Frankincense by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Frankincense
2. Folk Name(s): Olibanum, Incense, Lubān (Arabic), Kundur (Hindi)
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Boswellia sacra (most valued), Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana (other species used)
4. Family: Burseraceae
5. Plant Type: Small deciduous tree/shrub
6. Botanical Description: 10–20 ft tall with papery bark, knotted branches, and pinnate leaves. Produces clusters of small white-yellow flowers. Resin is tapped from incisions in the bark, hardening into pale yellow, amber, or golden tears.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 10–12
8. Best Zones for Growth: Arid, desert climates with limestone-rich soil
9. Habitat & Range: Native to the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Yemen) and the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia); also in India

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Dry, rocky, well-drained soil; full sun; thrives on limestone and cliffside habitats
2. Propagation: By seed (difficult) or cuttings; grown mainly in arid agroforestry systems
3. Companion Planting: Rarely intercropped due to extreme dry habitats; sometimes grown near myrrh trees in incense groves
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Incisions made in bark; resin exudes and hardens; first “bleed” scraped away, subsequent harvests yield best quality; collected 2–3 times per year
5. Drying/Preservation: Resin naturally hardens into beads (“tears”); stored in airtight containers away from heat and light

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Sacred incense of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Abrahamic faiths; offered to gods and kings; famously gifted by the Magi to Christ. Used in temple rites, purification, and embalming.
2. Traditional Medicine: Ayurveda and Chinese medicine used it for arthritis, digestion, wound healing, and respiratory support.
3. Symbolism: Represents divinity, purification, immortality, and connection between heaven and earth.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Boswellic acids, essential oils (α-pinene, incensole acetate), gum resins, polysaccharides
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Anti-inflammatory (arthritis, joint pain, bowel disorders)
4. Respiratory support (bronchitis, asthma, chest infections)
5. Wound healing and skin regeneration
6. Calming for anxiety and stress
7. Used in oral health (tooth powders, mouth rinses)
   
8. Preparation Methods: Burned as incense; powdered resin in capsules; tinctures; infused oils; essential oil distilled for aromatherapy
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Powder: 300–500 mg standardized extract, 2–3 times daily
11. Essential oil: 2–3 drops diluted in carrier oil for topical/aromatic use (not for internal use without practitioner guidance)
    
12. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe; may cause mild digestive upset in excess. Essential oil should be diluted. Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by practitioner.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air & Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Sun; associated with Ra, Apollo, Christ, and other solar deities
3. Magical Correspondences: Purification, protection, consecration, spiritual elevation, healing, prosperity
4. Ritual Use: Burned as incense in ritual and meditation; used to cleanse sacred space; resin added to charms for blessing, healing, and success; mixed with myrrh for balance of divine masculine/feminine
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Suggests a message from spirit, cleansing, or illumination; may symbolize the need for clarity or sacred focus

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers provide nectar for bees and insects in arid ecosystems
2. Wildlife Uses: Resin deters herbivores; trees provide shade and soil stability in desert habitats
3. Culinary Uses: In some cultures, resin chewed like gum for digestion and breath freshening; used in Arabian coffee and sweets in small amounts

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Sacred incense, natural anti-inflammatory, gum for digestion, wound salve ingredient
2. Notable Traits: Resin prized for millennia as sacred offering and medicine; one of the most traded substances of the ancient world
3. Special Notes: Overharvesting threatens wild Boswellia populations; sustainable sourcing is crucial

Supporting Notes

1. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (2016)
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal (1931)
3. Farooqi, A.A. Frankincense and Myrrh: Traditional Uses and Modern Applications (2015)
4. Ammon, H.P.T. “Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases.” Planta Medica (2006)
5. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy (1997)