Table of contents
- What is Frankincense?
- What are the medicinal properties of Frankincense?
- Frankincense resin vs essential oil
- What are the different types of Frankincense?
- What are the mentions of frankincense in the Bible?
- Why did the Magi bring frankincense, myrrh, and gold?
- Why should Christians use frankincense today?
- Practical uses for frankincense resin
- Practical uses for frankincense oil
- Sources
What is Frankincense?
Frankincense, also sometimes called olibanum, is the resin produced by the Boswellia tree. Resin, not to be confused with the thin watery sap flowing inside the tree (I thought resin was sap for most of my life!), is the thick, sticky substance a tree produces to protect itself in response to an injury. When a boswellia tree is cut, resin tears form at the site of the injury which then harden and can be collected. These tears contain an abundance of organic compounds that are both highly aromatic and medicinal.
For millennia, frankincense was a precious treasure more valuable than gold. It was used in luxury perfumery and as an incense in temple worship, where it began to become associated with the divine presence of the Holy Spirit Himself. As an important religious symbol, frankincense made its way into scripture where it is mentioned around two dozen times.
A small wound cut into the bark of a boswellia tree exudes precious golden tears of frankincense.
What are the medicinal properties of Frankincense?
The most potent medicinal compounds in frankincense are boswellic acids.These have been making waves in the scientific literature for their powerful anti-inflammatory action and astonishing effectiveness in treating various types of arthritis and joint pain. In numerous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, boswellic acid extracts were shown to decrease joint pain by 30-50% with noticeable improvement in as little as 5 days. [1]
Besides boswellic acid, frankincense contains a cocktail of other chemical compounds that each have their own benefits associated with them:
- Incensole acetate reduces anxiety, lifts mood, and displays antidepressant effects. [2]
- α-Pinene (alpha-pinene) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and an ability to support the respiratory system. [3]
- Limonene has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and is also undergoing study for chemopreventive potential. [4]
- Myrcene is both anti-inflammatory and analgesic, meaning it helps relieve pain. [5]
- β-Caryophyllene is yet another anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic component of frankincense. [6]
When you really start digging into the science behind the medicinal properties of frankincense, it can be quite mind boggling. How can the resin of one little tree do so much? It seems too good to be true. But then you remember that frankincense flows as a liquid symbol for the Spirit of God Himself. Of COURSE it heals.
“…to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:9
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”
Psalm 103:2–3
“I am the Lord who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26
Frankincense resin vs essential oil
While frankincense resin is the pure plant matter harvested directly from the boswellia tree, frankincense essential oil is the golden liquid obtained from the steam distillation of frankincense.
It is important to remember that in steam distillation, only the volatile compounds are picked up by the steam and recondensed into essential oil. Heavier, less volatile compounds are left behind. In frankincense’s case, the boswellic acids are left behind and are NOT present in the essential oil. Knowing this, you should be weary of any brand trying to promote frankincense essential oil as a magical cure to joint pain. This is a marketing lie– only raw frankincense resin and its solvent-derived extract can yield the powerful joint healing effects offered by boswellic acid.
None of this is to say that frankincense essential oil is pharmacologically useless. Remember, there are many other medicinal compounds in frankincense that do make it into the essential oil after steam distillation. Frankincense essential oil is still great as a memory aid, mood booster, respiratory support, skin toner, wound cleanser, and antioxidant. And with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, it can still offer mild help with joint pain even without the power of boswellic acid.
The real benefit of frankincense essential oil over the resin is, of course, its convenience of use. Using a bottle with a dropper, it’s so simple to use here and there throughout the day. Rub a bit in your hands and inhale, add a few drops into a skincare product, sprinkle some on your pillow or around your bedroom, add to a diffuser, or simply inhale straight from the bottle. The possibilities are nearly endless. Unlike the resin which requires processing or burning to be utilized, it's much easier to enjoy frankincense essential oil right out of your pocket.
What are the different types of frankincense?
Not all frankincense is the same. There are several different subspecies of the boswellia tree, each giving a resin with a different fragrance and chemical makeup. While there are several rare species not commonly seen on the market, there are only 5 main types of frankincense you are likely to encounter.
Boswellia papyrifera
The papyrifera variety, which grows in Ethiopia and Sudan is often called “church frankincense.” It is the most common type of frankincense burned as incense in church services around the world, and is reminiscent to many people as the smell of church. For this reason, Scent of Solomon chose this species for the resin we sell on our site.
Papyrifera is relatively high in alpha-pinene and octyl acetate, compounds which contribute to the scent profiles in conifer needles and citrus fruits, which is why many people describe its scent like pine needles with hints of orange peel.
The unique chemical composition of papyrifera has strong mood boosting properties when burned. Studies are also showing that this species has neuroprotective qualities and can help build new neural connections, helping with faster thinking and improving memory. Burning frankincense in church or during prayer really does serve to alter the minds of believers in a very real and healthy way, deepening our prayers and pulling us into the service.
