I am delighted to welcome you and open up the incredible, healing world of Essential Oils for each of you. Welcome to a world of powerful allies, invisible helpers from the Plant Kingdom. Together, we will delve into history, aroma-psychology, and aromatherapy, and explore the many ways to use these precious oils.
Essential oils are my greatest passion and the subject of my endless study, and I am thrilled to share my knowledge and discoveries with you.
I will begin this aromatic guide with a series of posts dedicated to sacred essential oils – oils of wisdom and spirituality, oils capable of transforming human consciousness and elevating it to the Divine.
There is a concept for measuring the spiritual and healing properties of essential oils: as highly concentrated forms of the “life force” of plants, essential oils also possess their own measurable frequency, measured in Megahertz (MHz). According to research by pioneers in this field, such as Bruce Tainio:
A healthy human body vibrates at a frequency of 62-68 MHz, while essential oils range from 62 to 320 MHz. When they come into contact with the human body (through inhalation or topical application), their higher frequency can “raise” a person’s vibrational frequency.
We will explore the most sacred essential oils with the highest frequencies: Frankincense (147 MHz), Myrrh (153 MHz), Rose (320 MHz), Sandalwood (118 MHz), and others.
Since ancient times, aromatics have played a key role in spiritual practices, rituals, and medicine. These gifts of nature were not merely perfume; they were a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a symbol of prayer, sacrifice, and healing.
Frankincense. The Grade Matters
The world of frankincense is vast and diverse, with its varieties differing significantly in aroma, appearance, and price. The primary distinctions are determined by the species of the Boswellia tree, its region of origin, and harvesting conditions. Here are three of the most renowned and valuable grades:
Boswellia Sacra (Sacred Boswellia) / Omani Luban
Region: Oman (Dhofar), Yemen, southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Status: Considered the “gold standard” and the most famous variety of frankincense. It is often referred to as the “true” frankincense. The highest grade in Oman, Hojari, is regarded as elite.
Aroma: The most complex and refined. Its scent is pure, fresh, and citrusy-lemony with sweet balsamic and coniferous notes. It has minimal “smokiness.”
Use: Reserved for special occasions, used in temples, high-end perfumery, and for deep meditation.
Boswellia Carterii
Region: Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan.
Status: The most common and commercially available variety of frankincense in the world.
Aroma: The classic “frankincense” smell familiar to most. It is strong, spicy, and woody with distinct camphorous and fresh notes. It is more earthy and resinous than Sacra.
Use: Widely used in churches, for home smudging, in aromatherapy, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Excellent for space clearing.
Boswellia Serrata (Indian Frankincense)
Region: India.
Status: Known for having the highest terpene content and is prized primarily for its therapeutic properties.
Aroma: The least “church-like” of all varieties. It has a strong, slightly bitter, smoky, and earthy aroma, reminiscent of leather or wood resin.
Use: Predominantly used in Ayurveda and therapeutic aromatherapy.
Frankincense in the World’s Religions
The history of frankincense use in religious practices spans millennia. It is one of the oldest and most universal incenses, having permeated the rituals of countless cultures and faiths while retaining its significance to this day.
Even before the rise of modern world religions, frankincense was a precious commodity, on par with gold and spices.
Sumerians and Babylonians (c. 3000 BC): Used frankincense in temple rituals to appease the gods. It was believed that the thick smoke rising to the heavens carried prayers to divine ears. It was also used for purification and in magical rites.
In Ancient Egypt, frankincense was a central element of worship. It was burned in the temples of Amun-Ra, Isis, and Osiris. The Egyptians believed the fragrant smoke warded off evil spirits and was the favored scent of the gods. It was also used in the mummification process due to its antiseptic properties and ability to mask odor.
In Judaism, the use of frankincense was strictly regulated and the exclusive prerogative of priests.
Ketoret (Sacred Incense): Through Moses, God provided a precise recipe for the sacred incense (Ketoret), which included the purest frankincense. This mixture was forbidden for secular use.
Incense in the Temple: Frankincense was burned on a special incense altar in the Jerusalem Temple twice daily. This ritual symbolized the unbreakable bond between God and the people of Israel. The rising smoke represented the prayers of the righteous ascending to God. It was also a symbol of purification and atonement for sins.
Christianity inherited and profoundly reinterpreted the symbolism of frankincense from the Old Testament. Frankincense, along with gold and myrrh, was one of the gifts presented to the Infant Jesus. Here, it symbolized His divine nature, recognizing Christ as the High Priest and God.
