Frankincense & Boswellia | Shungite Queen
Frankincense resin — harvested from wild Boswellia Carterii trees — is the most clinically researched botanical for inflammation, immunity, and skin health. Its active compounds, boswellic acids, work through mechanisms distinctly different from NSAIDs, targeting the 5-LOX enzyme and NF-κB pathway to reduce leukotrienes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Shungite Queen sources sustainably harvested wild resin and crafts it into premium preparations formulated to the standards used in clinical research.
What Is Frankincense? The Boswellia Tree and Its Sacred Resin
Frankincense is the dried resin harvested from trees of the genus Boswellia — ancient, gnarled trees native to the arid regions of Somalia, Oman, Ethiopia, and the Arabian Peninsula. For thousands of years, frankincense resin has been burned as incense, used in religious ceremony, and prized by healers across cultures from ancient Egypt to Ayurvedic medicine.
Today, modern science is catching up to what traditional healers always knew. The active compounds in frankincense resin — boswellic acids — have been the subject of hundreds of peer-reviewed studies examining their effects on inflammation, joint health, gut health, brain function, and even cancer cell behavior.
The Main Species of Frankincense
While there are over 20 species of Boswellia trees, four are primarily used for their prized resin:
🌱 Boswellia Sacra (Oman & Yemen): Often considered the highest grade, especially the 'Hojari' variety from Oman. It was likely the frankincense of the ancient world and is prized for its high alpha-pinene content and complex aroma.
🌱 Boswellia Carterii (Somalia & Horn of Africa): The most common and widely researched species. It is rich in boswellic acids, particularly AKBA, making it the focus of many clinical studies on inflammation.
🌱 Boswellia Serrata (India): Known as Indian Frankincense, this species is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. It is the most studied species for its anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in oral supplements.
🌱 Boswellia Frereana (Somalia): Known as 'Maydi' or the 'king of frankincense,' this species has a very different chemical profile, lacking boswellic acids but rich in other compounds. It is often used in skincare and perfumes.
At Shungite Queen, we source only Grade A Boswellia Carterii resin from Somalia and Boswellia Sacra Hojari from Oman for our topical oils, creams, salves, hydrosols and oral supplement. Every batch of premium Boswellia Carterii resin extract is tested by an independent lab to ensure premium potency.
What Are Boswellic Acids? The Active Compounds in Frankincense
Boswellic acids are the primary bioactive compounds found in frankincense resin. Of the many boswellic acids identified, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is considered the most potent — it is a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the enzyme responsible for producing pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.
However, not all boswellic acids are created equal. While AKBA is a powerful anti-inflammatory, another compound, beta-boswellic acid, can be pro-inflammatory in high concentrations. This is why the quality of a Boswellia extract is critical.
High-quality extracts are 'standardized' to guarantee a high percentage of beneficial boswellic acids while minimizing beta-boswellic acid. This process ensures potency and safety, distinguishing premium supplements from simple powdered resin.
Our topical preparations contain 70% AKBA (or 35% in our gentle formula), extracted from whole Boswellia Carterii resin using organic ethanol — a clean, solvent-free process that preserves the full spectrum of boswellic acids including AKBA.
Mechanism of Action: How Boswellia Fights Inflammation
Unlike NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), which block COX enzymes, boswellic acids work on different inflammatory pathways, providing a more targeted approach. There are two primary mechanisms, or pathways:
⚙️ 5-LOX Inhibition: The most well-known action is the potent inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme by AKBA. The 5-LOX enzyme is responsible for producing leukotrienes, a group of inflammatory mediators that contribute to pain, swelling, and bronchial constriction in conditions like arthritis and asthma.
⚙️ NF-κB Pathway Modulation: Boswellic acids have also been shown to inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a protein complex that acts as a master switch for inflammation. By suppressing NF-κB, Boswellia can turn down the production of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes throughout the body.
Arachidonic Acid
(released from cell membranes)
NSAIDs (Conventional)
Target: COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes
Boswellia
Target: 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme and mPGES-1
Frankincense and Inflammation: What Does the Research Say?
Frankincense is one of the most studied botanicals for inflammation. Clinical research has examined its effects on an impressive array of diseases.
| Osteoarthritis | Multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that Boswellia extract significantly reduces joint pain and improves function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, with some studies noting effects in as little as seven days |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Early studies indicate that Boswellia can help reduce joint swelling and morning stiffness associated with this autoimmune condition by modulating the immune response |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) |
Research suggests boswellic acids can help manage symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and improving the integrity of the intestinal lining |
| Asthma | By inhibiting the production of leukotrienes—compounds that cause bronchial muscle constriction—Boswellia has been shown in clinical studies to reduce asthma symptoms and the need for inhaler use |
| Brain health | Emerging research is exploring the role of boswellic acids in reducing neuroinflammation, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive function and protecting against age-related decline |
| Cancer | Encouraging evidence that frankincense may mitigate several forms of cancer including breast, brain, lung, prostate and others |
👉 Read our deep dive: Frankincense for Inflammation — Does It Really Work?
Our Specialty Frankincense Products
Every product in our frankincense line is made from Grade A resin — no diluted extracts, no synthetic fragrance, no shortcuts.
