- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (Horn of Africa), Asia (Arabian Peninsula)
- Other names
- Olibanum
Africa · Herb · № 373
Boswellia sacra
Herb · Africa
Frankincense
Boswellia sacra
The resin is mainly used as incense and fragrance. Extracts of related Boswellia species have been studied for osteoarthritis, with modest and variable results.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always dilute essential oil.
- Chinese materia medica: Not during pregnancy; caution with spleen deficiency.
Preparation
External: essential oil as a fragrance in a lotion base and body powder.
Use in traditions
Frankincense was carried along the Incense Route from Oman, Yemen and Somalia to Egypt, Rome and India, and was very costly. In ancient Egypt it was burned in temples and worked into ointments. In Unani medicine it is called kundur; in Chinese medicine (ru xiang) it is used for pain and wounds. In Somalia and Oman the resin is still chewed and water infused with resin is drunk. In herbal magic associated with purifying and raising the spiritual vibration of the home, peace of mind, concentration and deepening meditation.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Warm, resinous scent. Always dilute the essential oil.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of essential oil as a scent in lotion and powder (see the recipes).
Caution: Always dilute essential oil.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, warm
- Meridians
- heart, liver, spleen
Attributed effects
In Chinese medicine frankincense resin (ru xiang, also from Boswellia carterii) moves blood and qi in menstrual and abdominal pain and injury, relaxes the tendons in stiffness from wind and dampness and externally reduces swelling and pain.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With myrrh to move blood and stop pain
Caution: Not during pregnancy; caution with spleen deficiency.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Purifies and raises the spiritual vibration of the home, peace of mind, concentration, deepens meditation.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with purification, prayer, focus and a sacred atmosphere.
Preparation and amount
Frankincense, the resin of the Boswellia tree from Oman, Yemen and the Horn of Africa, was carried along the incense route to Egypt, Jerusalem and Rome. It has been burned in temples and churches for thousands of years and is one of the gifts of the Magi.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Basic lotionBody powder
- Formulas
- Qi li san