Wandering Stars

About Frankincense

 About Frankincense

Frankincense is a fragrant resin from several species of Boswellia trees that grow in Africa, Arabia, and India, with a long history of use in religious observance - going back to ancient Egypt, and was surely utilized long before then in the prehistoric past. Plutarch, circa 70 BCE, tells us that olibanum (frankincense) was burned in the morning as the doors to the temple shrine were opened, and it appears that this occurred every morning in every temple throughout Egypt’s 3,500-year run. The ceremonial offering of frankincense, which the Egyptians called senetjer, is repeatedly attested to in their bas-relief temple carvings and tomb paintings dating back to their beginnings. Interestingly, a small bowl of what was positively identified as Boswellia spp. was discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb, and when a tiny amount was placed on a charcoal ember it still wafted the same familiar scent after over three millennia gone by. Later on in ancient Judea burning frankincense became a central ritual in the Jewish Temple, inherited from the ancient Egyptians and passed down to their Christian heirs many centuries later.

The Egyptian term senetjer has traditionally been identified as frankincense by Egyptologists, and is usually translated simply as “incense”, but the word actually means “of the gods” or more simply “divine”. Thus, the function of their incense offerings and anointing ceremonies was called seneteri – “to make divine”. Scholars tell us that senetjer clearly denoted Boswellia spp. resin in the Old Kingdom, but also Pistachia terebinthus or lentiscus resin in the New Kingdom – switched intermittently for unknown reasons, perhaps due to availability or olfactory tastes. Earlier archaeologists believed that Boswellia spp. resin was also called nenib, but as it turns out, the latest gas chromatography research from archaeological samples reveals nenib to be Styrax officianalis, so senetjer it is - whether frankincense or terebinth resin. It was known as olibanum to the ancient Ptolemaic Greeks who verified the Egyptian senetjer as Boswellia resin, and it was later named frankincense in Western Europe after the Frankish Crusaders who revered it.

In “The Eighth Book of Moses” circa 350 CE, one of the Greek Magical Papyri (Papyri Graecae Magicae, abbreviated PGM), frankincense is listed as one of the “seven sacred scents” used in a fascinating initiation ritual and is attributed to the Greek god Helios, it being generally recognized that Helios is the Greek version of the Egyptian solar god Ra. These texts are mostly coincident with the Gnostic Gospels of Nag Hammadi and reveal a syncretic form of magic that proliferated in the early centuries CE that incorporates the mixture of Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Hermetic, and Gnostic features so indicative of the melting pot of Alexandrian influence.

I was fortunate to have run across the work of magical symbolist Dr. Kirsten D. Dzwiza who kindly shared the graphic of her translation of this passage below. This is one of only three historical instances of “seven sacred/secret scents” I have yet to encounter, including the popular Hindu seven chakras perfume attributes and the Egyptian Seven Sacred Oils. In regards to frankincense, this papyrus shows an Egyptian/Greek/Jewish emphasis on it being sacred to Helios - representing the sun in late antiquity, perhaps due to it’s golden color and previous use in Egyptian sanctuaries.

We find many of these same seven ingredients repeated in the Hebrew Ketoret temple incense, as well as the Egyptian Kepu Temple Incense, and will see them again in the Jewish Tanakh holy oil and the Egyptian perfume recipes of Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides. (Note: Malabathron is a species of Cinnamomum - either malabatrum or tamala, if not cinnamon itself. According to Dioscorides (I - 63), Malabathron unguent from Egypt was based on beef fat and contained cinnamon; and like the New testament Spikenard unguent, one pound cost 300 denarii. Cinnamomum based Malabathron sounds distinctly reminiscent of the cinnamon-heavy temple Madjet unguent, which was considered part of the litany of the Egyptian Sacred oils.

Frankincense is also mentioned in the Inferno of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy:

“He tastes, but tears of frankincense alone;

And odorous amomum: swaths of nard,

And myrrh his funeral shroud.”

Meanwhile, Amomum sounds distinctly reminiscent of the Cinnamomum in the Egyptian temple Madjet unguent.

