Frankincense has been burned in temples, carried along desert trade routes and offered as a gift for thousands of years. Today its oil is a favourite in meditation spaces for its warm, resinous scent. Here is what frankincense is, what it smells like, how to use the oil and an honest look at what the research does and does not say.
Quick answer: frankincense oil is steam distilled from the dried resin of Boswellia trees, which grow in Arabia, north-east Africa and India. It smells warm, woody and resinous with a fresh, lemony lift. Use it diluted on the skin, in a blend or in a diffuser. Much of the "benefits" research looks at resin extracts rather than the essential oil, so treat health claims with caution.
What frankincense is
When the bark of a Boswellia tree is cut, it weeps a milky sap that hardens into pale golden "tears" of resin. That resin is frankincense. For thousands of years it was one of the most valuable goods in the ancient world, carried by camel along the incense routes from southern Arabia and the Horn of Africa to Egypt, Rome and beyond.
There are several species. Boswellia sacra comes from Oman and Yemen, Boswellia carterii from Somalia and Boswellia serrata from India. The frankincense in Mirosuna's Impermanence blend is Boswellia serrata.
What frankincense smells like
Warm, woody and slightly sweet, with a clean, lemony, almost peppery top. It is softer than you might expect and works as a grounding base note in a blend.
Frankincense in meditation and ritual
Frankincense has been burned in religious and spiritual practice across many cultures, from ancient Egyptian temples to churches today. Its slow, steady smoke and warm scent have long been used to mark sacred time. In a home practice, it can do the same thing: a familiar scent at the start of meditation helps your mind recognise that it is time to settle. Palo santo, a relative of frankincense, is used in a similar way. Read what is palo santo to learn more.
How to use frankincense oil
- On the skin, diluted. In a carrier oil at a low dilution, rolled onto your wrists before meditation.
- In a blend. As a base note, it anchors bright oils such as citrus and lemon myrtle.
- In a diffuser. A few drops in water for a calm, warm room. Keep diffusers away from pets.
What the research does and does not say
If you search for frankincense, you will see many claims about its benefits. It is worth knowing that much of that research studies boswellic acids, compounds found in frankincense resin extracts. These are heavy molecules that are largely absent from the steam-distilled essential oil. Studies are also often small or done in the lab rather than in people. Mirosuna does not make health claims for frankincense oil; we love it for its scent and its place in ritual. If you are interested in frankincense for a health reason, please talk to your doctor.
Frankincense in the Impermanence blend
Impermanence, the Australian bush roll-on from Mirosuna, uses frankincense and Australian sandalwood as its base, beneath lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, cypress and juniper. The bright bush notes open the blend, and frankincense settles it with quiet warmth. See how all five blends are built in essential oil blends explained.
$38, or all five in the Full Set of 5 Mirosuna Oils for $190. Ships Australia-wide. Thank you for supporting a small Melbourne studio.
Every Mirosuna oil is for external use only. Please patch test on a small area of skin first, keep it away from your eyes and face, and stop using it if irritation occurs. Take extra care with aromatherapy in pregnancy and around children, and if you have any health concerns, please check with a registered health practitioner before use.
Frequently asked questions
What does frankincense smell like?
Warm, woody and resinous, with a fresh, lemony top note. It is calm and grounding rather than sweet.
How do you use frankincense oil?
Diluted on your wrists, as a base note in a blend or in a diffuser. A ready-made roll-on is the simplest way to start.
Is frankincense oil safe on skin?
Diluted in a carrier oil and after a patch test, most people use it without trouble. Never apply it undiluted, and please check with your doctor or midwife in pregnancy.
Thank you for reading. If you have a question about Impermanence, please email hello@mirosuna.com.