Boswellia seratta
Also known as Indian frankincense, the seratta variety grows in (you guessed it) India. It is famous for being the species with the highest boswellic acid content, so look for this variety if purchasing an oral frankincense supplement. Seratta also gives the highest yield of essential oil, so it is much less wasteful than producing essential oil from the other varieties. This species is what is used to make Scent of Solomon’s Frankincense Essential Oil.
Seratta has a very distinct smell that is more spicy than the others. It is earthy and peppery with notes of anise and mint. Not sweet and fruity like papyrifera, many find the scent to be more grounding and suitable for intensely meditative personal prayer.
Boswellia sacra
Boswellia sacra is the variety of frankincense grown on the Arabian peninsula, mostly in Oman. It is the type of frankincense you would have been most likely to find in an ancient Egyptian or Roman marketplace. The scent is deeper and less bright than papyrifera, with a bit more sweetness.
Boswellia carterii
The carterii variety grows in Somalia, where it is the main source of income for many families in the region. There is debate between botanists on whether carterii should be classified as the same species as sacra in Arabia. The scents of their resins are distinct, however, with carterii often described as being lighter, less full, and less “luxury” than its Omani counterpart.
Boswellia frereana
Usually called maydi frankincense, frereana is a much rarer type of frankincense which also grows in Somalia. You are much more unlikely to encounter any essential oil produced from this variety. Its chemical composition is very different from the other frankincenses on this list, and contains no boswellic acids. Despite this, it is still used by locals as a treatment for joint pain and arthritis, making use of the other medicinal compounds in the resin. Its scent is said to be warm, creamy or buttery, and balsamic. It can also be enjoyed as chewing gum.
What are the mentions of frankincense in the Bible?
There are about 17 references specifically to frankincense in the Bible
There are also another 37 references to “incense”. This word, when used generically, typically refers to frankincense or a blend containing frankincense.
Frankincense in the Holy Incense Formula
In Exodus 30, God gives very specific instruction to Moses on how to prepare and burn the holy incense. Made from a salted and finely pulverized mixture of stacte (likely storax balsam), onycha (benzoin), galbanum, and frankincense resins, It was burned daily each morning and twilight on the golden altar positioned just before the veil of the Most Holy Place. The scent filled the Tabernacle, defining the environment where covenant worship occurred. No other incense was to be burned at the altar, and the holy incense was never to be burned anywhere else or used for any other purpose.
Aromatic resins like frankincense were scripturally viewed as a physical symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, aromatic smoke of incense was said to rise to Heaven like the prayers of the people. Therefore, burning incense in the Tabernacle marked it as a place where man and God could meet– the aroma physically marked the presence of His Spirit inside the space while also showing that the prayers given to Him in Worship were heard. Burning it according to precise and exacting instructions emphasized obedience to God (worship is on His terms), and burning it habitually on a daily schedule signified that worship should be a constant, daily aspect of life.
Frankincense in Grain Offerings
In Leviticus 2, when an Israelite brought a grain offering, it consisted of fine flour mixed with oil, and frankincense was placed upon it. Unlike animal sacrifices, which dealt directly with atonement through blood, the grain offering expressed devotion, gratitude, and covenant loyalty. A priest would take a portion of the flour and oil together with all of the frankincense and burn it on the altar as a “memorial portion.” Adding a “sweet savor” to the smell of burning grain, its rising fragrance marked the offering as consecrated, pure, and divinely approved.
Frankincense on the Bread of the Presence
In Leviticus 24, frankincense appears again in connection with the Bread of the Presence, twelve loaves ritualistically placed on a table inside the Holy Place. Pure frankincense was placed on the bread and later burned as a memorial offering. The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes while frankincense, a symbol of divinity, was placed upon them as a mark of God’s favor and a sign of their covenant. Burned later on the Sabbath, it served as a fragrant offering and demonstration of their continual dedication and worship.
Frankincense in Priestly Intercession
Numbers 16 records the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of Israel against Moses and Aaron. They argued that “all the congregation is holy” and questioned why Moses and Aaron held special authority. At the heart of the conflict was the right to perform priestly service, particularly the offering of incense before the Lord.
Moses proposed a test: the rebels were to take censers, place fire and incense in them, and present themselves before the Lord. The next day, they did so at the entrance of the Tabernacle. Suddenly, the earth opened and swallowed Dathan and Abiram with their households, while fire consumed the other 250 men who were offering unauthorized incense. The censers are later hammered into plating for the altar as a permanent warning that only Aaron’s line is permitted to offer incense.
Stupidly, the story does not end there. The next day the congregation complained again, resulting in a plague breaking out among the people. Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer, put fire from the altar and incense on it, and hurry into the midst of the assembly to make atonement. Aaron ran into the camp, stood “between the living and the dead,” and the plague was stopped.
