Frankincense Unveiled: Science, Scripture & Self-Care

From incense burned in ancient temples to its place in modern wellness formulations, frankincense (resin from Boswellia trees) has long held a sacred and healing reputation. At Salt & Light Apothecary, we see it as more than fragrance—it’s a botanical gift that supports body, mind, and a sense of sacredness. Below is a look at how frankincense has been used through history, what modern science is showing us, and why it remains a powerful ally in your wellness journey. History & Cultural Legacy Frankincense is one of the most prized resins in ancient trade. It was transported on the famed Incense Roads connecting southern Arabia, Africa, India, and the Mediterranean—valued as a luxury good for rituals, medicine, and royalty. Civilizations such as the Egyptians used it in embalming and perfumery; Greeks and Romans burned it in temples and used it in apothecaries. Hippocrates and classical physicians used frankincense for conditions like cough, wounds, and digestive issues. In rel...