Ancient Resin, Modern Oil
Frankincense has long been associated as one of the gifts that the magi brought the Christ child. However, it is much more than that. For thousands of years, frankincense has traveled the spice routes of history. Priests burned it in temples, healers pressed it into salves, and merchants carried it across deserts as if it were gold. Even today, most of us find it in a small amber bottle rather than a carved chest. The scent of frankincense has a way of stopping time. It is grounding, resinous, and quietly luminous.
Frankincense isn’t just one thing. It’s a name given to the aromatic resins tapped from several trees in the Boswellia family. The species matters, because each produces its own unique chemical fingerprint. The frankincense most people in the West think of often comes from Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carterii. The one I use most is Boswellia serrata, sometimes called “Indian frankincense.” This species has been part of Ayurvedic traditions for centuries, valued for its calming, resinous qualities.
The important point: a bottle labeled only “Frankincense” doesn’t tell you which species you’re holding. That Latin name on the label, Boswellia serrata in this case, is not trivia. It’s the key to understanding which chemical families are present. It helps identify what properties you can expect. It also guides you on how best to use it safely.
From Resin to Oil
When the bark of a Boswellia tree is tapped, it “weeps” a milky resin. Once hardened, that resin can be burned as incense or extracted into oils. Modern distillers usually steam-distill the resin to create frankincense essential oil. What comes through in distillation are the lighter, volatile compounds. These are the molecules that rise with steam and carry aroma into the air.
Boswellia serrata essential oil is especially rich in monoterpenes such as α-pinene, α-thujene, and limonene. These compounds contribute to its pine-like, resinous scent and have been studied for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities (Sharma et al., 2009). Smaller amounts of sesquiterpenes and alcohols, like serratol, add depth and grounding notes.
The well-known boswellic acids stay largely in the resin itself. They do not come through steam distillation. This means the essential oil and resin extracts are related but distinct — each with its own place in practice.
Therapeutic Personality
Frankincense (B. serrata) is often described as balancing. Its aroma is grounding without heaviness, clear without sharpness.
- Meditation and mood – promotes a sense of calm focus through its grounding aroma.
- Respiratory support – the volatile monoterpenes can help create a sense of openness in the chest when inhaled.
- Skin care – valued for supporting healthy skin tone and texture.
When I talk about frankincense in skincare, I often picture the tree itself. When its bark is cut, the tree produces resin that seals and protects the wound so it can heal. The essential oil, distilled from that resin, seems to echo that protective quality for our skin. While it is not recommended for open wounds, it can help calm irritation and support the skin’s natural renewal.
Blending Companions
Frankincense is versatile, pairing well with florals, woods, and citruses. A few ideas:
- Meditation blend: 2 drops frankincense + 2 lavender + 1 vetiver in the diffuser.
- Clear breathing blend: 3 drops frankincense + 2 eucalyptus + 1 lemon, diluted in a carrier oil for a chest rub.
- Skin serum: 3 drops frankincense + 2 helichrysum + 2 lavender in jojoba oil as a nightly serum.
- Uplifting workspace blend: 2 drops frankincense + 2 bergamot + 1 rosemary.
Safety Snapshot
- Dilution: Keep topical use at 1–2% (about 6–12 drops per ounce of carrier oil).
- Skin sensitivity: Test on a small area first; oxidized oil is more likely to irritate.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place to slow oxidation.
- Special populations: Use caution with children, during pregnancy, and around pets.
- Internal use: Not recommended unless under guidance of a qualified professional.
Why Names Matter
Every bottle of frankincense should list a Latin name. Boswellia serrata carries its own chemical profile and benefits, while B. sacra or B. frereana lean in different directions. Knowing the exact species ensures you are working with the right oil for your purpose. It reminds us that nature’s diversity is part of the gift.
References
- Sharma, A., Chhikara, S., Ghodekar, S. N., Bhatia, S., Kharya, M. D., Gajbhiye, V., Mann, A. S., Namdeo, A. G., & Mahadik, K. R. (2009). Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations on Boswellia serrata. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 3(5), 206–215. https://www.phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-3-5-206.pdf
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone / Elsevier.
- Moussaieff, A., & Mechoulam, R. (2009). Boswellia resin: from religious ceremonies to medical uses; a review of in-vitro, in-vivo and clinical trials. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61(10), 1281–1293. https://doi.org/10.1211/jpp.61.10.0001
- Aromatherapy Web. (n.d.). Frankincense essential oil profile. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/frankincense-essential-oil.php
