Anisha Riggs
Frankincense is a well-known and widely used incense, with a strong association with Christianity and a long history of use in Jewish and ancient Pagan cultures. It is believed to have the ability to clear negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity. Frankincense is also mentioned in the Bible and was one of the gifts given to the infant Christ by the three wise men. Burning frankincense incense is a popular way to cleanse a house of negative energy and improve mood, well-being, and energy levels. It is also believed to have natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties, which can help cleanse the air. When using incense to cleanse a house, it is recommended to wave the incense sticks around the home, covering every area to ensure that high vibrations are dispelled everywhere.
How to Cleanse Your House with Frankincense Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Improves mood and well-being, prevents health issues, improves energy levels, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes spiritual protection and clarity |
| Use | Burn the incense sticks and wave them all around your home to cover every nook and cranny |
| Recipe | 2 parts frankincense, 1/2 part elemi, 1/2 part pine needles, 1/2 part sweetgrass |
| Recipe | 3 teaspoons of powdered frankincense, 1 teaspoon of powdered myrrh, 1/4 teaspoon of the mixture on hot charcoal |
| Recipe | 1/4 teaspoon of brown sugar, 2-3 drops of honey, burn the resulting paste on hot charcoal |
| Notes | Frankincense is the most frequently used of all incenses and is known for its sacred and purifying qualities. It has been used in religious ceremonies for millennia. |
| Notes | Open a window when burning incense. Inhaling smoke is not healthy. |
| Alternatives | Lavender, sandalwood, nagchampa, patchouli, copal, cleansing sprays, mopping the floor with Chinese floor wash, salt, and Florida water |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense's history as a cleansing agent
Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin that has been used as incense since the beginning of recorded history. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae, which grow in the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. The trees start producing resin when they are about eight to ten years old, and the resin is harvested two to three times per year, with the final taps producing the best quality due to their higher aromatic terpene content.
Frankincense has been a valuable trade good for over 5,000 years, with Greek historian Herodotus writing about its harvest in southern Arabia and Pliny the Elder mentioning it in his "Naturalis Historia". Its trade was connected to the domestication of the camel and the development of the Incense Road through the Arabian Peninsula, which brought currency, goods, and progress to the region as early as 1500 BC. The name "frankincense" comes from the Old French "franc encens", meaning "pure incense" or "high-quality incense".
In ancient times, frankincense was valued in worship and as a medicine. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in their religious rites and to cleanse body cavities in the mummification process, and it was also a part of the Jewish incense of the sanctuary, frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch. In Christian tradition, it was one of the three gifts offered by the Magi to the infant Jesus, and it is often used in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Frankincense is also used in Islamic cultures, such as in exorcisms and to bless one's being.
Today, frankincense is still used to cleanse spaces of negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity. It is believed to bring a spiritually elevating influence to a place, and its smoke is thought to drive away negative energies. Frankincense is also used in modern aromatherapy, cosmetics, and skincare, and it is touted as a treatment for arthritis and other pains.
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How to make your own frankincense incense sticks
Frankincense is a popular choice for cleansing one's house, as it is believed to clear negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity. It is also the primary constituent of church incenses and is revered for its sacred and purifying qualities.
To make your own frankincense incense sticks, you will need:
- Dried frankincense resin
- A natural binding agent such as gum arabic, honey, or wood pulp
- A thin stick or bamboo skewer
- Essential oils of your choice (optional)
- A heat source such as a stove or hot plate
- A mold or form for shaping the incense sticks
- Gather your materials and prepare your workspace. Ensure you have a well-ventilated area, as the process may produce some smoke.
- Grind the dried frankincense resin into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. You can also add other aromatic herbs or resins, such as myrrh or sandalwood, at this stage to create your own unique blend.
- Prepare your binding agent by heating it gently. If using gum arabic, mix it with water and heat until it forms a sticky, syrup-like consistency. If using honey, gently warm it to thin its consistency.
- Mix the ground frankincense with the binding agent, stirring continuously until you achieve a dough-like consistency. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to this mixture if you want to enhance the fragrance of your incense sticks.
- Once your mixture is ready, it's time to form the incense sticks. You can use a mold or roll the dough out and cut it into thin strips. If using a mold, ensure it is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Insert the thin stick or bamboo skewer into the center of the incense stick to act as a wick.
- Allow the incense sticks to dry completely. This may take a few days, depending on the climate and humidity. You can place them in a warm, dry area to speed up the process.
- Once dried, you can burn your frankincense incense sticks by lighting the tip and allowing it to burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame. The stick should continue to smolder and release fragrant smoke.
Remember to always burn incense sticks with caution and ensure proper ventilation in your space. Enjoy your handcrafted frankincense incense sticks and the calming, cleansing atmosphere they create!
