The History of Frankincense Incense

 Frankincense is a unique and ancient resin, rich in earthy, sweet scent and healing energy. No wonder it has been treasured for so long. Read on as we dive into 'The History of Frankincense Incense'.

1. What is Incense?

2. What is Frankincense Incense?

  1. Frankincense Incense Sticks:
  2. Natural Frankincense Incense:
  3. Benefits of Rose Incense:

3. The History of Frankincense Incense

  1. Where Did Frankincense Incense Originate?
  2. Frankincense Incense in Ancient Times

  3. Who Named Frankincense (and did they burn it)?

4. Nowadays Uses Of Frankincense Incense

5. The Bottom Line

 

What is Incense?

Incense involves burning aromatic biological material, usually plant life, to create a fragrant and cleansing smoke. This smoke has proven to have many benefits, especially those relating to the plant in which is being burnt.
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Incense is an ancient tool used for centuries within religion, spirituality, and aromatherapy. It has a robust history in improving moods, calming the mind, removing negativity, and aligning the Chakras. However, its unique ability in empowering clarity and spirituality is what makes it such a worldwide phenomenon. So, this being said, incense has gained many other uses over the years, with many people simply enjoying the pleasant aroma it produces.
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There are many types of incense and many different scents. Some of the most popular types include incense sticks, cones, coils, loose, and our favourite, natural.

What is Frankincense Incense?.

The warm, pleasant fragrance Frankincense resin possesses ignites the senses and strengthens the Root Chakra. And, luckily these qualities reflect within each Frankincense incense type. So, what are the most popular Frankincense incense types?

Frankincense Incense Sticks:

Incense sticks are the most popular type, formed of aromatic wood powders, additives, and a wooden stick as the base. The wood powders are combined with fragrant plant extracts (such as essential oil and ground herbs) which are compact tightly around a thin, wooden stick, usually made from bamboo. In this case, Frankincense incense sticks are aromatic wood powders combined with Frankincense essential oil and ground resin.
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Incense sticks are a quick and easy incense solution, perfect for busy days with little downtime, however, incense sticks do have their cons and can be harmful if overused. With modern influence, incense sticks usually coincide with chemical additives. However, with conscious and rare use, the effects of incense sticks are minimal to none. They can also have a positive impact on our spirituality.

Natural Rose Incense: 

Our favourite type!

Natural incense is a more earth-giving, fragrant, and ancient type. It involves burning a combination of natural extracts such as essential oil, aromatic resin, and botanicals on a ceramic oil warmer (in this case, natural Frankincense incense involves burning its resin and essential oil). However, these extracts must be burnt alongside water or carrier oil (this keeps the incense safe from burning). 

This incense type is less popular due to its step-by-step process. But, in our eyes, its benefits exceed all other types. 

Natural incense is less smoky and more fresh, earthy, and (in our opinion) more pleasant in fragrance, thus opposed to other types. Also, its ingredients are usually 100% natural without harsh wood powders. Therefore, natural incense is kinder on the lungs as it usually comes without chemical additives.

Benefits of Frankincense Incense:

  • Strengthens the Root Chakra
  • Improves moods
  • Promotes tranquility
  • Relieves stress and anxiety
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Improves sleep

The History of Frankincense Incense

Where Did Frankincense Incense Originate?

Frankincense is an ancient and earthy-scented gum/resin sourced within the bark of the tree species 'Boswellia', Synonym - Olibanum. These exotic trees originated in India, the Middle East, and Africa, becoming treasured for their rarity and precious aromatic resin. Frankincense also became treasured in antiquity within the Arabian Peninsula, where its trade was common.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of incense dates back to the old kingdom within ancient Egypt - old incense burners were discovered, ultimately verifying this. Some people believe that Frankincense was a substance burnt on these warmers. However, there is limited to no evidence to suggest this. This being said, the earliest inscription of the use of Frankincense is presented within the tomb of the ancient Egyptian queen Hatshepsut, who ruled around 1500 BC. Frankincense had many uses during this time, with incense being one.

The earliest record of Frankincense incense dates back to ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians. However, other cultures and countries would soon embrace the merit of Frankincense incense.

Frankincense Incense in Ancient Times

 Throughout history, Frankincense and its incense have maintained their desirability and value, becoming one of the most sought after scents and commodities existing. So, what was this sacred incense used for? And why?

During the era of the ancient Egyptians, incense was a commonly used tool and was even described as the 'fragrance of the gods', giving true testament to its sacredness. The Egyptians worshipped many deities and gods and undisputedly respected their pharaohs. This being said, they had many tools, methods, and routines in which they presented their loyalty and devotion to these beloved entities, incense being a great example. 

The ancient Egyptians would burn Frankincense incense as an offering to the gods due to its warm, inviting essence, spiritual-enhancing qualities, and high value. This being said, Frankincense incense was burnt, alongside charcoal, to fumigate temples, ultimately riding negative energy and enhancing spiritual connection. They also burnt Frankincense, alongside scents such as Myrrh and Cedarwood, during the mummification process. This was known to cleanse the body before the soul passed into the afterlife, ultimately bringing the person eternal fortune, prosperity, and protection.
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The ancient Phoenicians (a civilisation of people who inhabited the strip across the coastal eastern Mediterranean) also valued Frankincense, trading its resin with the Egyptians and Assyrians. The Phoenicians enjoyed burning incense, with Frankincense being a likely resin burnt.

Who Named Frankincense (and did they burn it)?

The Franks, a Germanic tribe who invaded Britain, inspired the name of Frankincense or 'Frankish incense'. The Franks introduced the resin to Europe, where it became an instant treasured commodity. Others say the word is derived from the phrase 'franc ecens', meaning pure or high-quality incense in old French.

During the medieval period in Europe, Frankincense had many uses, mostly for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. However, they were also known to burn incense, especially in religious settings, rituals, and ceremonies. They burnt many different herbs and resins, with Frankincense also a likely contender.

Frankincense Incense Within Religion

 Burning Frankincense as incense dates back centuries, especially for religious and spiritual purposes. Some of the earliest religions documented burnt resins, herbs, and flowers as a means of connection and offering to their god, gods, and deities. The Egyptians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Romans burnt Frankincense as a spiritual fragrance, bringing eternal prosperity, protection, and healing. Also, during the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.E. in Babylon, Frankincense incense was popular within religion, especially to cleanse sacred temples and enhance religious ceremonies. 

Frankincense is a prominent resin within Christianity. It is mentioned multiple times in the Old and New Testaments, the most popular being during the birth of Jesus Christ, being one of the sacred gifts given by the three magi (or three wise men). Frankincense incense is mentioned in Leviticus 2:1-2 - "When anyone offers a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. He shall bring it to Aaron's sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD".

Frankincense incense is also popular in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is commonly burnt during Puja rituals, a prayer ritual portraying devoted respect to the Gods. It also strengthens the Third Eye Chakra (or Anja), allowing for immense spiritual awareness and clarity.

Nowadays Uses Of Frankincense Incense

  • Cleanse energy
  • Freshen the air
  • Align the Chakras
  • Increase focus
  • Improve mood
  • Reduce stress
  • Remove unpleasant aromas
  • Strengthen the third eye

The Bottom Line

 Frankincense incense is robust in history, becoming one of the most popular fragrances and resins to exist. Thank you for ready our article on 'The History of Frankincense Incense'.

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