For millennia, the frankincense tree has held a profound connection to spiritual practices across the globe. Revered in ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek, and Roman civilizations, frankincense played a significant role in both religious ceremonies and daily life. Kings sought it, valuing it as highly as gold. Today, frankincense essential oil is experiencing a resurgence in popularity among spiritual seekers and natural healers. But what makes this tree, whose resin was a gift for a revered prophet, so extraordinary?
The frankincense tree, or Olibanum, may appear unassuming at first glance. Resembling a large shrub with gnarled branches, it boasts slender leaves and occasional small white flowers. Native to northern Africa, it thrives in harsh desert environments. However, it’s the tree’s sap that holds the captivating lore. When the bark is cut (traditionally with a ‘Mingaf’), a milky-white oleoresin seeps out without harming the tree. This resin forms droplets, known as ‘tears’ or ‘pearls,’ which harden into the orange-brown gum we know as frankincense. The name comes from the medieval French ‘franc’ (pure or free) and the Latin ‘incensium’ (to smoke).
For over 5,000 years, this hardened resin has been burned in temples throughout Egypt, China, and India. The Catholic Church still uses it during Mass. It is a key ingredient in Jewish ceremonial incense, vital for Sabbath offerings. The smoke of frankincense, like other ritual incenses, is believed to carry prayers to heaven, deepen breath, and calm the mind, making it ideal for meditation and yoga. The antiseptic smoke may also have health benefits, protecting congregations from disease.
Ancient records show that the Baal temple of Babylon consumed 2.5 tons of frankincense annually. The frankincense trade peaked around 2,000 years ago, with caravans of 2,000-3,000 camels. Cities flourished along trade routes, and taxes for protection, lodging, and fodder greatly increased the resin’s value, making it as precious as gold. This wealth inspired Alexander the Great to try and control the region, but he died before his invasion.
Frankincense resin is known for its numerous health benefits. Ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenating face masks and as eyeliner. Historically, it was used to treat a wide range of ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine, known as salai guggul, it has been used for centuries to treat conditions like arthritis. Modern science has identified boswellic acids as active compounds with anti-arthritic properties. These acids inhibit inflammation, improve blood flow, and prevent cartilage damage.
Modern natural medicine uses frankincense essential oil, steam or CO2 distilled from the resin. Its warm, woody, sweet aroma with citrus notes is used for respiratory issues like bronchitis, catarrh, and asthma, as well as for wrinkles, wounds, dry skin, rheumatism, cystitis, and leukorrhea.
Frankincense oil significantly affects the nervous system. It is an antidepressant that can relax and revitalize, relieving nervous tension and exhaustion. Sesquiterpenes in frankincense oil stimulate the limbic system, hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. Research is exploring its ability to increase human growth hormone production. It may also strengthen the immune system due to its uplifting effects.
Like burning incense, frankincense essential oil can be used in spiritual practices. Warming it in a candle lamp or applying it to the temples and third eye can quiet the mind, deepen breath, and promote meditation. Blending it with sandalwood, myrrh, and cedarwood enhances its effects, fostering single-pointed concentration and spiritual elevation.
Frankincense resin is readily available and affordable, mostly wildcrafted from trees in northeast Africa. Fortunately, the trees easily withstand harvesting. The resin can be lit in a dish to release its aromatic smoke. Frankincense is also available as incense sticks. Simply light it and enjoy the soothing aroma.
For essential oil use, use a diffuser or warming lamp to disperse the scent. It’s also found in aromatherapy candles. Frankincense oil can be applied directly to the forehead (it is non-irritating) to inhale the aroma and absorb the oil. Take time to sit quietly and notice the effects.
The wonderful gift of the frankincense tree is available in many forms and has been praised for thousands of years. Add frankincense to your life and discover its mysteries!