Frankincense Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Complete Guide

Frankincense is the essential oil of ceremony and contemplation. Traded along the ancient Incense Route for millennia, this precious resin commanded prices rivaling gold. The Three Wise Men chose it as a gift fit for royalty, and temples from India to Rome burned it as an offering to the divine.

Today, science is validating what traditional healers knew intuitively: frankincense offers remarkable benefits for skin health, emotional balance, and overall wellness. Understanding the different species and quality factors helps you choose the right frankincense for your needs.

Understanding Frankincense Species

Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees, with several species producing distinct essential oils. The tree's resin hardens when exposed to air, and this resin is then steam-distilled to produce essential oil.

Boswellia carterii (Carterii Frankincense)

The most common frankincense essential oil, carterii offers a balanced profile of woody, citrusy, and balsamic notes. It's versatile and well-suited for most applications.

Best for: Meditation, skincare, general aromatherapy

Scent profile: Warm, sweet, balsamic with citrus top notes

Origin: Somalia, Ethiopia

Boswellia sacra (Sacred Frankincense)

Considered the finest frankincense, sacra comes from Oman and produces an exceptionally pure, spiritual-feeling oil. It's prized for meditation and ceremonial use.

Best for: Spiritual practices, premium skincare, collectors

Scent profile: More refined and complex than carterii

Origin: Oman (Royal grade comes from specific regions)

Boswellia frereana (Maydi Frankincense)

A rarer variety with a distinctly different chemical profile—higher in alpha-pinene, creating a fresher, more coniferous scent.

Best for: Respiratory support, unique aromatic profile

Scent profile: Fresh, pine-like, less traditionally "churchy"

Origin: Somalia

Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense)

While primarily known as a supplement (boswellia extract), the essential oil offers different properties than African varieties. It's often used in Ayurvedic traditions.

Best for: Ayurvedic applications, joint comfort support

Scent profile: Slightly more medicinal than African varieties

Origin: India

Research-Backed Benefits

Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Frankincense has become a staple in natural skincare, and research supports its reputation. Studies show:

Cellular support: Boswellic acids in frankincense demonstrate the ability to support healthy cell function, making it popular in anti-aging formulations.

Anti-inflammatory action: Research published in Planta Medica confirms frankincense's anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for stressed or aging skin.

Wound healing: Traditional use for scar reduction has some scientific backing, with studies showing improved skin appearance with regular application.

For skincare, frankincense pairs exceptionally well with rosehip oil, addressing multiple signs of aging simultaneously.

Emotional Balance and Meditation

Frankincense's most ancient use—spiritual and ceremonial—may have neurological basis. Research indicates:

Stress reduction: A 2008 study in FASEB Journal found that incensole acetate, a compound in frankincense, activates brain pathways associated with reduced anxiety and depression.

Enhanced focus: The grounding quality of frankincense helps quiet mental chatter, explaining its traditional use in meditation across many cultures.

Improved breathing: The slow, deep breathing often induced by frankincense aromatherapy contributes to its calming effects through parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Respiratory Support

While not as powerful as eucalyptus for congestion, frankincense offers gentle respiratory support, particularly for clearing minor congestion and promoting full, relaxed breathing during meditation or yoga.

Joint Comfort

Boswellic acids have been extensively studied for joint health. While most research focuses on oral supplements rather than essential oil, topical application of diluted frankincense may provide local comfort for stiff joints.

How to Use Frankincense Safely

Diffusion

Frankincense's warm, resinous aroma creates a contemplative atmosphere. Add 3-5 drops to your diffuser for:

Meditation or yoga practice
Evening wind-down
Stress relief after difficult days
Creating sacred or peaceful spaces

Meditation blend:

3 drops frankincense
2 drops lavender
1 drop sandalwood

Topical Application

Frankincense is generally well-tolerated and considered one of the gentler oils for skin application.

