
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a resin derived from the Boswellia tree, which grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. Frankincense has a long history in traditional medicine and is believed to offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties due to the presence of Boswellic acids. Frankincense tears, formed from the hardened sap of the Boswellia carteri tree, can be burned as incense or ground into a powder for use in toiletries. They can also be steam-distilled to create essential oils, which form the basis of perfumes. This involves washing the tears in boiling water to separate the volatile essential oils, which can then be combined with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil, to create a natural perfume with a warm, woody, and spicy aroma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frankincense tears | Form from the resin or sap of the Boswellia carteri tree |
| Have a warm, woody, sweet and spicy aroma | |
| Can be ground into a powder or used in granular form | |
| Are often burned on charcoal as incense | |
| Can be added to soaps and other toiletries | |
| Can be steam-distilled to create an essential oil with antiseptic properties | |
| Frankincense essential oil | Can be blended with other essential oils and Jojoba oil to create a perfume |
| Can be used topically to create therapeutic and cosmetic products | |
| Frankincense tincture | Can be made with a blend of water and alcohol or pure alcohol |
| Can be used to extract the therapeutic compounds in the oleoresin for topical use | |
| Frankincense resin | Contains valuable therapeutic compounds called Boswellic acids |
| Has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial properties |
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What You'll Learn
- Frankincense tears are formed from the resin or sap of the Boswellia carteri tree
- The distillation process involves washing the tears in boiling water to collect the volatile essential oils
- Frankincense essential oil has therapeutic benefits, including antiseptic and anti-ageing properties
- To make perfume, frankincense essential oil is combined with other oils and a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil
- The perfume can be applied topically, but always perform a patch test first to ensure skin compatibility

Frankincense tears are formed from the resin or sap of the Boswellia carteri tree
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The Boswellia carteri tree, also known as Boswellia carterii, is one of the primary sources of frankincense. It is native to East Africa and China and has the largest population of Boswellia carteri trees in Somalia and Somaliland.
The Boswellia carteri tree has significant cultural and economic importance. It provides a main yearly income for many Somali families and communities. Additionally, frankincense has been valued for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. It contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to address arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, ulcers, colitis, brain injuries, and depression.
To make frankincense perfume from tears, the distillation process is commonly used. During distillation, frankincense tears are washed in boiling water, and their volatile essential oils are collected through evaporation. The pure resin portion, also known as the gum portion, dissolves in the boiling water. After distillation, the hot liquid is poured out, and the hardened resin is collected. This resin extract can be used directly in warm oils and waxes to create perfume.
Alternatively, frankincense essential oil can be extracted from the Boswellia carteri resin. This oil can then be combined with other essential oils and a carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil, to create a natural perfume. It is important to note that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without proper dilution.
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The distillation process involves washing the tears in boiling water to collect the volatile essential oils
Frankincense tears can be steam-distilled to convert them into essential oils. This process involves washing the tears in boiling water to collect the volatile essential oils. The gum portion of frankincense dissolves in the boiling water, while the pure resin portion collects in the still. The distillation process separates the water-soluble gum from the resin compounds and essential oils.
To liberate the resin from the gum portion, the frankincense tears are washed in boiling water during the distillation process. The essential oils evaporate and are collected, leaving behind the pure resin. This material will dissolve directly in warm oils and waxes, making it ideal for therapeutic and cosmetic creams, serums, and medicated oils.
The distillation process for frankincense tears is a simple and straightforward method to extract the valuable therapeutic compounds found in the resin portion, such as Boswellic acids. These compounds offer various benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. By converting the tears into essential oils through distillation, these therapeutic qualities can be utilized effectively.
To create a perfume tincture from frankincense, pure alcohol is used. This process extracts the aromatic and therapeutic compounds in the oleoresin for topical use. The perfume tincture can then be used in alcohol and oil-based perfumes, combining the fragrance and therapeutic benefits of frankincense.
The distillation process allows for the collection of pure frankincense resin, which is rich in therapeutic compounds. By dissolving this resin in warm oils or waxes, individuals can create their own natural perfumes with the added benefit of harnessing the medicinal properties of frankincense. This process not only results in a pleasant fragrance but also provides potential health advantages.
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Frankincense essential oil has therapeutic benefits, including antiseptic and anti-ageing properties
Frankincense essential oil is derived from the Boswellia tree, which is native to Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. The process involves making shallow, vertical cuts in the tree trunk and collecting the resin that oozes out. This resin is then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil.
Frankincense essential oil has a rich, warm, and woody aroma with potential citrusy, fruity, or spicy notes. It is one of the many essential oils used in aromatherapy, and it can be inhaled, diluted, and applied to the skin.
