Frankincense Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Properties
Anticatarhal (thins mucus), anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-infectious, antioxidant, anti-tumoral, anticancer, immune-stimulant, expectorant, sedative, regenerative.
Frankincense is widely regarded as one of the most important oils for inflammation, immune support, cellular repair, and spiritual grounding. It is deeply restorative to both the physical and energetic systems.
Common Uses
Arthritis, Asthma, Brain Injury, Cancer, Coma, Concussion, Confusion, Coughs, Depression, Infection (skin), Inflammation, Laryngitis, ALS, Mental Fatigue, Moles, MS, Parkinson's Disease, Scarring, Tumors, Ulcers, Warts, Wrinkles.
It is frequently used in both acute and chronic conditions, especially where there is:
systemic inflammation
immune weakness
tissue breakdown or slow healing
respiratory congestion
emotional exhaustion or burnout
Other Uses
Allergies, Bites, Bronchitis, Carbuncles, Colds, Coughs, Diarrhea, Diphtheria, Gonorrhea, Headaches, Hemorrhaging, Herpes, High Blood Pressure, Jaundice, Laryngitis, Meningitis, Nervous Conditions, Prostate Problems, Pneumonia, Respiratory Problems, Sciatic Pain, Sores, Spiritual Awareness, Staph, Strep, Syphilis, Tuberculosis, Tension, Tonsillitis, Typhoid, Wounds.
Frankincense is traditionally used to:
support deep immune resilience
assist in respiratory clearing
calm the nervous system
support skin regeneration and repair
stabilize emotional and mental fatigue
It is often included in formulas for long-term degenerative conditions due to its restorative nature.
Aromatically (Inhalation / Diffusion)
Frankincense has a profound effect on emotional and spiritual states when inhaled.
It is known to:
deepen meditation and prayer states
enhance spiritual awareness and intuition
calm anxiety and emotional overwhelm
promote inner stillness and grounding
support clarity during decision-making
The aroma is resinous, warm, slightly sweet, and deeply sacred in tone.
Frankincense contains sesquiterpenes, enabling it to go beyond the blood brain barrier allowing it to help Dementia, ALS, MS, Parkinson's. Oxygenates the pineal and pituitary glands. It increases the activity of leukocytes in defense of the body against infection.
History
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree, which grows in harsh desert climates of Somalia, Oman, Yemen, India, and surrounding regions. These trees are carefully protected and harvested using traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
The resin is produced when the bark is gently incised, causing the tree to release a protective sap. This sap hardens into “tears,” which are later collected and steam distilled to produce essential oil.
Frankincense has one of the longest recorded histories of any aromatic substance.
Ancient Uses:
Ancient Egypt: embalming, sacred cosmetics, temple rituals
Mesopotamia: spiritual ceremonies and healing rituals
Greece: medicinal applications for respiratory and digestive support
Rome: burned in massive quantities during religious ceremonies
Middle East: considered sacred “holy incense”
Biblical texts: mentioned multiple times as an offering and sacred resin
Frankincense was one of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus, symbolizing divinity and spiritual connection.
At the height of the Roman Empire, frankincense was so valuable that entire caravans traveled over 2,000 miles along established incense trade routes to supply it. Historical records indicate it was burned by the ton in ceremonial settings.
The earliest documented references appear in ancient Egyptian inscriptions, including those associated with Queen Hatshepsut. Traces of aromatic resins were also found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Botanical Overview
There are several key species used for essential oil production:
Boswellia carteri (Somalia)
Boswellia sacra (Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia)
Boswellia frereana (Somalia, often called African elemi)
Boswellia serrata (India, widely used in Ayurveda)
Each species varies slightly in chemistry, aroma, and therapeutic emphasis.
Energetic & Esoteric Uses
Astrological: Sun and Saturn
Element: Air, Light, and Fire
Character: Yang
Number: 3
Crystals: Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Topaz
Frankincense is traditionally considered a bridge between physical and spiritual realms.
It is associated with:
purification and clearing of energetic stagnation
grounding during spiritual practice
strengthening spiritual focus and intention
emotional stabilization during transformation
It is often used in rituals, prayer, and meditation to deepen presence while maintaining grounded awareness.
Chakras
2nd Sacral (creativity, emotional flow)
7th Crown (spiritual connection, prayer, meditation)
Supports all energy centers by aligning emotional grounding with higher awareness.
Frankincense is especially valued for its ability to connect the lower body (stability and safety) with higher consciousness (insight and spiritual clarity).
Contraindications
Not for children under 6. Use caution with children over 6. Always dilute for topical application, especially on sensitive skin.
Blends Well With
Myrrh, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Lavender, Rose, Orange, Patchouli.
Frankincense is often used as a base or anchor note in both emotional and spiritual blends.
Final Thought
Frankincense is one of the most historically significant and therapeutically versatile essential oils known. Its use spans thousands of years across medicine, ritual, and spiritual practice.
It remains a foundational oil for grounding, regeneration, and expanded awareness—supporting both the physical body and the deeper emotional and spiritual systems that influence wellbeing.
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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