Standard dilutions:

Facial serum: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce carrier)
Body oil: 2-3% (12-18 drops per ounce carrier)
Targeted application: 3-5% (18-30 drops per ounce carrier)

Best carrier oils for frankincense:

Rosehip oil (anti-aging synergy)
Jojoba oil (balanced, long-lasting)
Argan oil (luxury skincare)

Direct Inhalation

For quick stress relief or before meditation:

Place 1-2 drops on palms
Rub hands together
Cup over nose and mouth
Breathe deeply 5-10 times
Optional: run hands through hair for lingering scent

Spiritual and Ceremonial Use

To use frankincense for meditation or spiritual practice:

Apply diluted oil to pulse points (wrists, temples)
Diffuse during practice
Anoint specific areas according to your tradition
Combine with breathwork for enhanced effects

DIY Frankincense Recipes

Anti-Aging Facial Serum

A premium treatment for mature or sun-damaged skin:

1 oz rosehip seed oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops geranium essential oil

Combine in a dark glass dropper bottle. Apply 3-4 drops to clean, damp skin morning and evening.

Meditation Anointing Oil

For personal practice and ritual:

1 oz jojoba oil
8 drops frankincense essential oil
4 drops sandalwood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix in a small glass bottle. Apply to pulse points before meditation. Store away from light.

Calming Bath Blend

A ceremonial bathing experience:

1 cup Epsom salt
2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
8 drops frankincense essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Mix oils with salt, then add almond oil. Add to warm running bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Joint Comfort Oil

For stiff muscles and joints:

2 oz carrier oil (sweet almond or fractionated coconut)
15 drops frankincense essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil

Combine in a bottle. Massage into affected areas as needed.

Stress Relief Roller

For on-the-go calm:

10ml roller bottle
Fractionated coconut oil (to fill)
6 drops frankincense essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops orange essential oil

Add oils to roller bottle, fill with carrier oil. Apply to wrists, behind ears, and back of neck when stressed.

Buying Guide: Choosing Quality Frankincense

Species Selection

Choose based on your primary use:

Carterii: All-purpose, best value
Sacra: Meditation, premium skincare, spiritual use
Frereana: Respiratory support, unique aroma
Serrata: Ayurvedic traditions

Quality Indicators

Species clearly stated: Avoid "frankincense blend" or unspecified species
Country of origin: Somalia, Oman, Ethiopia for African varieties
Sustainable sourcing: Boswellia trees face overharvesting—ethical sourcing matters
GC/MS testing: Verifies purity and species
Price point: Quality frankincense costs $15-40+ per 10ml depending on species

Sustainability Considerations

Frankincense trees are under significant pressure from overharvesting. Support companies that:

Source from sustainably managed forests
Pay fair prices to harvesters
Invest in replanting programs
Provide transparent sourcing information

What to Avoid

Unusually cheap "frankincense" (likely synthetic or adulterated)
No species identification
Harsh, chemical, or flat scent
Sellers who can't provide origin information

Frankincense in Spiritual Traditions

Ancient Egyptian Use

Egyptians used frankincense in embalming, temple ceremonies, and cosmetics. Kohl eyeliner was often made with charred frankincense.

Judeo-Christian Traditions

Frankincense appears throughout the Bible—in temple offerings, as a gift to the infant Jesus, and as a symbol of prayer rising to heaven.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has been used for thousands of years to support joint health and respiratory function.

Modern Spiritual Practice

Today, frankincense remains popular among:

Meditation practitioners
Yoga communities
Those creating sacred spaces
Anyone seeking grounding and centering

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is frankincense so expensive?

Quality frankincense comes from remote regions with limited infrastructure. Trees take years to mature, and sustainable harvesting limits supply. Additionally, frankincense trees face overharvesting pressure, making truly sustainable oil valuable.

Can I apply frankincense directly to my skin?

While frankincense is gentler than many oils, dilution is still recommended for regular use. Occasional neat application to small areas is generally well-tolerated, but carrier oils help the frankincense absorb better and prevent potential sensitization.

What's the difference between frankincense and myrrh?

Both are tree resins used in ancient religious practices, but they come from different species and have distinct properties. Frankincense is lighter, more citrusy, and more commonly used; myrrh is heavier, more medicinal, and often used in mouth care products.

How do I know if my frankincense is real?

Quality frankincense has a complex, evolving scent with woody, citrus, and balsamic notes. Synthetic or adulterated versions smell flat, one-dimensional, or overly perfume-like. Request GC/MS testing from your supplier.

Can frankincense help with scars?

Some research and traditional use support frankincense for improving skin texture and appearance of scars. Results take time and consistency. Combine with rosehip oil for enhanced benefits.

Is frankincense safe for children?

Frankincense is considered one of the safer oils for children when properly diluted. Use 0.5-1% dilution for children over 2. As always, consult a pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Last updated: December 30, 2025. This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils therapeutically.