Curious about Frankincense?
Frankincense is an aromatic resin from the Boswellia tree. The name Frankincense comes from Old French, franc – high quality / noble / pure, and encens – incense.
There are a variety of Boswellia species, and they differ throughout the world, and at each harvest in terms of how aromatic the resin may be.
The Egyptians cleansed body cavities in the mummification process with frankincense and natron.
In Persian medicine, it is used for diabetes, gastritis and stomach ulceration.
Generally, frankincense oil is also used in Judeo-Christian (Abrahamic) religions to cleanse the house or building of bad or evil energy—including used in exorcisms and to bless one’s being.
The incense offering occupied a prominent position in the sacrificial legislation of the Hebrew people in the time of the temple.
The Book of Exodus (30:34–38) prescribes frankincense, blended with equal amounts of three aromatic spices, to be ground and burnt in the sacred altar before the Ark of the Covenant, where it was meant to be a holy offering—not to be enjoyed for its fragrance.
Scholars have identified frankincense as what the Book of Jeremiah (6:20) relates was imported from Sheba during the 6th century BC Babylonian captivity.
Frankincense is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts (with gold and myrrh) that the magi “from the East” presented at the birth of Jesus.
(Want to learn more about the Biblical References to Frankincense? Click Here)
In Chinese medicine, frankincense (Chinese: 乳香 rǔ xiāng) along with myrrh (沒藥 mò yào) have anti-bacterial properties as well as blood-moving uses. It can be used topically or orally, also used in surgical and internal medicine of traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to relieve pain, remove blood stasis, promote blood circulation and treat deafness, stroke, locked jaw, and abnormalities in women’s menstruation.
At Enlightened Mind, we carry Frankincense as both a Raw and Resin Incense, and as an Essential Oil.
Whether being burned to bring about spirituality and to purify spaces, for consecration, or for protection against evil, for exorcism, or to dispel negativity, to aid in transcendental meditation, to induce psychic visions, to bring about courage, protection, good luck, as an honor to deity, or simply to enjoy the beautiful fragrance, Frankincense continues to be one of the most valued incenses available on the market.
With a long history of use, even throughout the Bible, Frankincense remains one of the most popular types of incense to this day.
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(Source: Wikipedia – Frankincense – Click Here to view article)