Organic Frankincense

Benefits at a Glance

• Warm, resinous & sacred: The ancient scent of temples, meditation and inner peace – warm, balsamic and deeply grounding. An aroma that has accompanied humanity for millennia.
• The meditation oil: Frankincense deepens the breath, quiets the mind and creates a sacred space. The most valued oil for meditation, yoga and spiritual practice.
• Skin care treasure: Frankincense is prized for mature and demanding skin – traditionally used for its rejuvenating, soothing and cell-regenerating properties.
• Organic quality: 100% pure and natural, steam-distilled from resin. From organic farming. From India.

Application & Special Features

Application:
In a diffuser for meditation and deep relaxation. Diluted in carrier oil for premium anti-ageing skincare. As a grounding, calming presence in stressful times.

Targeted uses:
In a diffuser (3-5 drops) for a warm, grounding atmosphere – ideal for meditation, yoga, evening unwinding or whenever you need to find inner stillness. For skincare, add 1-2 drops to 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g. Organic MCT Oil) for a luxurious, rejuvenating facial oil – particularly valuable for mature skin. For a meditative bath, mix 3-4 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and add to warm water. Tip: 2 drops frankincense + 2 drops lavender in the diffuser before bedtime – one of the most beautiful, calming blends for deep, restful sleep.

Perfect Blending Partners

Frankincense is a warm base note with a resinous, balsamic character:

• For floral serenity: Lavender (sacred resin meets floral calm – the ultimate blend for deep relaxation and sleep).
• For citrus uplift: Bergamot (warm depth meets bright elegance – a sophisticated, mood-lifting meditation blend).
• For woody depth: Cedar (two ancient woods together – profoundly grounding and majestic).

5,000 Years of Sacred Tradition

Frankincense has been burned in temples, churches and sacred spaces for over 5,000 years. From ancient Egypt to Ayurveda, from the biblical gifts of the Magi to modern aromatherapy – this resin transcends time and culture.

Product Information

• INCI: Boswellia serrata oil · CAS 97952-72-2 · EINECS 308-366-6
• Plant: Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.)
• Part used: Resin (oleo-gum-resin)
• Extraction: Steam distillation
• Quality: 100% pure and natural essential oil (Organic)
• Origin: India
• Main components: alpha-Thujene (25-60%), alpha-Pinene (2-20%), Sabinene, Myrcene, Limonene, p-Cymene
• Packaging: Amber glass bottle with dropper – airtight and light-protected

The Scent Profile

• Main aroma: Warm, resinous and balsamic – with a distinctive fresh, almost citrusy top note that gives Indian frankincense its characteristic lightness.
• Secondary note: Slightly spicy and woody, with a subtle, incense-like smokiness that deepens as the scent unfolds.
• Nuance: A sweet, honey-like undertone that adds warmth and softness – a scent that seems to slow down time itself.

Intensity: Medium – warm, sacred and gently enveloping. Frankincense does not demand attention – it creates an atmosphere. A scent that deepens with every breath.

The chemistry of the oil

Boswellia serrata frankincense has a distinctive chemical profile dominated by alpha-Thujene (25-60%), a monoterpene that gives Indian frankincense its characteristic fresh, slightly citrusy top note – quite different from the heavier, more resinous profile of Somali or Omani frankincense. Alpha-Pinene (2-20%) adds a clean, fresh dimension and has well-documented anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects. Sabinene contributes a warm, woody-spicy facet. The resin itself (not the essential oil) contains boswellic acids – pentacyclic triterpenes that are among the most studied natural anti-inflammatory compounds. While boswellic acids are too heavy to be present in the steam-distilled essential oil, the lighter terpenes that are present have their own therapeutic value: alpha-pinene and limonene are both anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing. Studies have shown that frankincense inhalation activates ion channels in the brain (specifically TRPV3 receptors via incensole acetate in the smoke), potentially explaining the well-documented calming and antidepressant effects experienced during ceremonial burning. The essential oil achieves similar calming effects through its terpene profile.

The Plant

Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense) is a medium-sized deciduous tree from the Burseraceae family. Native to the dry, hilly regions of India – particularly Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat – it grows on rocky slopes and poor, calcareous soils where few other trees survive. The tree reaches 5-8 metres in height with papery, peeling bark and compound leaves. When the bark is incised, the tree produces a milky-white oleo-gum-resin that hardens into the familiar pale, amber-coloured "tears" – this is frankincense. The resin is the tree's defence mechanism, sealing the wound and protecting against insects and disease. In India, frankincense (called "Shallaki" or "Salai Guggul") has been central to Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, used for joint health, respiratory support and spiritual purification. Careful harvesting is essential – the trees need rest periods between tappings to remain healthy and productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is frankincense good for meditation?

Frankincense is perhaps the most valued essential oil for meditation worldwide. Its warm, resinous scent naturally deepens the breath and quiets mental chatter. Use 3-5 drops in a diffuser, or apply 1 drop diluted in carrier oil to the wrists before your practice.

Can frankincense help with skin ageing?

Frankincense is one of the most popular essential oils in natural anti-ageing skincare. It is traditionally valued for promoting cell regeneration, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Add 1-2 drops to 10 ml of facial oil and apply in the evening.

What makes Indian frankincense different?

Indian frankincense (B. serrata) has a fresher, lighter, more citrusy character compared to Somali (B. carterii) or Omani (B. sacra) frankincense. It is also the species most studied for its anti-inflammatory boswellic acids and has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.

Is frankincense suitable for children?

In the diffuser, frankincense is generally well tolerated for children over 6 years. Its gentle, calming character makes it a popular choice for creating a peaceful bedtime atmosphere. For skin application on children, always dilute well (1 drop in 10 ml carrier oil).

Can I burn the oil like traditional incense?

The essential oil is designed for diffuser use, not for direct burning. Traditional frankincense incense uses the raw resin, which is burned on charcoal. The essential oil captures the aromatic essence of the resin in a cleaner, more convenient form.

How should I store the oil?

Keep away from direct light and heat sources. The amber glass bottle protects from UV radiation. Close tightly after use. Frankincense oil is very stable and retains its quality for many years – it may even improve with age, becoming richer and deeper.