There are at least 25 known species of fragrant resin-producing Boswellia spp. trees/shrubs, none of which actually grew in ancient Egypt, so frankincense was imported from several foreign locations. Some scholars believe that B. papyrifera has the longest history of use as incense in Egypt, being from nearby Eritrea to the South - the closest source. Along with B. sacra, called Hedeg - “white” due to its milky white resin and imported from across the Red Sea on the Arabian Peninsula, both varieties were revered in ancient Egypt as the scent par-excellence of their god-forms, the Neteru. Boswellia frereana was also available to ancient Egypt from nearby Somalia and is still valued today in Arabian society as the ‘King’ of frankincense or ‘Maydi’ due to its sweeter fragrance and skin cooling property. There is evidence that B. frereana was likely the earliest source of Frankincense essential oil from the remains of a Bronze Age perfumery in Cyprus. Boswellia serrata and carterii were also likely imported from India and used in ancient Egypt as well.

Besides the obvious pleasant fragrance, the ancient Egyptians long knew about the air-clarifying anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties of burning frankincense resin for purification rites in their temples and homes, using it much like the indigenous North American peoples use sage. We also know that they used it in their essential oils and unguents as a deep-healing therapeutic agent. As the research presented below suggests, they were also well-aware of the positive psychoactive effects of the active ingredient incensole acetate, and there were other related esoteric or spiritual applications as well, which are addressed in my article Kepu Temple Incense.

Mostly growing wild in remote desert locations in Africa or Arabia, the varieties of Boswellia spp. and Pistachia spp. oils and resins used in our Sacred Oils and Unguents are some of the most sought after, hard to come by, and therefore most expensive and precious natural plant resources. Over-harvesting coupled with climate change is posing a serious existential threat to some of these species, particularly the rare B. neglecta. While I would prefer not to be additional pressure on the continued survival of these sacred plants, I am seeking to reproduce the ancient recipes as closely as possible, and take exception in the case of recreating the Wandering Stars Seven Sacred Oils - accepting, in turn, the full karma for their use in these offerings in spirit to the ancient Egyptian Neteru.

Otherwise, I most gravely recommend that those interested in frankincense for cosmetic or medical purposes choose far less expensive and more commonly available essential oils extracted from Boswellia carteri, and B. serrata resins, which are sustainably grown in Morocco, India, Indonesia, and elsewhere. Wandering Stars uses B. serrata in our Nudj Immortelle healing unguent.

Therapeutic Benefits of Frankincense:

The first mention of frankincense as a therapeutic, unsurprisingly Egyptian, is found in the Ebers Medical Papyrus from the new Kingdom circa 1500 BCE, and it was later attested to in Indian Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory and nerve-calming agent as early as 1000 BCE. Celsus (200 CE) recommended it to treat wounds and control bleeding, and we see its general use as a topical and internal anti-inflammatory spread from Africa to China after that.

Psychoactive Properties:

The first mention of Boswellia spp.’s psychoactive properties is in the Babylonian Talmud (circa 600 - 300 BCE) where it is said to have been administered in wine to prisoners with death sentences to “benumb the senses” and “not be sorry”. Accordingly, some scholars believe it was the “gall” in the apparently psychoactive drink given to Jesus with vinegar at the crucifixion. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) too has a similar psychoactive effect and was often offered infused in cheap wine by Roman soldiers to crucified prisoners - including Jesus (Mark 15:23). Recent scientific research has shown that combining frankincense and myrrh together, both integral ingredients in the Egyptian oils and temple incense, actually has a powerful synergistic effect as a mood-enhancing analgesic medicine. (See the paper Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh.)

It’s safe to say that most people are familiar with frankincense as a church incense, burned especially with myrrh resin around Christmastime, a tradition based upon two of the gifts of the three magi of the nativity. Note that the third was gold to get an idea of their perceived value. Burning frankincense appears to have become a central part of the Catholic liturgy between 400 - 500 CE, a practice that continues to this day. Judaism and Christianity have taught for millennia that burning frankincense is good for the soul, but it is only recently that biologists discovered the truth behind the claim when they found it is good for our psyches too!

