoid weakening the tree.

Collectors distinguish between stages of "bleeding":

• The first oozing is less pure,
• The second is of better quality,
• And the third (after about three months) is considered the most valuable.

Origin and history of Frankincense

The use of incense dates back thousands of years. Evidence of its use is found in archaeological finds, ancient royal records, and medical texts.

The earliest tangible evidence of the use of aromatic resins, likely including incense, is found in graves in the El-Mahasna area in Egypt. These finds date back to the 4th millennium BCE, even before the official founding of the first Egyptian dynasty.

The first medical mention of Frankincense

One of the most significant written proofs of the use of incense is the Ebers Papyrus, dating approximately to 1550 BCE. This ancient Egyptian medical text contains dozens of recipes using incense mainly for throat, respiratory issues, and inflammation. It's probably the oldest preserved written mention of the use of frankincense as a medicinal raw material.

"Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh"

According to the Gospel of Matthew, the three Magi brought gold, incense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. In Christian symbolism, incense is associated with the divine nature and remains the "sacred scent" in liturgy – rising smoke resembles prayer. Unique as this phrase might be, the essence is clear – incense was both a luxury and a sacred symbol.

Frankincense in different traditions

Incense has been an integral part of religious rituals, healing processes, and daily life across the world since ancient times. Its fragrance carried prayers to heaven, repelled evil forces, and healed body and soul alike. Let’s explore how incense was used in different cultures and what it symbolized for them.

Frankincense on the Arabian Peninsula

In Arab culture, incense has many uses:

• Perfuming clothes and homes
• Repelling evil spirits
• Cleansing spaces, including mosques
• A traditional remedy for colds, nervousness, and digestion

It's believed that its pure scent attracts angels and blessings – making it a common feature of both daily and ritual occasions.

Jewish tradition

In ancient Jewish temples, incense – known as levonah – was a crucial element of what's called the holy scent. This mixture comprised several types of spices and resins and was used during temple sacrifices.

Incense was burned during prayers, so its smoke would rise to heaven symbolizing the connection between man and God. It was also added to bread offerings, further emphasizing its ritual significance.

Christian liturgy

Though early Christians rejected the use of Frankincense as a pagan practice, it eventually became a significant part of the liturgy. Incense today symbolizes:

• Prayers rising to the heavens
• Purification of the soul and sacred space
• Respect and sanctification of holy rituals

Incense smoke is an integral part of many church rituals – especially in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
Most commonly, it involves a combination of incense and myrrh, complemented by other strong ingredients like onycha, styrax, or other herbs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Frankincense has a long and rich history and is considered:

• Activator of Qi (life energy)
• Contributor to blood circulation
• Remedy for pain and inflammation

Spiritual dimension in TCM

In ancient Chinese texts, incense is described as a tool that connects the physical and spiritual world. Besides its medicinal use, it had a strong symbolic position in rituals of death and rebirth. It helped "return the soul" to the deceased or accompanied it on its final journey.

What is incense made of?

Incense resin is a mixture of several substances – experts call it an oleo-gum resin. In practice, it means it contains:

• About a third of gum (30–36%) – this gives the resin flexibility and protects the tree
• An acidic resin base (about 6%)
• Essential oils and aromatic substances, constituting the rest of the composition

This combination of substances makes incense a unique natural remedy as well as a spiritual tool. Thanks to boswellic acids, incense is often used for joint pain but also for inflammatory diseases. In addition, other components, like limonene or α-pinene, have mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties – making incense useful not only in spiritual practice but also in aromatherapy.

Effects of incense: resin vs. oil

Today, Frankincense is used in two main forms – as raw resin and as an essential oil. Although they come from the same plant, their properties and effects differ significantly in practice.

Resin

• Traditionally burned on charcoal or heated in incense burners
• Used mainly in rituals, meditations, and spiritual practices, as its smoke induces a sense of peace, purification, and connection with something higher
• Contains Boswellic acids, studied primarily for inflammation and pain issues, such as arthritis, swelling, or post-injury conditions
• Clinical studies suggest that resin extract can relieve joint pain, reduce swelling, and support better mobility in some people
• With proper processing (e.g., in extracts or tinctures), incense resin can positively affect digestion, blood sugar levels, and inflammation in the body
• In traditional Ayurveda, it has been used for centuries as a herbal aid for various types of chronic issues.