Frankincense became an integral part of Christian liturgy, especially in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions. It is used to cense the altar, the Gospel, the holy gifts, and the congregation. It symbolizes:
– Prayer ascending to God.
– The presence of the Holy Spirit, the grace of God filling the church.
– A sacrifice to God, a fragrant offering made by the faithful.
– Purification from evil spirits and all defilement.
In the Bible, frankincense is a symbol of prayer, divine presence, and priestly service. Its smoke, rising skyward, embodied the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.
Gift of the Magi: “…and they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Gospel of Matthew 2:11). Here, frankincense symbolizes the recognition of Christ’s divine nature.
Symbol of Prayer: “May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
Frankincense (Arabic: luban) holds an important place in the religious and daily practice of Islam.
The use of fragrances, including frankincense, is considered Sunnah (a desirable act following the example of the Prophet Muhammad).
Traditionally, mosques are fumigated with frankincense before prayers, especially on Fridays. Its smoke is believed to purify the atmosphere and ward off evil spirits, which are thought to avoid pure and pleasant scents.
Many Muslims use frankincense to perfume their clothes and homes, creating a pure and fragrant environment for performing Salat (prayer). This is an expression of both external and internal purification.
Shared Symbolic Meaning
Despite the differences in its use, frankincense is united by several common symbolic meanings across religions:
1. Connection to the Divine: The smoke rising upwards is a universal symbol of prayer, praise, and the connection between the earthly and the heavenly.
2. Purification: The ability to cleanse a space of negative energy, evil spirits, and defilement.
3. Consecration: The transformation of an ordinary space into a sacred one, ready for ritual and the presence of God/the gods.
4. Transcending the Ego: The incense “gives of itself” completely as it burns. This is a symbol of selflessness, sacrifice, and the dissolution of the ego in the face of a Higher Power.
Aromatherapy: How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil
We have explored Frankincense as an incense, but its essential oil also possesses special aromatherapeutic qualities and is rightfully considered the “King of Essential Oils.”
For the Respiratory System:
Frankincense is traditionally used to heal the respiratory system, having expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and vasoconstrictive effects.
How to use: Inhalations (steam or dry), chest rubs (diluted in a carrier oil), diffuser.
For the Nervous System & Psycho-Emotional Sphere:
Frankincense oil is often used to heal the nervous system.
An Adaptogen: It can harmonize the state of the nervous system based on the body’s needs. It calms stress, anxiety, and nervous tension without causing drowsiness and can even increase concentration.
Sedative & Anti-anxiety: It deeply relaxes, slows breathing and heart rate, aiding with panic attacks, stress, and insomnia.
Cognitive Support: It promotes mental clarity, improves concentration and memory, and helps “clear the head” during mental fatigue. It is traditionally used as an aid for meditation.
How to use: A diffuser is the best method. You can also apply a drop (diluted) to pulse points (wrists, temples) or simply inhale directly from the bottle during moments of stress. Add 1-2 drops to an aroma lamp or diffuser before your meditation practice.
For the Immune System & Inflammation:
Frankincense oil is immunostimulating; it activates and strengthens the body’s immune defense, making it an excellent preventive agent during cold season.
It is also a potent anti-inflammatory. This is one of its strongest properties, helping to reduce overall inflammation levels in the body.
How to use: Diffusion for air purification, massage (diluted in a carrier oil).
For Skin Care & Rejuvenation:
Frankincense oil has rejuvenating and regenerative effects.
It stimulates skin cell renewal, helps smooth fine lines, and improves elasticity.
It helps disinfect and heal wounds, cuts, burns, scars, and stretch marks. It is effective for acne, eczema, and dermatitis as it reduces redness and itching.
How to use: Always diluted (1-3% in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond) for facial and body massage, or added to creams and serums.
For Pain Relief:
Frankincense is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain from rheumatoid arthritis and muscle aches.
How to use: Massage the affected areas with a mixture of frankincense and a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba oil).
The King of Spiritual Oils
Frankincense Essential Oil powerfully raises vibration, connecting one to the spiritual world. Its aroma clears the mind, deepens breathing, and promotes a state of reverence. This oil is for protection, cleansing the aura, and strengthening intention in any spiritual practice. It is suitable for all chakras, but works especially well with the Third Eye and Crown chakras. I highly recommend you experience its benefits and make it a staple in your home.
Text by Elena Mechta: Certified Aromapsychologist & Leading Essential Oils Guide.
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