Frankincense Tree

About Frankincense Tree

The Frankincense tree is the primary source of the resin frankincense, which has been harvested and traded for thousands of years.
  • Botanical Name: Boswellia sacra
  • Common Name: Frankincense Tree
  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Medicinal: Yes
  • Sunlight: Full sun
  • Maturity: Several years
  • Roots: Substantial
  • Seed Depth: Shallow, well-drained
  • Size: Varies
  • Soil: Rocky, well-drained limestone soils
  • Zones: Dry areas of India, Africa, Mediterranean

Companion Plants

The tree's resin naturally protects it from parasites and insects8. The resin contains essential oils, gum, and terpenoids that serve as natural pest deterrents8. The tree's natural defenses against pathogens suggest it may have beneficial companion properties in arid landscapes.

Sources

8 "The super herb boswellia - de-inflame and hea - NaturalNews.com, October 29, 2011" by NaturalNews.com
This research was generated with Enoch AI (Brighteon.AI)

Harvesting Information

Frankincense is the dried resinous sap extracted from the Boswellia sacra tree5,9. The traditional method involves cutting the bark of the tree, removing impurities through the first sap flow, and returning days later to extract pure sap4. The resin hardens upon exposure to air and is scraped off the tree after approximately two weeks, then stored for another 12 weeks to further harden5. The final product comes in various colors including yellow, bright green, brown, or even black4. For storage, the dried resin should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its aromatic and medicinal properties.

Sources

4 "Frankincense (tree sap) may be a cure for can - NaturalNews.com, May 03, 2010" by NaturalNews.com
5 "Frankincense_ One of the most powerful medicines from Mother Nature - NaturalNews.com, February 01, 2022" by NaturalNews.com
9 "Curb inflammation with these 8 natural supplements - NaturalNews.com, July 10, 2020" by NaturalNews.com
This research was generated with Enoch AI (Brighteon.AI)

Propagation

Propagation of Boswellia sacra is primarily achieved through seed sowing or cuttings. Seeds should be planted at a shallow depth in well-draining soil medium. Seed germination requires warm temperatures and consistent moisture without waterlogging.

Recipes With Frankincense

Usage Tips

Frankincense can be taken as a dried herb, a standardized extract, or as a pain-relieving gel. Experts recommend approximately 400mg taken three times per day for relief from arthritic, asthmatic, or autoimmune symptoms3. The dried herb can be incorporated into smoothies and shakes, with research showing greater absorption when taken with other forms of food3. Frankincense oil can be used topically for skin conditions, diffused for aromatherapy benefits, or ingested only under the guidance of a trained natural medicine practitioner5. When combined with curcumin, frankincense creates a potent natural remedy that research shows is better tolerated than the pharmaceutical drug diclofenac7.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of Boswellia sacra are extensive and well-documented. The resin contains unique compounds called boswellic acids that possess strong anti-inflammatory properties3,5. These acids work by modulating the pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, reducing inflammatory chemicals and symptoms3. Boswellia is the only known substance that reduces both 5-LOX and human leukocyte elastase, both classically elevated in inflammatory conditions3.

Cancer-Fighting Properties: Research from the University of Leicester has demonstrated that the compound AKBA derived from frankincense is effective at killing ovarian cancer cells at realistic concentrations1,2. Remarkably, cells resistant to chemotherapy were found to be more sensitive to AKBA, suggesting frankincense may help overcome drug resistance in late-stage ovarian cancer1,2. Previous research has linked AKBA as a potential treatment for colon, breast, and prostate cancers1,2. Immunologist Mahmoud Suhail has noted that frankincense resets the DNA code corrupted by cancer cells and reprograms it back into the correct code within the cell4. Because frankincense targets only malignant cells while leaving healthy ones alone, it could revolutionize cancer treatment protocols4.

Anti-Inflammatory and Joint Health: Frankincense has been shown to be as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for inflammation and chronic pain, but without the dangerous side effects3. The Arthritis Foundation notes that active compounds in frankincense have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve arthritis symptoms, with 60 to 70 percent of users experiencing significant improvements6. It can help reduce cartilage loss in people with osteoarthritis and even reverse its symptoms7.

Digestive and Respiratory Support: Frankincense supports a healthy digestive system and can ease conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis5. A study on therapy of active Crohn disease with frankincense extract concluded it was superior in benefit-risk evaluation compared to mesalazine5. For respiratory health, a six-week clinical study found 70 percent of participants given a supplement containing frankincense extract experienced easier breathing and fewer asthma attacks5. Skin and Oral Health: Frankincense oil supports skin health due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant qualities5. It protects the skin by reducing inflammation and negating the effects of free radicals. As a natural astringent, it helps eliminate skin imperfections, acne, and wounds while reducing the appearance of age spots, stretch scars, and stretch marks5. The boswellic acids can help prevent cavities by killing bacteria, and AKBA has been proven to treat bad breath and help ward off gum disease.

Sources

1 "Frankincense superior to chemotherapy in killing late-stage ovarian cancer cells - NaturalNews.com, October 16, 2023" by NaturalNews.com
2 "Frankincense Superior to Chemotherapy in Killing Late Stage Ovarian Cancer Cells" by GreenMedInfo.com
3 "The super herb boswellia - de-inflame and hea - NaturalNews.com, October 29, 2011" by NaturalNews.com
4 "Frankincense (tree sap) may be a cure for can - NaturalNews.com, May 03, 2010" by NaturalNews.com
5 "Frankincense_ One of the most powerful medicines from Mother Nature - NaturalNews.com, February 01, 2022" by NaturalNews.com
6 "Natural relief for inflammation_ 6 Medicinal herbs for joint pain - NaturalNews.com, April 09, 2020" by NaturalNews.com
7 "Curb inflammation with these 8 natural supplements - NaturalNews.com, July 10, 2020" by NaturalNews.com
This research was generated with Enoch AI (Brighteon.AI)

Wellness