Unassuming as it is dotting the parched hills of Southeast India and large swaths of arid land spanning the distance from Northern Africa to the Middle East, a branching tree with a powerful reputation stands proudly tall as one of world’s most healing shrubs. This cultural and religious treasure of a plant has terpene-rich sap and oils which have been used as a multifaceted healing elixir for many centuries. The uniquely ragged and almost oversized-Bonsai-looking tree from which these precious substances are extracted is known scientifically as Boswellia serrata, and the medicine itself is more commonly known as frankincense.
You might recognize this latter name from various Biblical texts that regard it as a paragon of sacred significance. More precious even than gold, frankincense (as you may recall) was one of the gifts fit for a king that the magi brought with them to present to the newborn Christ after traversing the length of Asia to reach Bethlehem.
Frankincense was also considered to be amongst the highest valued currency traded throughout the Middle East. It held value so immense that the high priests of Israel would burn it as a most precious sacrifice to God.
Frankincense isn’t nearly as popular or esteemed today as it was back then, at least not in the West. But it’s definitely still around, and it’s making a major comeback in the natural healing arts. Especially as word gets out about all that Boswellia serrata is capable of treating.
From helping to more quickly heal everyday wounds and prevent infections, to treating and even eradicating cancer (and everything in between). There’s very little that frankincense can’t do, and it’s with great excitement that I offer up a taste of what this ancient sacred medicine has to offer.
How is Frankincense Derived?
If you’ve ever seen raw frankincense, you already know that it looks a lot like crystallized rocks or pieces of popcorn bearing a powdery-yellow or brownish hue. But these small, oddly-shaped chunks of mysterious matter are actually the dried oleo gum resin that’s extracted from the Boswellia serrata tree, first by making small incisions into the bark of its trunk. Much like what happens when a maple tree is cut to tap syrup, these incisions allow frankincense to run down as liquid from the tree in order to be captured and dried.
This solid resinous substance is technically only between 30-60 percent actual resin, which in and of itself is replete with monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, and a host of tetracyclic and pentacyclic triterpenic acids. Terpenes and triterpenic acids are fancy names for the various aromatic organic compounds in a particular substance that give it its characteristic smell and taste, as well as its diverse therapeutic functionality.
The remaining substances in frankincense represent a varying combination of essential oils and polysaccharides, each of which serves its own respective purpose and function in making frankincense what it is medicinally: a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiseptic, decongestant, and anti-cancer goodness… all in one beautiful little kernel.
Frankincense is Prized in Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, frankincense is prized as one of the most valued herbs in existence. The gummy, resinous portion of its derivative has traditionally held a prominent place in the treatment of conditions like diarrhea, parasites, skin and blood diseases, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory infections, hair loss, hemorrhoids, and asthma. Evidence also shows that it’s an effective remedy for arthritis.
In more modern times, frankincense has proven scientifically to fight inflammation, help control blood lipids, prevent coronary plaque, protect the liver, and help relieve pain. It’s also widely regarded amongst those who are familiar with its uses as being a powerful stimulant, both internally and externally. This is why patients who are weak from illness often inhale its essence as an aromatherapeutic.
Studies have shown that the collective of boswellic acids found in frankincense inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) that tighten and constrict the lungs, effectively reducing oxygen intake and triggering the formation of excess mucus, allergies, and inflammation.
Boswellic acids are particularly beneficial in this regard because, unlike non-specific antioxidants that more generally target pro-inflammatory enzymes (meaning they’re less effective), they’re specific inhibitors of 5-LO.
The boswellic acids found in frankincense resin are also powerful pain relievers that actually work better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. And unlike NSAIDs, boswellic acids don’t disrupt glycosaminoglycan synthesis, the process whereby the body utilizes simple sugars to regenerate cell tissue; “lubricate” the joints and other connective tissues; and all-around prevent premature aging and bodily breakdown.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Up until this point, I’ve been interchangeably referring to the resin of the Boswellia Serrata tree as frankincense. But technically when most people use the term frankincense, they’re referring to the oil that’s distilled from this resin. Both substances have their place in medicine, but the essential oil of frankincense seems to be the preferred form of use for frankincense. This is because it’s more concentrated and, if done right, contains the highest levels of healing compounds.
