Frankincense & Boswellia | Shungite Queen
Frankincense resin — harvested from wild Boswellia Carterii trees — is among the most studied botanicals for inflammation. Boswellic acids are studied for mechanisms distinct from NSAIDs, including inhibition of the 5-LOX enzyme and the NF-κB pathway. Shungite Queen sources sustainably harvested wild resin and crafts it into premium preparations made with a lab-verified boswellic acid extract.
Written by Valerie Burke, MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Geologist & Founder of Shungite Queen
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 innumerable peer-reviewed studies examining their effects on inflammation, joint health, gut health, brain function, and cancer cell behavior.
The Main Species of Frankincense
While there are more than 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): A common, well-studied species that is extraordinarily rich in boswellic acids, including AKBA.
🌱 Boswellia Serrata (India): Known as Indian Frankincense, this species is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. It is a common, well-studied species abundant in boswellic acids, including AKBA.
🌱 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 beneficial 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. AKBA is the most potent 5-LOX inhibitor of the group, so the quality of a Boswellia extract matters.
High-quality extracts are 'standardized,' meaning they state a specific percentage of boswellic acids. This gives consistent potency from batch to batch and distinguishes them from simple powdered resin.
Our topical preparations contain a boswellic acid extract standardized to 70% total boswellic acids (35% in our gentle formula), made from Boswellia Carterii resin using organic ethanol. The extract retains boswellic acids including AKBA.
View Certificate of Analysis →
Frankincense Resin Oil vs. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense resin oil is a carrier oil containing a boswellic acid extract made from frankincense resin. It is not frankincense essential oil. Essential oil is steam-distilled and contains only the resin's small volatile compounds. Boswellic acids are too large to be carried over, so they are found in the resin and its extracts, not in the essential oil.
Mechanism of Action: How Boswellia Fights Inflammation
Unlike NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), which block COX enzymes, boswellic acids are studied for their effects on different inflammatory pathways, or mechanisms. There are two primary 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. In laboratory studies, suppressing NF-κB reduced production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
Two Different Targets in the Inflammation Cascade
A simplified view of where NSAIDs and boswellic acids (such as AKBA) act
The COX pathway
The 5-LOX pathway
A second route: NF-κB signaling
The takeaway: NSAIDs act on the COX branch. Boswellic acids are studied for the 5-LOX branch and for NF-κB signaling, which is why they work differently.
Frankincense and Inflammation: What Does the Research Say?
Boswellia has been studied for its effects on inflammation in a range of conditions. The strength of the evidence varies from moderate for knee osteoarthritis to very early for others. Boswellia should not replace prescribed medical treatment.
| Osteoarthritis | Several small randomized, placebo-controlled trials of oral Boswellia extracts reported reduced knee pain and improved function, with some noting effects within a few weeks. Larger trials are needed. |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Early limited studies indicate that Boswellia can help reduce joint swelling and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, with preliminary results. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) |
Small studies 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, with mixed results. |
| Asthma | Because Boswellia reduces leukotrienes (compounds involved in bronchial constriction), small clinical studies have explored it for asthma, with preliminary results. It should not replace prescribed inhalers. |
| 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. Laboratory and animal research is encouraging but human evidence is lacking. |
| Cancer |
Laboratory studies and one small human trial in breast cancer have explored anti-cancer activity of boswellic acids. Research is too early to claim that frankincense treats or prevents cancer, but early studies are encouraging for breast, brain lung, prostate and other types. |
This summary describes research, mostly on oral extracts — not studies of our products. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
👉 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 or additives.
Topical Oils & Preparations
- Frankincense Oil with 70% Boswellic Acid Extract — our beloved flagship oil
- Frankincense Oil Gentle — 35% BA Roll-On — for face and sensitive skin
- Frankincense and Myrrh Salve — With 70% BA — concentrated, for targeted areas
- Frankincense Cream — With 70% BA — in a base of shea butter and jojoba
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 Boswellia Carterii resin — resulting in a 70% boswellic acid absolute extract with meaningful AKBA content. Extracted with organic ethanol, not hexane. 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 — my article for Templeton Wellness about the latest boswellia cancer research
- 📖 7 Things Most People Don't Know About Frankincense Resin Oil — how frankincense resin 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 oil?
Frankincense resin oil is a carrier oil containing a boswellic acid extract made from frankincense resin. It is not frankincense essential oil. Essential oil is steam-distilled and contains only the resin’s small volatile compounds. Boswellic acids are too large to be carried over, so they are found in the resin and its extracts, not in the essential oil.
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?
It’s different for everyone, and there’s no single answer. In studies, boswellia extracts have typically been taken for several weeks to a few months before researchers measured any change. Most of that research used oral extracts, and the evidence for topical products is more limited and still early. For skin products, many people use them consistently for a few days to a couple of weeks and see how their skin feels. If you’re dealing with a health concern, check with your healthcare provider.
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, many of our customers do. Patch test a small area first and wait 24 hours, keep it away from your eyes, and stop use if irritation occurs. Our 70% frankincense resin oil is a concentrated, ready-to-use carrier oil, so it needs no further dilution. If your skin is sensitive, our gentler 35% face oil, made with jojoba, may be a better starting point. This is a cosmetic oil for external use only.
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.