Quick facts
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Boswellia (resin) |
| Plant part / method | resin, steam distillation |
| Scent | warm, resinous, woody |
| Selected constituents | alpha-pinene |
| Most common uses | evening ritual, meditation, a few drops in a cream or oil |
| Watch out for | sensitive skin, pets, never take by mouth |
What people use it for
Frankincense has been linked to ritual and focus for centuries. Today it is most often used in a diffuser in the evening or during a quiet moment and, diluted, as an addition to a cream or oil for mature skin. Its scent is grounding and blends easily with citrus.
How to use it
- Aromatically: 2–4 drops in a diffuser.
- On the skin: diluted, usually around 1% (1 drop per 5 ml of carrier oil or cream); patch-test first.
- By mouth: don't.
Precautions
- The oil is usually well tolerated, but any essential oil can cause a reaction — patch-test the first time.
- There is no basis for treating it as a treatment for any disease. If you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor.
- Cats and dogs can be sensitive to oils — ventilate the room.
- Store away from light, flames and children.
Pairs well with
Lavender, Wild Orange and Lemon — for a softer, brighter scent.