Therapeutic Benefits
Frankincense essential oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional Islamic, Chinese, and Indian medicine. It has a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It helps to reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis and other conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Antiseptic properties: It benefits acne-prone skin by helping to control bacteria, reduce wrinkles, and promote an even skin tone and texture.
- Anti-ageing properties: It can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and protect the skin from environmental damage, including UV radiation.
- Immune-modulating properties: Frankincense may affect the immune system and has been used to treat blood stagnation and inflammation-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Cancer-fighting properties: Laboratory studies have shown that the Boswellic acids found in frankincense may help address cancer, although more research is needed.
Making Frankincense Perfume from Tears
Creating a frankincense perfume at home is a simple process. The first step is to obtain frankincense tears, which can be purchased or extracted from the Boswellia tree as described earlier. During the distillation process, the tears are washed in boiling water, and the pure resin is collected after cooling.
The resin extract can then be ground, dried, and sifted to remove all traces of water, making it ready for use in an oil extract. To make the perfume, place the desired amount of frankincense essential oil in a roller bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil like Jojoba oil. Shake well before use, and enjoy your handmade frankincense perfume.
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To make perfume, frankincense essential oil is combined with other oils and a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a resin derived from the Boswellia tree, which typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. The bark of the tree is cut, exposing the sap to air, which then hardens and forms golden beads called "tears". Frankincense has a woody, spicy aroma and is often used in incense, perfumes, and cosmetics.
Frankincense tears can be converted into an essential oil through a process called steam distillation. The tears are washed in boiling water, and their volatile essential oils are collected through evaporation. This oil can then be used to create perfume.
To make perfume, frankincense essential oil is combined with other essential oils and a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil. This combination of oils is then poured into a roller bottle, creating a natural fragrance that can be applied to the skin. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted by altering the ratio of essential oils to carrier oil.
The therapeutic compounds found in frankincense, known as Boswellic acids, offer a range of potential health benefits. These acids have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and anti-cancer properties. They have also been shown to improve oral health and reduce asthma symptoms. However, it is important to note that while frankincense has a long history in traditional medicine, many of its health claims are still unsupported by scientific research.
By making perfume with frankincense essential oil, you can create a natural fragrance with potential therapeutic benefits. The process is simple, allowing you to craft a unique scent while also exploring the potential healing properties of this ancient resin.
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The perfume can be applied topically, but always perform a patch test first to ensure skin compatibility
Frankincense essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but it is always advisable to perform a patch test first to ensure skin compatibility. This is because many different substances can cause skin reactions, including chemicals, preservatives, perfumes, and cosmetics.
A patch test is a simple diagnostic exam that can be performed at home to determine whether a specific product causes skin irritation or an allergic reaction. It involves applying a small amount of the product to an area of skin that is not likely to be accidentally washed or rubbed, such as the inside of the arm or the bend of the elbow. The product should be applied thickly and left on the skin for as long as it would normally be, or for a minimum of five minutes. This process should be repeated twice a day for 7-10 days to ensure that no skin irritation or allergic reaction occurs.
It is important to note that the therapeutic compounds found in frankincense resin, called Boswellic acids, are not present in the essential oil of frankincense. If you are interested in the therapeutic benefits of frankincense, such as its ability to address arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, ulcers, colitis, brain injuries, and depression, you may want to explore other methods of application or look for products that contain frankincense resin extracts.
Additionally, when testing perfumes, it is recommended to avoid rubbing the wrist with a finger or touching the wrist to the nose. Instead, allow the perfume to dry naturally and inhale the scent without touching the wrist. This will prevent contamination and ensure that you are accurately evaluating the scent.
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Frequently asked questions
Frankincense tears are formed from the resin or sap of the Boswellia carteri tree. The bark is cut, and the sap that flows out hardens into golden beads known as tears.
Frankincense tears can be steam-distilled to create an essential oil. During the distillation process, the tears are washed in boiling water, and the volatile essential oils are collected.
Frankincense essential oil has a warm, woody, sweet, and spicy aroma. It is often used for spiritual purposes and to repel insects. It also has therapeutic benefits, such as slowing down breathing and producing feelings of calm.
A perfume tincture is prepared using pure alcohol. Place 1 ounce by weight or 30 grams of finely powdered frankincense in a clean, resealable glass vessel. You can also add other essential oils to create your desired scent.
Yes, frankincense perfume makes a great gift, especially during the winter holidays due to its woody aroma and religious significance.










































