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 religious traditions, frankincense was considered sacred—used in temples, worship settings, and offerings across many cultures. Its inclusion by the Magi in the nativity story underscores its symbolic and spiritual importance.

All of this history speaks to a long-held value: frankincense was not just a scent, but a tool for sacred space, health, and ceremony.

How Frankincense Is Harvested & Processed

Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees, especially species such as Boswellia sacra, B. serrata, B. carterii, and B. papyrifera.

Harvesters make small incisions or scrape the bark to let resin ooze (the “tears”) from the tree, collecting the hardened resin over days.

The collected resin is then distilled—commonly via hydrodistillation or steam distillation—to separate volatile oils from the resin matrix.

Distillation often occurs in fractional steps: the early fractions (lower heat, shorter time) yield lighter, more volatile compounds; later fractions deliver heavier, deeper notes and constituents.

This method preserves delicate aroma compounds and allows producers to tailor blends that balance fragrance and therapeutic components.

Modern Research & Mechanisms

Scientific interest in frankincense has grown in recent years. Some of the key findings include:

  • Anti-inflammatory & anti-arthritic: Compounds called boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, helping reduce inflammation and support joint health.

  • Clinical support for arthritis / joint pain: In a trial, topical frankincense extract applied over knees showed reduced pain and improved function in osteoarthritis patients.

  • Neurological & stress response: In animal models, frankincense essential oil alleviated stress, improved antioxidant capacity, and helped with recovery from sleep debt.

  • Dermal and skin health: In human dermal fibroblasts, frankincense essential oil demonstrated the ability to modulate inflammation and influence tissue remodeling markers.

  • Cancer / cellular growth modulation: Some in vitro and early in vivo studies show frankincense extracts can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines, like breast cancer stem cells.

  • Multiple sclerosis & autoimmune conditions: A controlled study showed that a standardized frankincense extract reduced disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

  • Infection & microbial support: Frankincense exhibits antimicrobial properties against pathogens, especially in the oral cavity and skin.

These findings offer support for traditional claims of frankincense’s role in inflammation, immune balance, skin repair, and nervous resilience.

Benefits & Applications

From tradition and research, we see these areas where frankincense often shines:

  • Soothing inflammation and discomfort, especially in joints

  • Supporting skin health, firmness, and repair

  • Promoting relaxation, emotional balance, and clearer thinking

  • Offering mild antimicrobial support in skin, respiratory, and oral settings

  • Helping modulate immune balance and reduce stress burden

Because it interacts on multiple systems—nervous, immune, skin—frankincense is often used in multi-purpose blends and wellness tools like rollers and inhale sticks.

Products That Feature Frankincense

Frankincense is a key ingredient in several of our most-loved formulas, chosen for its skin-rejuvenating, emotionally grounding, and immune-supporting properties. You’ll find it in:

  • Skin 1 & Skin 2
    These companion serums layer beautifully—frankincense supports skin renewal, calms visible irritation, and promotes a healthy, even tone.

  • Sleep Roller
    Formulated to help quiet the mind and ease the body into rest. Frankincense lends depth and grounding to this restful blend.

  • Joint Roller
    Designed for targeted relief, this formula includes frankincense to support movement, recovery, and comfort at the point of tension.

  • Immune Roller
    Blended for everyday resilience—frankincense contributes immune-modulating and cleansing properties for seasonal wellness.

  • Happy Roller
    This uplifting blend includes frankincense for its ability to support clarity, elevate mood, and promote emotional steadiness.

  • Brave Roller
    A confidence-boosting blend that helps ease nervous energy. Frankincense strengthens the emotional core and supports presence under pressure.

These are all pre-formulated and diluted for safe, consistent use—so you can benefit from frankincense’s gifts without guesswork.

Popular posts from this blog

Soaking in Wisdom: The Truth About Epsom Salt Baths, Detox, and Magnesium

Image
At Salt & Light Apothecary, we believe the body is beautifully designed to heal, and that simple, time-honored rituals can support that healing in profound ways. One of our favorite practices? The Epsom salt bath. You've likely heard whispers that it can "pull toxins out" or even create something called “reverse osmosis.” But what’s really happening when you slip into a salt-infused soak? Let’s settle in and explore the science, the sacred, and why this humble bath may be one of the most powerful wellness tools you’re not fully using yet. What Is Epsom Salt, Really? Despite its name, Epsom salt isn’t salt at all—it’s  magnesium sulfate , a naturally occurring mineral compound. When dissolved in warm water, it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate ions, which may interact with the skin and nervous system in a restorative way. At its core, an Epsom salt bath is more than just a physical experience—it’s a gentle return to balance, a quiet invitation to come back to your...
Read more

From Mountains to Medicine: Why Oregano Is a Wellness Must-Have

Image
Oregano isn’t just a culinary herb—it’s one of nature’s most potent botanicals. From ancient temples to modern wellness, oregano has earned a reputation for protecting, purifying, and restoring balance to body and spirit. Its essential oil is among the most concentrated natural supports available, rich in compounds that help defend against environmental threats while encouraging healthy immune function. A History Steeped in Ritual and Remedy Oregano’s story stretches back thousands of years, weaving through medicine, myth, and culture: Ancient Greece & Rome:  Oregano, from the Greek  “oros ganos”  meaning “joy of the mountain,” was considered a sacred herb of Aphrodite, symbolizing peace and happiness. Greek physicians like Hippocrates used it to support respiratory health and digestion. Romans used oregano extensively for both flavor and purification, often burning the plant during household rites. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):  Used to ease fevers, suppor...
Read more

The Blossom of Balance: Ylang Ylang

Image
  Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is often called the "flower of flowers" for its deeply floral, exotic aroma. It’s more than a scent—it carries stories of tropical lands, emotional calm, and physiological harmony. At Salt & Light Apothecary, we seek to bring not just fragrance, but purposeful support. Let’s walk through how Ylang Ylang grows, how we source it, its rich heritage, and why it resonates so deeply with body, mind, and spirit. Growing & Harvesting: Rooted in the Balance of the Equator Ylang Ylang thrives in equatorial regions—places like the Philippines, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Ecuador. These locations share something unique: their proximity to the equator. With equal day and night, warm temperatures, and steady humidity, the equator imparts a gentle constancy to the environment. This creates the perfect conditions for a tree like Ylang Ylang—whose very essence reflects balance, calm, and wholeness. Our sourcing partners cultivate Ylang Ylang in Ecuador, ...
Read more