Frankincense & Boswellia | Shungite Queen
Frankincense & Boswellia | Ancient Resin, Modern Science
The most researched botanical for inflammation, immunity, and skin — sustainably sourced from wild Boswellia Carterii resin, crafted into premium topical and oral preparations.
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.
At Shungite Queen, we source only Grade A Boswellia Carterii resin from Somalia and Boswellia Sacra Hojari from Oman — the two most prized and researched species — and craft them into a full line of topical oils, creams, salves, hydrosols, and an oral supplement.
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.
Unlike NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes and can damage the stomach lining with long-term use, boswellic acids work through a different pathway — making them a compelling option for those seeking natural, long-term inflammation support.
Our topical preparations contain 70% boswellic acids (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.
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:
- Osteoarthritis — multiple randomized controlled trials show significant reduction in joint pain and improved mobility
- Rheumatoid arthritis — boswellic acids shown to reduce inflammatory markers
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Asthma — 5-LOX inhibition reduces bronchial inflammation
- Brain inflammation — emerging research on neuroinflammation and cognitive support
👉 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
Best Value
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.
👉 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 our two most comprehensive resources on 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
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.