Seamus Hammond
Frankincense resin has been burned as incense for centuries, with a variety of types available, each offering unique benefits. The most popular variant is Frankincense Papyrifera, which contains Boswellic acids, Incensole, and Incensole Acetate, compounds that can induce feelings of spirituality and well-being while reducing anxiety and depression. Other types include Frankincense Neglecta, which is used to cleanse spaces and aid in meditation, and Frankincense Sacra, which has a warm and woody aroma. When burning frankincense, it is recommended to use a small amount, about the size of a pea, on a charcoal disc placed in an incense burner, or an electric burner, which provides a longer burn at lower temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning method | Charcoal disc, electric burner, or tea light burner |
| Temperature | 235 °F (113 °C) |
| Burn duration | No longer than one hour at a time |
| Storage | Airtight container |
| Health benefits | Heightened feelings of spirituality and well-being, reduced feelings of depression and anxiety, improved memory function |
| Types | Boswellia, Omani sacra, Ethiopian papyrifera, Neglecta |
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What You'll Learn
Burning frankincense resin with charcoal
To burn frankincense resin with charcoal, you will need a charcoal disc, an incense burner or heat-proof dish, and tongs. Light the charcoal disc with a match or lighter, holding it with the tongs over a heat-safe surface like a stovetop. Once the charcoal disc has ignited and turned ashy grey, place it in the incense burner or heat-proof dish. Let it heat up for about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, place a small piece of frankincense resin on top of the charcoal. You only need a tiny piece, about the size of a grain of rice, to create a lot of smoke and scent.
It is important to always burn resin incense in a well-ventilated room and avoid burning it for more than an hour at a time to prevent health complications. Additionally, be mindful of the disposal of charcoal as it can contain chemicals harmful to aquatic life. Opt for plant-based charcoal options when available.
When purchasing frankincense resin, look for pure, high-quality resins to get the most out of your experience. Store your resin incense in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming sticky in humid conditions and to retain its aroma.
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Electric burners
Frankincense resin incense can be burned using a variety of methods, one of which is an electric burner. Electric burners are a popular alternative to charcoal burners, which some people dislike due to the amount of smoke produced and the alteration to the fragrance profile.
Electric incense burners are available from a variety of retailers, including Amazon. They are simple to use and offer a longer burn time compared to other methods. To use an electric burner, place a pea-sized chunk of frankincense resin into the cup of the burner, then plug it into the wall and turn it on to 235 °F (113 °C). It is important to remember to turn off the burner when you are finished and keep it away from children and pets, as the device will get very hot.
For those who enjoy the traditional smoke associated with burning incense, a tea light burner can be used in conjunction with an electric burner. Place a chunk of frankincense in the top tier of the burner and light a tea light candle in the bottom tier.
When purchasing frankincense resin, it is recommended to buy pure, high-quality resins and store them in an airtight container to maintain their quality.
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Health complications and ventilation
Frankincense resin incense is associated with a variety of health benefits, but there are also some potential complications to be aware of.
Frankincense has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, asthma, headaches, and digestive issues. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. For example, studies have shown that boswellic acid, a component of frankincense, can reduce cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in osteoarthritis in mice. It is also believed to improve oral health, with one study showing that participants who chewed gum containing frankincense for five hours had reduced numbers of microbes in their saliva.
However, despite its long history of use and relatively low toxicity, there are some potential side effects and complications associated with frankincense. These include indigestion, constipation, and nausea. There is also some evidence that frankincense may increase the risk of miscarriage, so pregnant people or those trying to become pregnant are advised to avoid it. Additionally, frankincense may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using frankincense, especially for those who are pregnant or taking medications.
When burning frankincense resin incense, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid any potential health complications. While some people enjoy the smoke and aroma produced by burning frankincense, others may find it overwhelming or irritating. To control the amount of smoke and fragrance, some people prefer to use electric burners or tea light burners, which produce less smoke than traditional charcoal discs. Electric burners, in particular, are noted for producing less smoke and allowing for a greater appreciation of the subtleties of the fragrance. Tea light burners, on the other hand, can reach high temperatures, so it is important to never touch them with bare hands. Additionally, some burners come with ventilated lids to help manage the amount of smoke released into the surrounding area.