An international team of scientists, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, have described how burning frankincense activates ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. This suggests that an entirely new class of “drugs” to treat these might literally be right under our noses already:

To determine incense's psychoactive effects, the researchers administered incensole acetate to mice. They found that the compound significantly affected areas in the brain areas known to be involved in emotions as well as in nerve circuits that are affected by current anxiety and depression drugs. Specifically, incensole acetate activated a protein called TRPV3, which is present in mammalian brains and also known to play a role in the perception of warmth of the skin. When mice bred without this protein were exposed to incensole acetate, the compound had no effect on their brains.

According to the National Institutes of Health, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people ages 15--44, affecting approximately 14.8 million American adults. A less severe form of depression, dysthymic disorder, affects approximately 3.3 million American adults. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults and frequently co-occur with depressive disorders. Based on the studies, it appears that simply burning frankincense in the morning could give relief to many of these people.

Of course, the health benefits don’t stop with the psychoactive properties, although we can’t think of a better place to start than one’s mental well-being.

Physical Health Benefits:

Other substances that occur in frankincense have now proven to have physical health benefits as well. In 2017, scientists concluded that Celsus was correct - it may contribute to wound healing, being a topical antibiotic with the ability to control bleeding. A 2011 paper on Aceto 11 Keto Boswellic acid has shown how frankincense oil or extract benefits oral health.

Frankincense also shows promise in fighting inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) noted that in a 2011 study of people with osteoarthritis, those who used an extract that came from Boswellia serrata essential oil had better pain relief than those who used a placebo.

Other inflammatory diseases it may help with include:

• rheumatoid arthritis

• Crohn's disease

• bronchial asthma

• ulcerative colitis

Authors of a study published in 2016 suggested that, apart from fighting inflammation, it might have benefits that are "expectorant, antiseptic, and even anxiolytic and anti-neurotic." Studies have even suggested that certain substances in frankincense may be useful as a cancer treatment. Current research is limited, but early results appear promising, as the article reprinted below outlines.

For more detail, here is a great online article: “5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense - and 7 Myths”. For an exhaustive overview of all the scientific research so far, check this paper: Boswellia resin: from religious ceremonies to medical uses; a review of in-vitro, in-vivo and clinical trials by Arieh Moussaieff.

All in all, the research is still in its early stages. While frankincense or it’s active compounds are unlikely to form the basis of a mainstream medical treatment any time soon, we still have the natural applications above to take advantage of its many therapeutic properties. Why not try a sample of our Temple Incense resin or Nudj Immortelle unguent and see for yourself?

Frankincense Applications:

Aromatherapy:

First and foremost is aromatherapy, whether by burning the resin or by inhaling the aroma of the essential oil with a diffuser, or whiffing the oil on a tester. People should never swallow an essential oil without consulting their physician, and it should always be diluted with a carrier before applying it to the skin.

Topical application:

These include:

• Skin care and topical pain relief: diluted 10% in an oil carrier - such as in our Nudj Immortelle Unguent.

• Bath soak: A few drops in a bathtub create an aromatic soak, and the body may absorb some of the oil. Mix the oil first with some full-fat milk so that it does not separate and float on the surface of the water.

• Relaxation: Use frankincense on pulse points during meditation or yoga, or apply a few drops of oil to a hot compress.

Oral Usage:

As a general rule, nobody should ever ingest essential oils, but people can safely swallow small amounts of frankincense resin and brush their teeth with a small amount of oil. Users should watch carefully for side effects, and they should stop use immediately if any ill effects develop. It remains unclear how it might interact with other medications, so when in doubt, consult the prescribing physician. Frankincense is natural, but like many other botanical substances, it can be toxic, especially as a concentrated essential oil, or with the ingestion of large amounts of resin.

Some people who have taken frankincense resin or extract internally have experienced:

• stomach pain

• nausea

• diarrhea

Women who are pregnant, lactating, have a history of allergic reactions, or have a weakened immune system, should avoid using frankincense essential oils or ingesting resin without their health practitioner’s approval.