The essential oil of frankincense is often used in aromatherapy to clear out the nasal passages and lungs, as well as to purify or deodorize a space. It can also be taken orally to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and oral infections. Many people combine frankincense oil with baking soda to create their own homemade toothpaste. Another way to use frankincense oil topically involves applying it directly to the skin to help clear blemishes and scars caused by acne and eczema, as well as to prevent wrinkles and under-eye circles and “bags.”
All the way around, frankincense has a solid track record as an effective treatment for a wide range of health conditions. The scientific literature has conclusively demonstrated efficacy for frankincense as a powerful therapeutic for:
- Gas, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, cramps, and other forms of gastrointestinal discomfort
Taking just a few drops of food-grade frankincense oil with water can help address these problems, as well as help speed up the digestion of food for those with sluggish digestive tracts.
- Colds and influenza
Taking frankincense orally and/or breathing it in from a diffuser can help quell the inflammation that results in coughing, phlegm, and other common symptoms of respiratory illness.
- Inflammation and pain
Many people successfully use frankincense oil to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as more serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Compromised immunity
Studies have repeatedly shown that frankincense oil is a powerful immune system booster, helping to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Imbalanced or damaged hormones
Endocrine disruption is a big problem in today’s estrogenic world, but frankincense oil has been shown to help balance hormone levels and prevent the excess buildup of estrogen that can lead to disastrous health outcomes in both men and women.
- Poor sleep
Because of the unique way in which it relieves stress and anxiety, many people use frankincense oil to promote feelings of calm and improve sleep quality.
- Cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy
Perhaps its biggest claim to fame, frankincense oil has been shown to treat multiple forms of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and skin cancers. A compound known as AKBA is one component of frankincense oil in particular that studies have shown effectively combats cancer cells and prevents them from spreading and metastasizing. This includes cancer cells that have developed resistance to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
Hi Ty.
Thanks for shedding light on the importance of Frankincense and Myrrh. These two elements have been used traditionally in my native country for many medicinal purposes because the trees grow locally in Somalia. Myrrh was always used as an antibiotic to treat internal and external infections for both animals and people. I remember my nomadic grandmother using it to treat infections in the hooves of goats, sheep cows. She used it to treat snake bits from dangerous desert snakes as well as arthritis. Whenever a dangerous snake was spotted in dwelling places, my nomadic relatives would quickly burn myrrh and no sooner they did this, the snake would come out of it’s hiding place and they would be able to kill it.
They nomads even make tea from the bark of the myrrh & frankincense trees. For for joint pains, swellings, infections etc, they would simply boil the myrrh in water to make a paste and put it directly on the affected area. When I was very young a very long thorn went in foot right under the ankle and I couldn’t move. There were hospitals or clinics in area in the 70s an all treatment was done by traditional expats like my family members. So they put a warm paste of myrrh on my whole foot and put an old clothe-bandage and the pain stopped and I could hope on one leg. They kept put fresh paste every 12 hrs. After a few days, the the are burst and a complete thorn the size of my small finger came out.
They also used myrrh to get rid of stomach infections and help with indigestion, by dissolving a small bit in water and drinking it. They also used myrrh to treat hemorrhoids, boils or shingles.
Thank you, Sarura! This article about Boswellia and the Biblical herbs got me to wondering… “what about Myrrh?… what is IT used for?” … and now you have answered many of my questions in that regard. But now I am wondering… with all these many wonderful properties and uses, why have I never seen Myrrh at the health food store? Does it also go under a different name now in more modern times and/or in the Western hemisphere? Do you know? Thank you for your comments.