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Frankincense resin varieties
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. There are several species of Boswellia that produce true frankincense, and the resin from each is available in various grades, depending on the time of harvesting. The English word frankincense comes from the Old French expression franc encens, meaning 'true incense' or 'high-quality incense'.
With close to 20 types of frankincense resin on the market, it can be challenging to choose between them. The four classic types of frankincense resins are found in the shape of tears and come from Oman, Ethiopia, Somalia/Somaliland, or India. The Boswellia carterii tree in Somalia and Somaliland provides most of our frankincense and is the main yearly income for many Somali families and communities. When we smell an essential oil of frankincense, it is most often that of Boswellia carterii. This species has a deep, soft amber note with highlights of honey, vanilla, and black pepper, and softer citrus notes than frankincense sacra and dalzielii.
Another well-known type of frankincense is the Boswellia sacra, which grows throughout the Southern Arabian Peninsula and in Somalia. Both frankincense sacra and carterii are available in what is called their black form, which is misleading as they are not really black but a very dark honey colour. Black sacra and black carterii are forms of frankincense that often appear in sticky masses peppered with tears and bark. They are favoured by distillers due to their high essential oil content. Their sticky form is generally attributed to the abundance of rainfall and moist ocean breezes in their geographical locations. Both have a sweeter, softer aroma with less pronounced citrus notes than their counterparts.
The Hojari frankincense sacra resin comes from the mountainous region of Dhofar in Southern Oman and is extensively sorted according to the tears' colour, size, and shape. It has a sweeter and bolder fragrance than regular sacra, with distinct amber and strong citrus notes that frankincense carterii lacks. The term "Royal" is added to the larger, better-formed tears. The main Hojari types are silver, red, and green, with the latter usually called "Royal Green Hojari". It is considered the premier Omani frankincense and is often reserved in Arabian culture for medicinal applications.
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Frankincense resin for divination or fortune-telling
Frankincense resin has a long history in health and spirituality. It is believed to have various healing properties and is often used in spiritual practices for purification, meditation, and divination or fortune-telling.
To burn frankincense resin for divination or fortune-telling, there are several methods you can use. One popular method is to use charcoal. Light a charcoal disc with a lighter or match and place it in a heat-proof metal container, such as an incense burner or a metal incense bowl. Let the charcoal heat up for about 5-7 minutes, and then place a small piece of frankincense resin on top of the charcoal. The resin will start to smoke and release its fragrance. This method creates a lot of smoke, which some people associate with the traditional experience of burning incense.
Another method is to use an electric burner. Place a pea-sized chunk of frankincense resin into the cup of the electric resin burner and plug it into the wall. Turn the burner on to the desired temperature, typically around 235 °F (113 °C). Electric burners provide a longer burn and a "purer" aroma without the smoke. Remember to turn off the burner when you're done and keep it away from children and pets as it will be very hot.
You can also burn frankincense resin using a tealight incense burner. Place a chunk of frankincense in the top tier of the burner and light a small tealight candle in the bottom tier. This method produces less smoke than the charcoal method. Additionally, you can experiment with different varieties of frankincense resin, such as Omani sacra or Ethiopian papyrifera, to find the one that best suits your divination or fortune-telling practices.
When burning frankincense resin, it is important to follow safety precautions. Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot objects, and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area. Place the burner on a heat-proof pad to protect your surfaces. Additionally, some people recommend using a subitism incense burner or grinding the resin and adding it to salves, although these methods may require further research and experimentation.
Frankincense resin has been valued for centuries and was once considered a gift of kings. It is believed to bring healing and spiritual benefits, making it a popular choice for divination or fortune-telling practices. By burning frankincense resin using the methods described above, you can create a sacred space and connect with its ancient traditions.
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