Essential oil

• Made by steam distillation of the resin
• Contains mainly volatile compounds (monoterpenes), released, for example, in a diffuser or when applied to the skin (always diluted with a carrier oil)
• Suitable for daily use – for relaxation support, massage, skincare, or creating a pleasant home environment without smoke
• Scientific studies have shown that some components of the oil can help with irritated skin, healing, and inflammation reduction. While some laboratory tests suggest antioxidant and anti-cancer effects, these results are not confirmed in humans and should not be understood as a substitute for treatment

Mixing incense with myrrh or thyme

Incense, myrrh, and thyme – what is the difference?

These three scents are often mentioned in rituals, meditation, or aromatherapy, but each has a different origin and effect:

• Incense (frankincense) is dried resin from the tree Boswellia. It has a gentle, citrus-woody scent and is associated with peace, meditation, and spiritual upliftment. Traditionally used in temples and for space cleansing.
• Myrrh comes from shrubs Commiphora and has a darker, earthier, and more bitter scent. It's deeper, grounding and often associated with healing, embalming, and spiritual depth.
• Thyme is an herb with a sharp, spicy scent. Unlike incense and myrrh, it's not a resin but a dried plant or essential oil made from it. Used to purify the air, boost immunity, and has strong antibacterial properties.

Why and how are incense, myrrh, and thyme mixed?

The scent of incense, myrrh, and thyme is traditionally associated with purification, healing, and spiritual practice. Mixing these ingredients isn't random – each has its character, which in combination creates a rich and balanced effect.

The blend of incense and myrrh is traditionally used in spiritual ceremonies – incense brings peace, lightness, and elevation to the space, while myrrh adds depth, grounding, and a kind of quiet reverence. Their combination resembles the breath of ancient temples – warm, sweet-smoky, and very meditative. Therefore, it is often found in prayer, meditation, or farewell rituals.

When incense is mixed with thyme, it creates a pure cleansing blend. Incense helps balance emotions, while thyme brings a strong herbal tone with disinfecting effects. This combination is suitable for post-illness, energetic space cleaning, or during a new moon or at the start of a new phase.

Their triple combination – incense, myrrh, and thyme – has the strongest effect. It is used in more intense rituals when we want to cleanse the body, space, and mind. Incense calms, myrrh grounds, and thyme creates protective space. The scent is rich, distinctive, and ceremonial – perfect for times when you need an internal restart.

How to safely burn Frankincense at home

Burning incense is not just about fragrance – it's an experience, a ritual, and a pleasant way to scent space or create a spiritual atmosphere. However, for this experience to be safe and stress-free, it's good to know some basic principles.

Church thurible vs. home incense burner

You might recall a church thurible – a metal device on chains swung by a priest during mass. Although we don't need such a thing at home, the principle remains the same: we need a heat-resistant vessel in which we can safely burn incense resin.

For home use, ceramic, metal, or stone incense burners placed on a non-flammable base are ideal. A bowl filled with sand or Himalayan salt, which insulates the heat, also works well.

Incense burners and other accessories are available for viewing and ordering directly on our site :-)

Charcoal for incense: how to use it properly

To burn incense at home, so-called quick-igniting incense charcoal – small black disks that ignite easily – are most commonly used. Just grab one with tongs, light it from the side, and let it burn for a minute or two. Then place a small piece of incense resin on it, and the scent will start to release.

Note: Coals are extremely hot and should be handled with care. Always let them burn out completely or extinguish them with water after use.
Coals are available for viewing and ordering directly on our site :-)

Safe incense burning at home

To ensure safe incense burning at home, keep these principles in mind:

• Burn incense only in a well-ventilated room, never near curtains, children, or pets.
• Never leave an incense burner unattended – the coal burns long and can start a fire.
• After burning, let everything cool down completely – both the coal and the vessel remain hot for a long time.
• If you have asthma or smoke sensitivity, opt for an electric incense burner or an essential oil diffuser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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