Profile: Frankincense Essential Oils

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has a long history of being used in religious ceremonies and being worth more than silver and gold in ancient cultures. The dried resin from the trees was traded as a precious aromatic for perfumery, hygiene, skin care and medicine. Frankincense originates from the mountains in the Middle East and northern Africa. Deep incisions are made in the tree trunk and over several weeks the sap exudes from this and dries upon contact with the air. This resin is harvested and can be used as incense or distilled to obtain the essential oil.

The essential oil of frankincense is commonly used in aromatherapy practice. It is usually hydrodistilled (using water instead of steam) from the dried resin. There are four species of frankincense used in modern aromatherapy practice. Frankincense serrata (B. serrata) is used mainly for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Sacred frankincense (B. sacra) is used interchangeably with B. carterii, though there is some disagreement that the two species are the same. These are used for their calming and cognitive boosting properties. B. frerena has a lighter, almost citrus-like aroma and is mainly used for skin care and relaxing qualities. All species of frankincense are used for respiratory ailments, dry skin, wounds, cell protection and emotional issues such as depression, grounding, calming and for meditation. One aromatherapy expert says frankincense essential oil has a “twin uplifting and calming effect to the spirit.”

One misconception about frankincense is that it is effective against cancer. This was promoted by unethical essential oil dealers due to frankincense resin containing the constituent, boswellic acid, which has been shown to have anticarcinogenic properties. However, this constituent is too heavy to pass the distillation process so that the essential oil does not contain it. The extract of frankincense does contain boswellic acid but has barriers to being used against cancer due to the small amount of it in the extract and difficulty targeting the area of cancer. The good news is that there are other essential oils that have been researched for their anticarcinogenic effects with good results.

Frankincense essential oil (all species) has a fresh, clean aroma. It is a clear, thin liquid and care should be taken to minimize its exposure to heat, light and air due to its high volatility.

No contraindications or safety concerns. It is recommended that frankincense essential oil be kept is a cool, dark place with cap/lid on tightly to avoid oxidation.

Please note: B. carterii is a “near threatened" species and B. serrata is “critically endangered.” If buying, please obtain from suppliers who sustainably source their frankincense oils or purchase other species mentioned here.