Medical Disclaimer: Our expertise lies in incense making, botanical fragrant oils and skin/hair ointments. Information contained on these pages is to the best of our knowledge factual and presented solely for your edification and enjoyment. Wandering Stars cannot provide medical advice as we are not health professionals. Before ingesting anything that is not food, we strongly suggest seeking counsel from a licensed health practitioner.

Frankincense and the Treatment of Cancer

An article by By Zawn Villines from Medical News Today - Sept. 24 2018

Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

”Here we will look at some of the reasons why frankincense might help to treat cancer.

Frankincense and inflammation

Frankincense contains Boswellic acid, which may help fight inflammation. Inflammation causes redness, swelling, and heat. It happens after an injury and during many illnesses. (note: It is also associated with dietary issues, allergies and other metabolic issues. sc) The body uses inflammation to fight infection. When inflammation occurs, the body produces white blood cells as part of its defense mechanism. Inflammation also causes swelling, redness, and pain. Long-term inflammation, especially when it occurs in multiple areas of the body, is associated with a wide range of health issues, such as arthritis.

In 2006, a study published in Planta Medica showed a number of ways the Boswellic acid in Frankincense might fight inflammation. The authors noted that Boswellic acid inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, and it might also target free radicals and cytokines. All of these play a role in inflammation.

Frankincense and cancer cells

The role of frankincense in reducing inflammation could have important implications for cancer treatment. A number of studies have linked inflammation to cancer. Frankincense might not just reduce inflammation. It may also attack cancer cells directly. This, say some researchers, could benefit people with leukemia and other types of cancer.

One of the challenges of cancer treatment is that, unlike bacteria or viruses, cancer cells are not foreign invaders. Instead, cancer occurs when the body's cells grow out of control, attacking healthy tissue. This process makes it difficult to fight cancer without also killing healthy cells. In fact, most cancer treatments do kill healthy cells. Chemotherapy, for example, kills many healthy cells as it fights cancer. This is why people often lose their hair, experience nausea, and become more vulnerable to infection during chemotherapy.

Some evidence suggests that Frankincense might target cancer cells without harming healthy cells. A laboratory study of bladder cancer, published in 2009, looked at how frankincense affected cultures of normal and cancerous bladder cells. The oil targeted cancerous cells, but it did not destroy healthy cells. In 2015, further lab research found similar effects in breast cancer. The investigators found that frankincense could kill breast cancer cells and disrupt the growth of future cancer cells. In 2016, scientists describing the properties of Frankincense noted that it contains substances that have anti-tumor properties. These could prevent cancer cells from growing and lead to controlled cell death, or apoptosis.

These are early results, but they offer hope that substances that occur in frankincense might one day fight some forms of cancer without the potentially life-threatening effects of chemotherapy.

A future treatment?

When we hear that a natural substance is useful for treating a disease, it often means that the substance, such as Frankincense, contains compounds or chemicals that have therapeutic properties. A person will not use whole frankincense, for example, to cure a disease, but scientists may find a substance within frankincense that they can turn into a medication or therapy. In addition, scientists have only looked at compounds in frankincense as a cancer treatment in laboratory studies. They do not know how it might affect cancer in a living human being.

Before using a frankincense-based product to treat cancer, researchers must perform human trials to prove that it works and that it is safe. Human bodies are complicated systems, and natural products such as whole frankincense are also complex, as are the various FDA hoops that must be jumped through. Any drug or substance that can solve one problem may have other, unwanted effects on the body. Before giving people Frankincense or its derivatives, scientists must work out a safe dosage, explore potential side effects, and decide how best to deliver treatment.”

Disclaimer: This article’s information is not approved by the FDA to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure any diseases. The information presented in this post is provided for informational purposes only. Always do your research and talk with a healthcare practitioner before adding herbs or supplements to your diet. 

About Frankincense © 2022, Shane Clayton - Wandering Stars Publishing (except where noted)

All Rights Reserved

Wandering Stars is dedicated to expounding the Sacred Science of Ancient Egypt

In memory and in honor of John Anthony West

Born July 9, 1932 - Wested February 6, 2018

AUM