In this chapter, incense becomes the central symbol of legitimate versus illegitimate priesthood. When offered in defiance of God’s appointed order, it brings judgment. When offered in obedience by the authorized high priest, it becomes the means of intercession and mercy. The same act, burning incense, either provokes death or restrains it, depending on covenant obedience.
Poetic Imagery of Love & Beauty
In the poetic world of the Song of Solomon, frankincense becomes an important element in the language of love. In Song 3:6, the beloved is described as “coming up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,” transforming temple imagery into bridal beauty. The rising smoke, once associated with worship and prayer, becomes a picture of mystery, allure, and captivation. Later, in Song 4:6 and 4:14, frankincense appears among mountains, hills, and gardens of rare spices, forming part of an intimate landscape that symbolizes delight, exclusivity, and treasured love. The fragrance signals luxury and desirability, placing the beloved within a setting of cultivated richness and sensory abundance.
This poetic use is powerful precisely because frankincense already carried sacred and royal associations. What once filled the sanctuary now describes the beauty of a bride. The overlap elevates romantic love into something reverent and precious.
Christological fulfillment
Christologically, frankincense reaches its fullest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament it was reserved for sacred incense in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing prayer ascending before God and the holiness of divine worship (Exodus 30). It also appeared in royal tribute, associated with wealth and honor (Isaiah 60:6). These themes converge in the Gospel narrative when the Magi present gifts to Jesus in Gospel of Matthew 2:11. Alongside gold and myrrh, frankincense identifies Him not merely as a king, but as one worthy of worship. The gift signals priestly and divine significance, anticipating His role as mediator between God and humanity.
Heavenly Liturgy of the Saints
The imagery of frankincense and incense reaches its fullest theological development in the heavenly worship scenes of the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:8, the twenty-four elders are described as holding “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Later, in Revelation 8:3–4, an angel offers incense at the heavenly altar, and the smoke rises before God together with the prayers of His people. Here, incense rises from its earlier role in temple ritual to become a visible symbol of intercession in the throne room of heaven.
This scene reveals that the Old Testament use of frankincense was never an end in itself. The earthly altar mirrored a greater heavenly reality. Just as frankincense once burned continually before the veil, so the prayers of believers now rise continually before God’s throne. What was once carried by priests in the sanctuary is now fulfilled in the gathered worship of the redeemed, whose prayers ascend like incense in the eternal liturgy of heaven.
Why did the Magi bring frankincense, myrrh, and gold?
The gifts brought by the Wise Men to the Holy Family were not random. Each held a deep metaphorical significance that was carefully thought out and in alignment with both ancient prophecy and what the Magi knew about the nature of Jesus.
Frankincense, as we have seen by its numerous appearances throughout the Old Testament, had a long standing association with divinity and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion in the gifts showed that the Magi knew Jesus had a divine nature, and that He was uniquely anointed by the Spirit above all others.
Gold, the precious metal of scepters, thrones, and crowns, held an association with royalty. In scripture, this symbolic connection is cemented by King Solomon, who was in the habit of overlaying anything and everything with gold– from his throne, temple, and table to chains, shields, cups, and random palace items, everything was plated in solid gold. By bringing a gift of gold, the Magi were demonstrating that they recognized Jesus as the king of all men.
While the bright golden frankincense held a lofty and noble meaning, the dark amber-colored Myrrh resin was a gift of a more somber tone. In ancient Jewish custom, myrrh was something used in funerary rites to honor the dead and prepare bodies for burial. This gift foreshadowed the death of Jesus from the very day of His birth. The Magi knew of Christ’s ultimate purpose to die for the sins of humanity, and they honored this sacrifice with this gift.
All together, these three gifts showed a profound understanding of Jesus as the divinely ordained god-king who would die as a sacrificial lamb.
Why should Christians use Frankincense today?
Frankincense doesn't have to be relegated to the ancient Middle East. It has a place in our lives today. There are several good reasons Christians should invite frankincense into their lives:
To connect to their history and ancient cultural heritage.
Reading the Bible, you can see that burning incense, especially frankincense, is an important part of our story as Christians. Our ancestors, the ancient Israelites, and the early church fathers all placed a strong importance on the fragrance. It was once an important part of daily life in temple worship and was held in a place of high regard to society at the time. Experiencing frankincense today serves as a way to find some tangible connection to the world of all those years ago.
Gain insight into dozens of Bible verses.
With so many Bible verses referencing frankincense, the fragrance serves as an immensely important literary and spiritual symbol which can help give us insight into the nature of man, God, and the universe. Unfortunately, since many Christians have no idea what frankincense actually smells like, they are missing important context into what these verses are actually about. Being familiar with the scent that the text is referencing helps us better relate to the verse and deepens our understanding and familiarity with its content.