Topical Oils & Preparations
- Frankincense Oil, Infused from Whole Boswellia Resin — 70% BA — our flagship treatment oil
- Frankincense Oil Gentle — 35% BA Roll-On — for face and sensitive skin
- Frankincense Salve with Myrrh — 70% BA — concentrated, for targeted areas
- Frankincense Cream — 70% BA — in shea butter and jojoba, available up to 6.8 oz
Essential Oils & Hydrosol
- Frankincense Essential Oil — Boswellia Carterii — Grade A, GC-MS tested
- Frankincense Essential Oil — Boswellia Sacra Hojari — 77% alpha-pinene, from Oman
- Frankincense Hydrosol — aromatic water for toning, misting, and soothing
Oral Supplement
- Premium Oral Boswellia Supplement with Black Pepper Extract — 70%+ boswellic acids, 60 vegetarian capsules, lab tested
How to Use Frankincense
Not sure which product is right for you, or how to apply it? We've put together a complete guide covering topical application for face, body, and joints — including which formula to choose for your skin type and safety precautions.
👉 How to Use Frankincense Oil, Cream, or Salve
How Our Boswellic Extract Is Made
Our extraction process uses organic ethanol to draw out the full spectrum of boswellic acids from whole Boswellia Carterii resin — resulting in a 70% boswellic acid absolute extract with meaningful AKBA content. No harsh solvents. No synthetic additives. Sustainably sourced.
👉 Absolute Boswellic Extract — How It's Made
Read the Research
We believe in educated customers. Here are several excellent resources for learning more about frankincense:
- 📖 The Gem of the Healing Kingdom: Frankincense Oil — our original deep dive into the history, science, and uses of frankincense
- 📖 Frankincense for Inflammation: Does It Really Work? — a research-backed look at the clinical evidence
- 📖 Frankincense: A Secret Weapon Against Cancer — an overview of the latest research about boswellia and cancer
- 📖 7 Things Most People Don't Know About Frankincense Resin Oil — how frankincense resin-infused oil is different from essential oil
- 📖 Frankincense Oil: 20 Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage & How to Use — a comprehensive guide about frankincense essential oil
Shop our complete frankincense collection — sourced from Grade A Boswellia resin, crafted with integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frankincense made from?
Frankincense is the dried resin harvested from Boswellia trees.The resin is tapped from the bark, allowed to harden into "tears," and then processed into oils, extracts, essential oils, hydrosols, and supplements.
Where does frankincense come from?
Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees native to the dry, rocky regions of the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa — primarily Somalia, Oman, Ethiopia, and Yemen. The resin is harvested by making small cuts in the bark, allowing the sap to seep out and harden into the golden "tears" that have been traded along ancient incense routes for over 5,000 years. Different regions produce different species: Boswellia Carterii thrives in Somalia, while the prized Hojari variety of Boswellia Sacra comes from the Dhofar region of Oman.
What is the difference between frankincense and boswellia?
They are the same thing. "Frankincense" is the common name for the resin; "Boswellia" is the genus name of the tree it comes from. Boswellia Carterii, Boswellia Sacra, and Boswellia Serrata are the most commonly used species.
Does frankincense really reduce inflammation?
Yes — there is substantial peer-reviewed clinical evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of boswellic acids, particularly for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, and asthma. It works through a different pathway than NSAIDs and is generally well tolerated.
What are boswellic acids and why do they matter?
Boswellic acids are the primary active compounds in frankincense resin. They inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme that drives inflammation. AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) is the most potent of these and is the focus of most clinical research.
What is the difference between frankincense essential oil and frankincense resin-infused oil?
Frankincense essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin and contains volatile aromatic compounds — it does not contain boswellic acids, which are too heavy to carry over in steam distillation. Frankincense resin-infused oil is made by extracting the resin directly into a carrier oil, preserving the boswellic acids for transdermal benefit.
What is AKBA?
AKBA stands for acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. It is considered the most pharmacologically active boswellic acid and is a selective inhibitor of 5-LOX. Our extracts are standardized to contain meaningful AKBA content.
What is the difference between Boswellia Carterii and Boswellia Sacra?
Both are prized species of frankincense. Carterii is native to Somalia and is the most widely researched for its boswellic acid content. Sacra (also called Hojari) is native to Oman and is prized for its exceptionally high alpha-pinene content and distinctive aroma. We carry both.
Is frankincense safe to take orally?
Oral boswellia supplements are generally considered safe and well tolerated. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Our oral supplement contains 500mg of Boswellia Carterii extract per capsule with black pepper extract to enhance absorption.
How long does it take for boswellia to work?
Clinical studies typically show meaningful results after 4–8 weeks of consistent use, though some people notice improvement sooner. Topical application may provide more immediate localized relief.
What is frankincense hydrosol?
Frankincense hydrosol is the aromatic water produced during steam distillation of frankincense resin. It contains water-soluble compounds from the resin and has a lighter, more delicate scent than the essential oil. It can be used as a facial toner, room mist, or skin-soothing spray.
Can I use frankincense on my face?
Yes — our Gentle 35% BA roll-on is specifically formulated for facial use with organic jojoba as the carrier oil. Our frankincense cream is also suitable for the face. Always patch test first.
Can frankincense be absorbed through the skin?
Research suggests that boswellic acids can penetrate the skin and reach underlying tissues, making topical application a viable route for localized inflammation support — particularly for joints, muscles, and skin conditions.