Frankincense - Its History and Role in Aromatherapy

Frankincense is highly associated with religion and spiritual practices. In the ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, Frankincense has played an important part in spiritual practices. One reason being that with so many people gathered in one place there were a lot of germs. Burning the Frankincense helped clear the air and protect people from sickness. Many people also believed that the smoke of the incense would carry their prayers to heaven.

You may also recall that Frankincense was among the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus over 2000 years ago; since Frankincense was valued as highly, if not higher than gold, it was the gift of Kings. Today, Frankincense is still burned during catholic masses and for Jewish ceremonies.

If you’re not familiar with Frankincense, right about now you’re ready to find out what it is and why it’s so highly valued. Frankincense is an aromatic resin. It comes from a tree called Boswellia thurifera, which is native to Northern Africa. (To make for easier reading, this article will refer to it as the Frankincense tree from here on out). The tree looks like a shrub, nothing too fancy; and it sometimes sprouts small flowers.

To get to the good stuff, the Frankincense itself, you have to make a deep slash into the bark of the Frankincense tree so that the resin can ooze out. When it first comes out the resin is a milky white color. But you don’t take it just yet. It takes several weeks to three months for the resin to fully harden. The hardened resin takes on a tear shape and turns a brownish color. This gummy resin is then harvested by scraping it off the Frankincense tree.

Because Frankincense was only found in Northern Africa, there weren’t enough trees to keep up with the demand. If you factor in the high demand, the limited supply, and the difficulty of the delivery, you can see how Frankincense would have been very expensive.

Today, Frankincense can be burned in its hardened, gummy form; but it has gained a lot of its current popularity by being processed to oil form and used in aromatherapy. When it’s processed to this oil form it takes on the name essential oil. (Because it is the essential oils from the plant or in this case the tree).

So now you know it’s popular in aromatherapy, but how do you use it and why? So glad you asked. Frankincense is still used in its gummy, hardened form today. You can burn this to use as incense. With Frankincense essential oil you can burn it in an oil lamp, in a candle or add it to a pan of hot water.

Burning the actual Frankincense or the oil is most often used for its stimulating and disinfecting properties. When the vapors are inhaled they will help to elevate your mind, relieve depression, slow and deepen your breathing, and fight against infection by supporting your immune system.

Using essential oils for massage or skin care is also a part of aromatherapy. This practice is great because you get the benefit of inhaling the vapors as well as the physical benefits for your skin. Frankincense kills bacteria, which makes it great for cleansing your skin, especially for clearing up acne. It renews skin cells and restores the skin tone, which means that it’s helpful in the treatment of scars and wounds. Many people are surprised to know that Frankincense also fights against wrinkles. Because of its inflammatory properties you can also use Frankincense to soothe joint pain and arthritis.

Another interesting way that Frankincense is used is during childbirth. Because it slows and deepens breathing, it’s perfect to use during contractions. Many people are opting to use aromatherapy during labor.

Frankincense is indeed a wonderful essential oil to have around. It has so many uses and keeps you healthy at that.