Frankincense Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Plant Part & Extraction
Steam distilled from the resin (gum oleoresin) of Boswellia trees, primarily Boswellia carteri (Somalia/Egyptian trade classification) and Boswellia serrata (India).
Frankincense is one of the most historically significant aromatic resins, long valued for spiritual practice, respiratory support, and skin regeneration. Both species are widely used in traditional aromatherapy systems.
One of the “Sesquiterpene” Essential Oils
Sesquiterpene-rich oils are traditionally discussed for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
These oils have historically been explored in supportive wellness applications involving:
ALS
MS
Parkinson’s
Dementia
Documented by the Universities of Berlin and Vienna, 1994.
Other sesquiterpene-rich essential oils include:
Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Myrrh
Patchouli
Ginger
Properties of Frankincense Essential Oil
Traditionally described as:
Anti-catarrhal (thins mucus)
Anti-cancer (traditional / research-adjacent claims)
Antidepressant
Anti-infectious
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Anti-tumoral (traditional/research claims)
Expectorant
Immune-stimulant
Sedative
Traditionally recognized for:
respiratory support
immune modulation
emotional grounding
skin regeneration
nervous system calming
meditative states
Frankincense is one of the 12 oils in the Medicine Cabinet.
Aromatic & Emotional Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Aromatically, Frankincense is traditionally associated with:
deep calm and emotional centering
stress relief and nervous system settling
enhanced spiritual awareness
meditation and prayer support
improved emotional resilience
reduced mental fatigue
It is often used to promote a sense of expansion, clarity, and inner stillness.
Common Uses for Frankincense Essential Oil
Traditionally used for:
arthritis
asthma
brain injury support (traditional use)
cancer (adjunct traditional/research interest)
coma support (historical/traditional context)
concussion
confusion
coughs
depression
infection (skin)
inflammation
laryngitis
ALS (traditional/research interest)
mental fatigue
moles
multiple sclerosis (traditional/research interest)
Parkinson’s disease (traditional/research interest)
scarring
tumors
ulcers
warts
wrinkles
Additional traditional uses include:
allergies
bronchitis
colds and flu
diarrhea
headaches
hemorrhaging (traditional use)
herpes
high blood pressure (traditional use)
jaundice
meningitis (traditional use)
nervous system conditions
prostate issues
pneumonia
respiratory infections
sciatic pain
sores and wounds
staph and strep infections
syphilis (historical use)
tuberculosis
tonsillitis
typhoid (historical use)
Aromatic & Traditional Therapeutic Applications
Frankincense is widely used in aromatherapy for:
meditation and prayer practices
respiratory support blends
skin rejuvenation formulas
emotional grounding and stress relief
immune support blends
scar and tissue support routines
It is often considered a foundational oil in both clinical and spiritual aromatherapy traditions.
Historical Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Botanical & Harvesting Tradition
Resin is harvested by making small incisions in Boswellia trees
“White tears” of resin harden on the bark
Trees are carefully managed and rested to preserve production cycles
Highest quality resin is pale and aromatic
Ancient Civilizations
Highly valued in the ancient kingdoms of Sheba and Solomon
Exported through long incense trade routes (2,000+ miles)
Used in Ancient Egypt as early as the 15th century BC (Queen Hatshepsut tomb inscriptions)
Found in Tutankhamun’s tomb
Religious & Cultural Use
Burned in temples as sacred incense
Associated with prayer, divinity, and purification rituals
Mentioned frequently in biblical texts
Used in Middle Eastern holy anointing traditions
Roman Empire
Extremely valuable trade commodity
Nero reportedly burned large quantities in ceremonies
Major driver of long-distance incense trade routes
Traditional Medicine
Used in Egyptian cosmetics and rejuvenation masks
Ground resin used historically in kohl preparations
Used across Ayurvedic and traditional Arabic medicine systems
Aromatic Profile
resinous
warm
woody
slightly citrusy
balsamic
clean and sacred
deep and grounding
Frankincense is often described as expansive yet calming.