I’m glad to know the word is getting out about the benefits of Boswellia. I have been using it for years, after discovering it by a bit of serendipity. I am 67 now. It must have been 30 years or so ago that I began to feel a stiffness in my ankles when getting up to walk after sitting for a while. Someone told me this was one of the early symptoms of arthritis. About ten years later, I developed a painful swelling in the Achilles tendon area of my left heel. It worsened rapidly and I soon began to believe that if I didn’t find a way to treat and reverse it, I would soon be unable to walk at all. One day I remembered seeing an actor on a talk show raving about how MSM had saved him from a crippling case of arthritis. I had some MSM cream I had purchased a long while before for some reason I don’t even remember now. I dug it out and applied some to my heel as a test. The pain did seem somewhat lessened by the next morning, so I decided to buy some MSM capsules at the health food store and I started to take MSM orally. Eureka! I was soon back to normal, and feeling very, very grateful. Some time later I decided to look into getting Lasik on my eyes to correct my severe nearsightedness. I was fortunate to have a doctor who was very experienced and knowledgeable about the effects of diet and food supplements on the Lasik process. He had me list all the food supplements I was taking and after he examined my list, he told me that I would have to stop using MSM two weeks before my Lasik surgery and refrain from using it for 6 months afterward or my eyes would revert back to being nearsighted again very quickly and the whole process would be for naught. He explained that it had something to do with the way MSM effects the creation of scar tissue during the Lasik healing process. I was crestfallen. I didn’t know what to do. I really believed that if I stopped using MSM for 6 months I would soon be incapacitated. I really wanted the Lasik surgery, but I didn’t want to spend $4,000 (the going rate at the time) if it was only going to be a temporary improvement, and I knew from my previous research that a certain percentage of Lasik patients do revert to their earlier poor vision fairly rapidly. Who knows? They may have been taking MSM and had a doctor who was ignorant of the dangers. I had interviewed other doctors when I was trying to decide on the best place to go for my Lasik, and none of the others ever mentioned MSM or even bothered to ask about what food supplements I might be taking. I began to search for other arthritis remedies that I might be able to employ as a substitute for MSM. At the time I was subscribing to a newsletter put out by a doctor who specialized in natural and herbal remedies. I decided to try his formula for arthritis. To my great surprise and delight it worked just as well as, and maybe even a little better than, the MSM. I completely discontinued the MSM until I was convinced that I would be able to get along without it for 6 months, and then I scheduled the Lasik surgery. It was a success. It’s been 12 years since I had the Lasik done and my eyesight still tests as 20/20 when I go to the eye doctor for check ups. The formula I was taking was rather expensive, though, so one day I decided to really study the ingredients and I found that the one herb that I had never been exposed to before was Boswellia. I decided this must be the “miracle herb” that had succeeded in keeping me mobile. I decided to look for it as a single herb and readily found it at my local health food store. I am able to take MSM again, and I now take both MSM and Boswellia regularly and have remained relatively able and active for my age. Often when I start to feel like I need to go to the chiropractor because I am having some severe pain or another, it turns out that I have simply neglected to take my Boswelia and MSM for a while. I get busy and sloppy about my regimen sometimes, but as soon as I start noticing pain and problems, I get back on track with Boswellia and I am soon okay again. I just recently learned that Boswellia is the modern name for Frankincense, though. And now, along comes this article with so much more information. I am grateful for this article because I had not known of the many other uses for Boswellia. I am particularly glad to know that it can have a stimulating effect… now I know to take it only in the morning or else risk insomnia! But there are so many other benefits, as well, that I am happy to know about. So, thank you for this article, Ty… and thanks for ALL that you do.
It’s a wonder oil.If the three wise men of old thought that it was good enough for Jesus, then it’s more than good enough for me and my family. Blessings to you all.
Either Young Living Essential Oils or doTERRA
Is frankincense oil same as 100% pure turpentine oil ? I have read the book of Dr. Jennifer Daniels -The Candida Cleaner, where is mentioned 100% pure turpentine oil as the solution for cleaning our body forever from candida.