Experience something our ancestors could only dream about.
For many hundreds of years, Christians around the world felt a strong curiosity about frankincense. To them, it was like some mythical treasure, an exotic spice that might as well be from another planet. They were enthralled by its mystery and the immense spiritual value placed on it by the Bible. Their curiosity could never be satiated, however, as there was no international economy like today which could help frankincense reach the masses. Acquiring even a small amount would cost a fortune. Now that frankincense is available to us readily and cheaply, it would be a shame to not see what all the historical hype was about.
Take advantage of its benefits and healing properties.
Frankincense is more than just a nice-smelling curio or living biblical relic. It has practical applications. Burning it as incense can perfume your home and help purify the air of bacteria. Burning it outside can ward off mosquitos. When turned into an extract, it can offer powerful medicinal properties for skin healing, joint stiffness, and pain relief.
Practical uses for frankincense resin
Below is a list of ideas on how to use frankincense resin.
Burn for home fragrance
Burn on coal in an incense burner and walk around the house, filling it with fragrance and purifying air.
Potpourri
If you don’t enjoy so much smoke in your house, put frankincense in a small pot of water with any combo of citrus peels, flower petals, vanilla, and warming spices.
Prayer and worship
Burning incense during worship is not only a deeply symbolic act rooted in scripture, but the fragrance can also have an effect on the brain, helping put us into a physiologically “spiritual” state and creating the right mindspace for deep, meditative prayer.
Custom loose incense blends
Feel free to mix frankincense with other fragrant resins and oils! Biblical myrrh and benzoin both pair excellently with frankincense, as Moses could tell you.
Oil infusions for topical use
Make use of the medicinally potent boswellic acids of frankincense by making an oil infusion. The process is incredibly simple! Learn how to do it here.
Alcohol tinctures
For an oral supplement, extract frankincense into alcohol to yield a tincture high in boswellic acid.
Salves and balms
From an oil infusion or frankincense powder, it's cheap and easy to make a healing balm or salve. Try one of these recipes for a powerful and naturally effective muscle, nerve, and joint pain relief.
Solid perfumes
If you are the crafty type, try processing frankincense resin into your own solid perfume.
Meaningful gift giving
Frankincense, the original Christian gift, remains a meaningful present in the spirit of the Christmas tradition started by the Magi all those centuries ago. While it’s a classic Christmas gift, frankincense is just as meaningful for birthdays, Easter, baptisms, or any other day. Try the Scent of Solomon Biblical Resins Starter Pack for a sample of several biblical resins including frankincense, along with a pack of charcoal and resin burner so they can have everything needed to burn biblical incense.
Insect Repellent
When sitting out on the porch at night, burning resins can help keep mosquitoes at bay. You might also enjoy the incense more outside, as some people can be a little overwhelmed by the smoke indoors. Some frankincense simmering on charcoal in the evening can create a really pleasant atmosphere.
Practical uses for frankincense oil
Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of ideas on how to incorporate the fragrance of the Bible through frankincense essential oil into your life:
Skincare
Add a drop or two into a premade skincare solution or a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and use in skincare routines for a wrinkle-reducing and toning effect. Frankincense can also soothe irritated and inflamed skin.
Product Scenting
Add frankincense to everything from shampoo to candles to hand soap to perfume blends to add a deep resinous base note.
Home Fragrance
Place a few drops of frankincense essential oil into a diffuser to fill your space with its scent without smoke.
Calm Down
Inhaling frankincense can help ground you and center your focus if you are anxious or overwhelmed. It’s great to have on hand in stressful situations. You can inhale from a bit rubbed on your palms or sniff it straight out of the bottle. It’s also great before bed to help wind down. I sometimes like to sprinkle a few drops on my pillow before going to sleep.
Respiratory Support
Along with Eucalyptus (or our preferred biblical alternative, myrtle) and peppermint (which is also biblical!), frankincense can be added to a steam inhaler, shower steamer, or chest rub for respiratory support if you are feeling congested.
Muscle & Joint Comfort
Add a few drops to massage oil for additional tension and pain relief. Frankincense pairs well with biblical cypress oil for an amazing aromatherapeutic massage.
Household Uses
Add a few drops to natural cleaning sprays, linen sprays, and room sprays or natural air fresheners. Essential oil introduces both a pleasant scent into your home and added efficacy to a multitude of products.
Bath & Spa
Essential oil can greatly enhance the relaxation experience of a hot bath or foot soak. However, do not make the common mistake of adding essential oil directly to your bath water– it will not mix with the water and you will end up with pure concentrated essential oil floating on top of the water which could burn your skin. Add it in with a bit of castile soap as an emulsifier which will help it mix with the water, or dilute it first in a carrier oil and add to Epsom salt. When done properly, a frankincense bath can be incredibly relaxing and soothing to mind, body, and soul.
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