Frankincense: The Ancient Resin That’s More Than Just a Christmas Gift

When we think of Frankincense (Boswellia serrata), our minds usually go straight to the Nativity story. It was one of the original Christmas gifts brought to the manger, and for good reason—in the ancient world, this resin was more valuable than gold. The Wise Men were basically bringing a high-end first aid kit to that stable!

Traditional Uses
Frankincense isn’t a leaf or a flower; it’s a resin harvested from the bark of the Boswellia tree. It contains boswellic acids, which are incredible at stopping inflammation in its tracks.

• Joint Pain and Arthritis: For joint pain, Frankincense works by blocking the specific inflammatory enzymes that break down joint tissue. You can use it as a “direct hit” by diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and massaging it into aching spots, or take a standardized Boswellia capsule to fight inflammation from the inside out. Don’t confuse boswellia capsules with essential oils – they are NOT the same! It’s even more effective when you pair it with Turmeric. Just remember, it’s a cumulative healer, so you’ll usually see the best results after two to four weeks of consistent use.
• Respiratory Support: Traditionally, Frankincense was a go-to for deep chest congestion because of its ability to open up the airways and thin out stubborn mucus. It acts as an expectorant, helping the lungs clear out the “junk” that gets stuck during a bout of bronchitis. Historically, the resin was burned so the patient could inhale the medicinal smoke, but today we usually use steam inhalation—adding a few drops of the essential oil to a bowl of steaming water and breathing it in with a towel over the head. This delivers those anti-inflammatory compounds directly to the bronchial tubes to soothe irritation and make breathing feel a whole lot easier.
• Emotional Health & Aromatherapy: We can’t talk about Frankincense without mentioning its effect on the mind. When used in aromatherapy, it has a profound effect on depression and anxiety. It’s believed to activate certain channels in the brain that reduce feelings of despair and create a sense of calm and “groundedness.” It’s no wonder it’s been used for meditation for thousands of years.
• Gut Health: Newer research and traditional use suggest it can even help with inflammatory bowel issues by calming the lining of the digestive tract. It helps by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules that can cause cramping, urgency, and general digestive distress. Usually, this is done by taking a standardized Boswellia extract internally, which allows the boswellic acids to work systemically to soothe the entire digestive path from top to bottom.

Growing and Harvesting Notes
Because these are desert trees, they have very specific needs that most of us can’t replicate in a standard backyard garden!

Growing Conditions: Boswellia serrata is native to dry, mountainous regions of India and Africa. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 11. It needs intense heat, very little water, and stony, well-drained soil.

Harvesting: The “tears” of resin are harvested by “striping” the bark—making small incisions that allow the sap to leak out and harden into beads. These beads are then collected and either used as-is, ground into powder, or distilled into essential oil.

Sustainability Note: Because of its popularity, Frankincense trees are often over-harvested. Always make sure you are sourcing yours from a supplier that practices sustainable harvesting.

Important Safety Notes
Pregnancy: Frankincense should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it can act as an emmenagogue (stimulating blood flow to the uterus).

Interactions: If you are on blood-thinning medications or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), talk to your doctor before using Frankincense internally, as it can increase the effects of these drugs.

Skin Sensitivity: If using the oil topically for joint pain, always dilute it in a carrier oil. Some people can develop a rash if it’s applied “neat.”

The Verdict
Frankincense is so much more than a seasonal scent. Whether you’re using it to soothe aching joints, clear your lungs, or lift a heavy mood during the dark winter months, it’s a “gift” that actually lives up to the hype. It’s a foundational tool for anyone dealing with chronic inflammation, proving that sometimes the oldest remedies are still the best ones we have.