Incense

Many small kingdoms and major trading villages of old were supported by the trade of Frankincense, among other aromatic incense plants and tree resins. Arabian traders were made wealthy beyond belief from these precious botanical substances; Egyptian pharaohs were happy to pay enormously for unbelievable amounts of exotic incenses from afar. Through the sacred smoke of Frankincense, these wealthy rulers, spiritual leaders, and royals of the Old World shared in the aromatic riches of the divine sense of smell. Never-ending plumes of smoke emanated the halls of ancient temples, castles, and courts, bathing royalty in constant fragrant blessings.

The ancient Egyptians were quite fond of Frankincense resin and used it as temple incense (an ingredient in the famous Kyphi incense), as medicine, in the use of cosmetics and perfumery, and even for burial ceremonies and embalming. The enormous appetite for heavenly Frankincense smoke among royalty, religious institutions, and wealthy citizens of Europe, Egypt, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia made this prized resin one of the most heavily exported resins in the world. For thousands of years caravans carrying metric tons of Frankincense traveled the ancient Incense Road reaching tropical paradises, gloomy fortresses, and far-off exotic kingdoms near and far.

In Catholicism, Frankincense and Myrrh have been used in rites since its formation and are still present in the church today. Burning Frankincense in the church may also be viewed in the context of a “burnt offering” given to God. Like many other religious and spiritual traditions, the act of smoke rising upward is thought by Catholics and Christians alike to carry prayers to heaven, or to the Creator.
Frankincense has been an important substance in Alchemical and European mystical traditions for its symbolism and its practical and spiritual medicine.

In Alchemy, it was used to make many different philosophical medicinal preparations aimed at physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional healing, as well as for spiritual evolution. Countless wise men and women have meditated on Frankincense’s many layers of meaning and hidden wisdom, as it is an herb long associated with the Sun, the intuition, divine connection, inner strength, personal power, and the archetype of the King, Many of the esoteric and magical uses of Frankincense are based on its affinity to the Sun. In times of old it was used as sacrificial incense to many Sun gods including the Egyptian Sun god Ra, the Greek deity Apollo, and the Babylonian Sun god Bael. This sacred connection resembles spiritual insight, spiritual self-discipline, and the dedication of finding ones true spiritual nature. Frankincense is known to open up channels to a higher power and higher wisdom during meditation and ritual; a sacred key that unlocks the door to the divine.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Since Biblical times, the many healing abilities of Frankincense have been utilized to treat a wide variety of illnesses and imbalances all over the world. It has been most widely used for its bacteria, infection, and virus-killing properties. Many cultures would burn Frankincense around the dead or in infirmaries during times of plague to control the spread of disease. Frankincense is burned as incense or used in an essential oil diffuser for various internal healing purposes. It has been used in the treatment of various respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and laryngitis, and is also an effective expectorant with the ability to relieve tightness in the chest.

Physicians of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan Medicine, and Ayurveda have been using Frankincense incense and essential oil to relieve nervous tension, stress, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and other nervous disorders for ages. Many also utilize the melted resin topically or in ointment or salve form for its ability to relieve pain associated with arthritis, muscle tension, joint stiffness, menstruation, and various injuries. Ancient cultures also applied Frankincense topically to heal wounds and to prevent infection and scarring.

When safe doses are taken internally using traditional raw resin preparations (not essential oil), Frankincense can help improve circulation of the blood, relieve certain digestive problems, and soothe inflamed tissues (depending on a person’s unique personal constitution). It has even been studied for its effects in killing cancer cells and preventing free-radical damage. Recent studies have proven that Frankincense can be beneficial in cases of ovarian, colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, these studies have yet to be verified by ‘officials’ and are still in process of publication. Many of the ancient medicinal applications of Frankincense resin are still used today for the same disorders and illnesses.
Frankincense is a mainstay in any incense lover or aromatherapist’s collection. Whether you’re in need of positive upliftment, healing, to release nervous tension in the mind and body, to connect more deeply with the self or a higher power, or simply desire to enjoy the rich, fruity aroma of the world’s most ancient incense resin, Frankincense is a warm and comforting companion to meditation, contemplation, and your own unique spiritual evolution.

Sustainability and Endangerment

The Frankincense populations of the world are greatly threatened at this time due to their ever-growing popularity, over-harvesting, and natural destructive forces. The rise in popularity of essential oils has had the most devastating effect on the natural populations of these trees. Local harvesters try to meet large-scale corporate demand of essential oil companies by harvesting much more than the trees can handle, jeopardizing the tree’s well-being. Once weakened in this way, their immune systems are compromised, allowing disease and insects to finish them off. Frankincense trees are highly endangered at this time,though the demand and trade of this precious commodity has not slowed. Studies show that if we continue down the road of unconscious stewardship and over-harvesting, Frankincense trees could be extinct in 50 years!

Times of crisis tend to generate good in the world however. In light of this critical reality, local leaders and wild-harvesting co-operatives in North Africa have begun to address this issue, spreading knowledge and best practices for healthy harvesting methods as quickly as possible. Though in its infancy, the exports from these co-operatives and sustainability groups are growing. Soon sustainability certification will be available for suppliers, allowing the consumer to vote with their dollar and do their part to preserve the timeless treasure and traditions of Frankincense. Be sure to ask your Frankincense resin/oil supplier to look into these co-operatives, and demand ethical and sustainable sourcing of their Frankincense from them.

Want to learn more about incense traditions and aromatic plant medicine? Check out the one-of-a-kind Listening to Incense Program today!

Latin Name: Boswellia carterii, B. sacra, B. frereana, B. serrata, B. thurifera, B. bhaw-dajiana
Other Names: Olibanum, Oleo, Oliban, Frankincense
Family: Burseraceae
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Chakra: Third Eye, Crown
Parts Used: resin, gum
Aroma: rich, resinous, balsamic, sweet, slightly citrus, camphoraceous
Organ/System Affiliation: nervous system, respiratory system, immune system
Physiological Effects: analgesic, antibacterial, anti-depressive, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, calmative, carminative, expectorant, stomachic, vulnerary.