Frankincense was one the world’s first Christmas gifts. Two thousand years later, the oil is a natural gift that keeps on giving.
Frankincense, also often called olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswell tree, which grows in the dry regions of India, Africa and the Middle East. The oil has a woody, spicy smell and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin or made into a tea.
Often called the “king of oils,” frankincense has been praised and prized by many cultures. The oil at one point was so valued that, according to theologian scriptures, it was revered as part of religious ceremonies. And of the three gifts given to Christ after his birth, frankincense was the most important.
Aside from its spiritual significance, frankincense also has been used for medicine for hundreds of years, and its health uses have ranged from alleviating arthritis and digestion issues, to reducing asthma, to improving oral health. The many health benefits of frankincense are backed by science, and the oil is found in some supplements.
Frankincense also makes a great room scent, with an earthy and permeating aroma that is equal parts musty and piney with hints of citrus and spice. The oil’s aromatic qualities are believed to promote relaxation and peacefulness, and its scent is a comforting addition to cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, candles and more.
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