Esoteric & Energetic Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil
Astrological Associations
Sun
Saturn
Character
Yang
Elements
Air
Light
Fire
Crystal Associations
Tiger’s Eye
Amber
Topaz
Chakra Associations
2nd Chakra — Sacral (creativity, emotional flow)
7th Chakra — Crown (spiritual connection, prayer, meditation)
Supports all chakras in energetic alignment traditions
Frankincense is traditionally associated with:
spiritual awakening
emotional purification
grounding during meditation
expanded awareness
emotional release and clarity
strengthening inner peace
Contraindications
Not for children under 6
Use cautiously for children over 6
Additional Practitioner Notes
Frankincense is widely regarded as one of the most foundational essential oils in aromatherapy.
It is often used for:
meditation blends
skin regeneration formulas
respiratory support
emotional grounding during stress
spiritual or reflective practices
It is frequently chosen as a “core oil” in therapeutic and aromatic systems due to its broad versatility and long historical use.
Source References
Information sourced from:
The Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
traditional Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and Ayurvedic aromatherapy records
historical trade and religious texts across Mediterranean and Asian regions
Healing Drops Wellness Frankincense Blends:
A luxurious, skin-rejuvenating blend designed to restore radiance, smooth the appearance of fine lines, and support healthy skin renewal. This nourishing formula hydrates, calms inflammation, and enhances overall skin vitality.
Apply one drop to your favorite moisturizer and massage into the face, neck, and chest. Helps soothe sun-exposed skin and reduce the appearance of scarring and sun spots. Many of these oils block UV rays. May be used on other areas of the body.
Formerly called Anti-Wrinkle
A grounding, balancing blend that supports the flow of energy throughout the body.
Diffuse or apply one trop top of body and feet to open meridians and enhance the flow of chi. Perfect for yoga, massage, or any self-care ritual that promotes security, confidence, and a sense of grounded well-being. This blend also helps relieve pain and supports spinal health, making it ideal for mindful movement practices.
A holistic favorite that fills your space with balance, vitality, and the feeling of centered energy.
Formerly called Chiropractor in a Bottle
A deeply grounding blend for inner vision and multidimensional healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Root & Resin helps clear chaotic cellular memory, restore energetic balance, and strengthen your connection to Source and self.
Formerly called Deep Dark Bark
A high-vibration blend with an aphrodisiac scent that attracts abundance—spiritually, physically, and financially. Antiviral and energetically amplifying, it can be applied to personal items to enhance your intentions.
Formerly called Law of Attraction
This targeted blend is formulated to help support the breakdown of uric acid buildup, which may ease inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. It also promotes oxygenation and supports the regeneration of stressed or damaged tissue.
Apply 1–2 drops to the affected area as needed, up to once per hour. Dilute with a carrier oil if needed for sensitive skin or to cover a larger area.
Formerly called Arthritis Relief
This blend is formulated to support immune defense and help cleanse the air of germs. It offers a natural alternative for maintaining wellness during cold, flu, and viral seasons.
Add to a spray bottle with distilled water to freshen the air or lightly mist pillows and the bedroom before bed. Apply 1–2 drops to the outside of the throat with a carrier oil, diffuse, or inhale directly from the bottle as needed.
Formerly called Viral Defense
A biblical, high-frequency blend inspired by ancient anointing traditions. Connects you to both the natural and spiritual realms—invoking grounding, reverence, and divine wisdom. Ideal for meditation, prayer, or energetic alignment. Apply to the body or diffuse to create a deeply spiritual atmosphere and enhance meditation or reflection.
A deeply exotic, uplifting blend that creates emotional harmony, supports feelings of confidence and clarity, and helps balance all chakra energy centers.
Diffuse it to create a serene, uplifting atmosphere, perfect for meditation, yoga, or anytime you want to restore calm and clarity. This powerful combination of 16 oils was created by naturopathic doctor to balance all chakras (energetic centers), supporting emotional wellness and inner harmony.
A potent antiviral spray that helps cleanse the air around you—perfect for your pillow, hotel rooms, or any space needing extra protection. Supports clear communication and expression by opening the throat chakra.
Chakras supported:
• 5th — Throat
Formerly called Anti-Viral
A purifying spray that clears negative energy and strengthens your personal boundaries. Use as a smokeless alternative to sage to cleanse your space or aura. Promotes confidence, clear communication, and energetic protection.
Chakras supported:
• 5th — Throat
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