FRANKINCENSE Resin | Boswellia sacra

Frankincense has a very long history of human use, with evidence to show it being employed by the ancient Egyptians over 3,500 years ago. 

Frankincense is the common name for the resinous extracts derived from trees of the genus called Boswellia, part of the Burseraceae plant family. Boswellia sacra is a tree native to Oman that produces special compounds that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory and damaged cell removal effects. The word ‘sacra’ translates to ‘sacred’ in Latin. In fact, long before inflammation lowering medications and supplements existed, extracts derived from different species of the Boswellia tree were used to treat all sorts of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease.

Other types of related Boswellia trees, including Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri, grow in areas such as India and parts of Northern Africa. These species of Boswellia have similar healing abilities to Boswellia sacra, such as helping to fight arthritis or damaged cell growth. Over 20 different Boswellia species exist, most of which grow in the northeast African region where it’s estimated that about 75 percent of the species originated.

Boswellia resins seem to lower inflammation and support immune function on multiple levels.

Resins from different species of the Boswellia tree contain about 5 percent to 10 percent pure essential oils, which possess numerous protective compounds, including Monoterpenes, Diterpenes, Triterpenes, Tetracyclic Triterpenic Acids, four major Pentacyclic and Boswellic Triterpenic Acids, one of which is acetyl-11-keto-β-Boswellic Aacid, considered the most potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme responsible for inflammation.

Boswellia helps lower inflammation and prevents autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is the response of bodily tissues to any form of irritation, injuries, infections or disorders of the immune system. Whenever you feel pain, redness, swelling and sometimes loss of function, this is inflammation attempting to heal you.

Leukotrienes are small chemicals that contribute to inflammation by promoting free radical damages, autoimmune responses, cell adhesion and migration of the cells to any injured areas.

While Boswellia sacra is the preferred type of Boswellia used to treat various disorders and symptoms, it’s not the only type. There are at least three other popular forms of Boswellia: Boswellia carteri, Boswellia frereana and Boswellia serrata. Other species also exist, although they are used less frequently in oils and supplements.

Each type comes from a different Boswellia plant species, although all are closely related so they tend to be used medically in similar ways. While Boswellia sacra grows in Oman (a country located near Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates), Boswellia serrata grows in India, along with parts of Northern Africa, such as Somalia. Boswellia carteri also grows in parts of East Africa and in China.

Boswellia sacra contains high levels of incensole acetate and triterpene acids, two chemicals tied to damaged cell prevention and removal effects. Boswellia sacra has been the subject of many studies investigating damaged cells and shows positive effects on stimulating the immune system.

The species of Boswellia that produce Frankincense Resin are made into oils that come in varying concentrations or ‘grades’. An oil’s grade/concentration depends on a few factors, including variables such as the time of year that extracts were harvested, how extraction and processing were performed and how pure the finished product is.

The soil and climatic conditions used to grow Boswellia trees are partly responsible for the different types of Frankincense resins available on the market today. However not all Frankincense essential oils will contain Boswellic Acids, even if they are of high quality. Research shows that Boswellia sacra, carteri and serrata extracts usually contain around seven types of Boswellia acids. But some oils labeled as Frankincense, such as those made from Boswellia frereana, are not likely to contain much (or any) Boswellic Acids because they aren’t naturally prolific in the plant’s resin. This doesn’t mean that other species of Boswellia are not beneficial however; Boswellia frereana extract has still been shown to contain powerful compounds that help prevent collagen degradation and inhibit production of pro-inflammatory mediators.

It’s believed that Boswellia sacra trees are capable of growing in tough climates and in soil that is very rocky, which allows them to survive and live longer. Boswellia sacra trees begin to yield Frankincense resin after they’re about 10 years old, at which point they give off the precious sap several times per year. The last tap of the year is said to be the best, producing the highest-quality resin, which is mostly concentrated with bioavailable terpenes, diterpenes and sesquiterpense.

Experts say that the color of Frankincense resin is directly related to its quality. When resin is translucent white/green, it’s considered higher quality.

The oleo-resin is a bitter, pungent, warming herb that stimulates the circulation, calms the nerves and has antiseptic, expectorant and decongestant properties. It is used in various medical traditions, including traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and Western herbalism. It is used to treat a variety of complaints including bronchial and urinary infections in western herbalism, menstrual problems, skin complaints and mouth wash and as a rejuvenating tonic in Ayurveda. It is used in aromatherapy for relieving anxiety.

An aromatic resin is obtained from the plant. It can be chewed, or manufactured into an essential oil that is used as a flavouring in a wide range of foods.

An oleo-resin gum exudes naturally from the bark. Burnt as a sacred incense and also used in perfumery. It is also an ingredient of anti-wrinkle skin creams. Most resin is obtained by making deliberate incisions into the bark of the tree. The milky liquid that exudes hardens on exposure to air into droplets or 'tears' which are then easily detached by the collector. Occasionally, some tears are produced by accidental injury or from splits which occur in the stems or branches of the tree.

Frankincense seem to be well  tolerated by children, but if you’re pregnant, don’t plan on taking Frankincense without speaking with a qualified health care practitioner first. If you’re currently taking NSAID medications, don’t take Frankincense without guidance from your doctor.

Keep in mind that it might take several months for Frankincense to have the most effects, so give it time to work best and reduce pain or swelling before stopping.