Essential oils and supplements for starters. Do you Google?
doTERRA essential oils is the brand I use and order online.
I have my Essential Oils, Otago, NZ on facebook.
These brand of oils come from plants grown in countries all over the world, where they grow best and a steam distllation process is used. doTERRA oils are 100% pure and thoroughly tested.
Google doTERRA essential oils. There is plenty information about them. They are liquid oil and come in small glass bottles up to 15 mls.
You can use all three!! It’s good to use the essential oils differently for different issues. So go for it!!
I can help you with that.
One lf the segments in TTAC had a cancer survivor who applied it in her mouth for a brain tumor.
A couple dropsu der your tongue, rub it directly on the area and use it in a difusser
try making suppositories for either use in the backdoor or the front door (for women) with a mix of cannabis and frankincense
Jesus’ death on the cross is historic fact. The devil is also alive and well and seeks to deceive you. He wants nothing more than to lead you away from Jesus and straight to Hell. Jesus died to pay the price for our sins that we might have life forever in Heaven. Were you the only person on earth, He would have done it just for you. Google miracles of the eucharist and be amazed. God understands that there are many a doubting Thomas among us…….and so miracles are everywhere to build your faith. Pray, and ask God for the truth. He will not let you down. +++
always thought popcorn was manna it is white, it taste good, could eat it every day and it is spoiled in the morning. Just kidding!
Turpentine Oil’s cousin is used for thinning oil-based paints, for producing varnishes, and as a raw … (has a permissible exposure limit) for turpentine exposure in the workplace as 100 ppm (560 mg/m3) over an 8-hour workday. I don’t know, but this sends up a Red Flag.
There are many substances which can be used for diverse purposes, and which are processed differently depending on the intended use. For instance, hydrogen peroxide is not generally produced for purposes of human ingestion. However, some people DO ingest hydrogen peroxide for various purposes, such as the clearing of certain intestinal parasites… and when thus used it should be noted that FOOD GRADE hydrogen peroxide is recommended… not the usual, more commonly available hydrogen peroxide that is generally found in drug stores, etc. Linseed oil and flax oil come from the same plant and are essentially the same when harvested from the plant. However the linseed oil you might buy at the hardware store and use to restore antique furniture is often distilled with petroleum-related chemicals and is quite different from the organic flax oil found in a health food store to be used as a food supplement. Just because a botanist might say two plants are related somehow, or from the same family of plants, is not a reason to conflate the uses or the processing methods or the precautions associated with them. Turpentine from a hardware store will exude fumes that are toxic, and someone using it to restore furniture… especially someone doing so as a job for many hours a week… will certainly want to limit his or her exposure to those fumes, and thus regulations are appropriate. But that is not at all the same thing as taking a Boswellia tablet, purchased from a health food store, to help with one’s arthritis. I, myself, have not had any side effects or noticed any down side to using Boswellia… only relief from pain and stiffness.
Pat if you can find some of the ancient kinds of wheat that is non-gmo and organic then that might be worth eating but all the flour you find in the store is made from much different stuff from what they ate back then and is best to be avoided completely.
Quite true, Angela. Anyone interested in learning more about wheat might be interested in viewing the documentary “What’s With Wheat?” One of the topics addressed in this film is the ways in which modern wheat differs from ancient wheat. You can view highlights for free and/or purchase the full documentary film for $7.97 at http://www.whatswithwheat.com
Tumeric and frankincense work powerfully together. You need to take some black pepper with the tumeric for best results. I have been taking them since 2012 and can testify that GOD made a good thing as it is Written. If you are suffering severe pain in your joints, day and night and nothing takes away the pain, try it today! Peace be with you
Also I have started using salt from the dead sea,…and boy has it enhanced relieving my pain…Glory be to God in all his infinite wisdom!!!!
you should pretty much find it at most health food stores,I take the capsules and put the crystals in my bath