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The science behind frankincense's cleansing properties
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is derived from the Boswellia tree, which typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been revered for its medicinal and spiritual properties for thousands of years, with a history in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies.
The resin and essential oil of frankincense are known for their healing properties and have been used to treat a variety of conditions, both internally and externally. Frankincense is said to have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in oral hygiene, prevent gum disease, and treat infections. It has also been used to manage arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases.
The woodsy, spicy fragrance of burning frankincense is believed to inspire purification and the centering of the mind, body, and spirit. It is commonly used in meditation practices and spiritual rituals to clear negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity.
Scientific studies have found that frankincense may help in the treatment of cancer. Specifically, the boswellic acid in frankincense may prevent cancer cells from spreading and form DNA, thus limiting cancer growth. Additionally, frankincense has been found to have immune-modulating properties, meaning it can affect the immune system in different ways.
While frankincense has been praised for its multiple health benefits, it is important to note that not all claims are backed by scientific evidence. More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of frankincense in various applications.
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Alternative cleansing methods
If you are looking for alternative methods to cleanse your house with frankincense incense, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that incense comes in various forms, including sticks, cones, and powders, which can be mixed with other ingredients to enhance their cleansing properties.
- Different types of incense: Besides frankincense, other types of incense can be used for cleansing, such as myrrh, sage, sandalwood, lavender, patchouli, and dragon's blood. Each of these incenses has unique properties and aromas that can enhance spiritual practices, purify spaces, and remove negative energies.
- Natural resins: Natural resins, such as frankincense, palo santo, and copal, are excellent alternatives for cleansing. Copal, derived from native trees in Mexico and Central America, has been used in spiritual ceremonies by ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs. It enhances concentration, increases spiritual energy, and banishes negative energies.
- Essential oils: If you prefer a more subtle approach, using essential oils can be a great way to cleanse your space. Oils such as lavender oil, which has a calming and soothing aroma, can be used to promote relaxation and clear negative energy.
- Cleansing sprays: For those who are sensitive to smoke or strong scents, cleansing sprays offer a convenient solution. These sprays can be used to purify your space and improve the overall scent of your home.
- Rituals and practices: Cleansing rituals can involve creating a serene space with minimal distractions, dimming the lights, and setting a calm atmosphere. You can also try waving the incense smoke around your body and your home, focusing on your intention to dispel negative energies and create a protective barrier.
- Physical cleansing: Sometimes, a simple physical cleanse of your space can help refresh your environment. Mopping the floor with Chinese floor wash, salt, and Florida water is a traditional method that can be effective in removing negative energies and inviting positive vibes.
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Other types of incense for cleansing
Incense has been used for thousands of years across all cultures of the world to cleanse energy. Burning incense sticks or cones fills the room with high vibrations, which in turn cleanses the space and removes negative energy.
Sandalwood incense is made from a tropical shrub and is extremely rare and sought after. It has a warm, woody aroma that brings tranquility and focus, calming the mind and creating a peaceful environment. Sandalwood is ideal for dispelling negative energy and creating a sense of inner peace and harmony.
Palo Santo, or 'holy wood' from South America, is another type of incense that cleanses and protects spaces. It promotes spiritual clarity and an uplifted mood, making it perfect for meditation and deep contemplation.
Myrrh is a resin that has been used for centuries for its healing properties, especially for the skin and oral health. It also has cleansing and illness-protecting properties, providing strong spiritual protection and creativity. Burning myrrh resin creates a defence against dark energies and spirits, making it ideal for creating a safe space for prayer or meditation.
Dragon's Blood is a deep red-coloured resin with a sweet, warming, and earthy fragrance. It has been used by ancient spiritual beings to symbolise sacrifice, honour, protection, and devotion. Dragon's Blood is used to shield energy from negativity and misfortune.
Copal is a resin that comes from the native trees of Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries in South and Central America. It has a pleasant aroma and is said to enhance concentration, increase intention, and exorcise and banish negative energies.
Lavender is another popular incense for cleansing that is known for its calming and soothing aroma. It is effective in promoting relaxation and clearing negative energy, bringing a sense of peace to any space.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning frankincense incense is believed to clear negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity. It has been used for thousands of years and throughout all cultures of the world, and is known to bring a spiritually elevating influence into a place.
To cleanse your house with frankincense incense, you must first open a window as inhaling smoke is not healthy. Then, light the incense and wave it all around your home, covering every nook and cranny so that the high vibrations of the incense are dispelled everywhere, cleansing the space.
There are many alternative ways to cleanse your house, including burning other types of incense sticks such as sandalwood, nagchampa, lavender, or patchouli. You can also try mopping the floor with Chinese floor wash, salt, and Florida water, or using a cleansing spray.
