When the Wise Men brought frankincense to Jesus, it wasn’t just symbolic — it was intentional. Frankincense was already one of the most valued substances of the ancient world, known for its ability to support the body, calm the mind, and create space for prayer, stillness, and reflection.
“They presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11
Frankincense has always been more than a fragrance.
It has been a companion in worship, wellness, and daily life for thousands of years.
It has been a companion in worship, wellness, and daily life for thousands of years.
What Is Frankincense?
Frankincense is distilled from the resin of trees in the Boswellia family. The resin is carefully harvested by hand, a process that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Once distilled, it produces an essential oil that has been used across cultures for physical support, emotional grounding, and spiritual practices.
Long before modern science, people recognized its value. Today, research continues to explore why.
Why Frankincense Has Endured for Thousands of Years
Frankincense contains naturally occurring compounds such as boswellic acids and incensole acetate, which are being studied for their role in:
- Supporting healthy inflammatory balance
- Encouraging immune resilience
- Promoting cellular health and repair
- Supporting the nervous system and emotional regulation
Researchers have also identified that certain compounds found in frankincense can cross the blood–brain barrier, helping explain its grounding, calming, and clarity-enhancing effects.
This blend of physical, emotional, and reflective support is what makes frankincense so unique.
How Frankincense Supports the Body
Frankincense essential oil it’s known for its antitumoral, immunostimulant, antidepressant, and muscle-relaxing benefits. As well as stimulating the limbic system of the brain and the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands.
Frankincense contains monoterpenes, compounds known for their supportive and balancing properties. Rather than acting aggressively, monoterpenes help harmonize and enhance the effects of other components in the oil. They are often described as the “peacemakers” — bringing balance, organization, and gentle support to the body.
Used thoughtfully and consistently, frankincense may help support:
- Immune wellness, especially during seasonal challenges
- Comfort in joints, muscles, and tissues
- Healthy skin repair and overall skin vitality
- Mental clarity and focus
- A calmer nervous system and emotional balance
- Overall cellular resilience
Frankincense doesn’t act aggressively or force change.
Its strength lies in gentle, steady support.
Its strength lies in gentle, steady support.
Ways to Use Frankincense
A little goes a long way. Below are practical and commonly used methods for aromatic and topical use.
Aromatic Use
- Diffuse 4–5 drops in a diffuser (ultrasonic, nebulizing, or water-based).
- Add frankincense to diffuser jewelry and inhale during the day when you need calm and clarity.
- Inhale directly from the bottle for grounding and focus.
- Place 1–2 drops on a tissue, inhale slowly, and breathe deeply.
- Diffuse during prayer, meditation, stretching, or yoga to encourage stillness and reflection.
Topical Use (Always Dilute)
- Add 1–3 drops to the palms, rub together, cup hands over the nose, and inhale deeply (5–7 breaths).
- Apply 1–2 diluted drops to temples or the back of the neck to support concentration.
- Massage 2–3 diluted drops into the neck and shoulders after a busy day.
- Apply 1–3 diluted drops to the bottoms of the feet for general wellness support.
- Mix 10 drops of frankincense in 1 oz of moisturizer (optionally combined with lavender) to support skin tone and texture.
- Add 2 drops to rosehip oil and apply to areas of concern such as scars, sunspots, or stretch marks.
- Add 5 drops to Epsom salts for a relaxing bath after a long day.
⚠️ Note: Always dilute frankincense with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and perform a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
About Frankincense Varieties & Quality
Young Living offers:
- Frankincense (topical/aromatic use)
- Frankincense Plus / Frankincense Vitality (white label, labeled for dietary use)
The oil inside may come from the same botanical source, but labeling standards determine how the product is approved for use.
Quality matters. When choosing frankincense, look for oils that are:
- Ethically and indigenously sourced
- Carefully distilled
- Transparent in sourcing and testing
Not all frankincense is created equal.
Have you tried frankincense essential oil?
Comment below and share how you use it.
Comment below and share how you use it.
Educational Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Essential oils should be used responsibly and with appropriate guidance.
References
- Essential Oils Desk Reference (7th Edition). Young Living Essential Oils.
- Shen, T., Li, G. H., Wang, X. N., & Lou, H. X. (2012). The genus Boswellia: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 148(2), 317–338.
- Ammon, H. P. T. (2019). Boswellic acids and their role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Molecules, 24(2).
- Frank, A., et al. (2020). Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of boswellic acids. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1).
- Moussaieff, A., et al. (2017). Incensole acetate: A neuroactive compound capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8.
- Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare.
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
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