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I remind you that the information provided in this series is for information purposes only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, neither is it to be construed as such. It does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment where required. Consult a doctor for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
Also, while every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, you are strongly advised to take responsibility and do your own research.
In the previous article, we looked at the Eucalyptus plant to see what else it can do apart from helping to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
In this article, we will look at Frankincense (Boswellia sacra, B. serrata), an herb that has been used as medicine and in religious practices.
Personal experiences in Jamaica
My father was a farmer and an herbalist. His main focus was tonics. One of the tonics he often made was a mix of frankincense and myrrh.
Every so often, we were required to occasionally drink a tablespoon of this particular mix which was designed to “purge us out” (I think).
I must admit – I don’t recall what it did, or that it did anything. The one thing I do recall was how bitter it was!
And I think it was often burned as incense to ward off negative energy (we called it “evil spirits” then).
Early uses of Frankincense
Frankincense comes from a tree called the Boswellia Thurifera which can be found in Africa and Arabia. To get Frankincense, they split the trunk of the tree and allow the resin to harden before it is harvested.
It seems that different regions around the world use Frankincense for different reasons:
- Early Egyptians used Frankincense as part of their embalming process, painting the eyelids, as hair remover, and as perfume.
- Greeks used it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning.
- The Chinese used it for trading as well as for internal and external purposes, such as treating leprosy.
- The Jews offered up Frankincense in ceremonies.
Current uses and research
Today, Frankincense is used mostly in aromatherapy. However, research has shown its effectiveness an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and a diuretic. Other research has been done showing a correlation between Frankincense and the treatment of osteoarthritis as it may have some anti-cancer fighting agents.
Frankincense has also been shown to help with
- anxiety and stress,
- cancer-related fatigue,
- nervousness,
- congestion,
- anti-inflammatory, and
- immuno-stimulation.
Its uses in religious and spiritual practices
Frankincense has been around since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Bible. It was one of the gifts brought to Jesus on the day of his birth by one of the three wise men.
They were there to acknowledge him as the legitimate David, even though he had been born “out of wedlock”.
The Essenes used frankincense to whiten their linen. The whitening process mentioned in the biblical account of Jesus being “transfigured” on the Mount of Transfiguration is related to the use of frankincense to make the garments whiter (Mark 9:2-9).
Today, it is simply called incense, and it is used in both Western and Eastern Orthodox ceremonies.
Frankincense is commonly used in the practice of Wicca. Frankincense is often combined with myrrh as part of spell crafting and casting.
Purposes of these spells include:
- increasing physical energy,
- protection,
- achieving success,
- clearing chakras (do be careful with this one – you MUST be grounded) and
- putting an end to specific legal issues (apparently).
Frankincense is quite pungent and is usually diluted with other oils. Some people prefer to substitute Rosemary for Frankincense.
In the end, when used in this way, Frankincense is only a useful prop to which you can apply a heartfelt intention. After all, this is what magic is, no?
It is similar to clutching a crucifix, using candles, or counting beads when praying…
Other uses
Frankincense is an herb that is often chewed (in small doses) to improve digestion and has been shown to improve memory in older men taking it over a four-week period.
I guess it is not just for spell crafting and casting then?
In the next article, we will look at Gingko biloba.
To a better, wiser, stronger YOU!
PS: For anyone who thinks of religions such as Wicca as being pagan/neo-pagan – did you know that the Latin word for “pagan” is literally translated as “country bumpkin”?
Sources:
Thiering, B. (1992). Jesus The Man. NY: Attria Books.
Frankincense. Located at American Botanical Council (online),
https://herbalgram.org/resources/healthy-ingredients/frankincense/ [Accessed May 10, 2023]
Frankincense – The Pure Censing Aromatic. Located at American Botanical Council (online), http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2021/frankincense-the-pure-censing-aromatic/ [Accessed May 10, 2023]
Al-Yasiry AR, Kiczorowska B. Frankincense–therapeutic properties. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2016 Jan 4;70:380-91. doi: 10.5604/17322693.1200553. PMID: 27117114.
Efferth T, Oesch F. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of frankincense: Targets, treatments and toxicities. Semin Cancer Biol. 2022 May;80:39-57. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.01.015. Epub 2020 Feb 4. PMID: 32027979.
Reis D, Jones TT. Frankincense Essential Oil as a Supportive Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Case Study. Holist Nurs Pract. 2018 May/Jun;32(3):140-142. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000261. PMID: 29642127.
Peterfalvi A, Miko E, Nagy T, Reger B, Simon D, Miseta A, Czéh B, Szereday L. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System. Molecules. 2019 Dec 11;24(24):4530. doi: 10.3390/molecules24244530. PMID: 31835699; PMCID: PMC6943609.
Asadı E, Shahabı Kaseb MR, Zeıdabadı R, Hamedınıa MR. Effect of 4 weeks of frankincense consumption on explicit motor memory and serum BDNF in elderly men. Turk J Med Sci. 2019 Aug 8;49(4):1033-1040. doi: 10.3906/sag-1810-204. PMID: 31317694; PMCID: PMC7018390.
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