Health Benefits:

The essential oil of Boswellia papyrifera contains more than two hundred molecular compounds, which give it a very complex bouquet and endow it with a rainbow of therapeutic applications. It is derived from oleo gum resins which function as the immune and defense support for the frankincense tree, and in its essential oil form, passes onto us these same precious properties.

The oil, like all frankincense species, has been used traditionally and in modern times to speed the body's natural healing response.   Its immune-enhancing, cleansing, and regenerative properties help reduce the negative effects of daily stress and aging, and contribute significantly to healthy joints and muscles.  It is also used for supporting a healthy respiratory system.

Boswellia oil is also cytophylactic, meaning it encourages healthy growth and regeneration of skin cells, rendering it ideal for skin health.

It is a natural fumigant, and fumigation with frankincense has long had the dual effect of both disinfecting public spaces and elevating the spirit. Frankincense finds use as a mouthwash, promoting  healthy teeth and gums. Chewing frankincense resin has the secondary benefit of cleansing the digestive system by stimulating bile flow and enzyme secretion.

Frankincense is used cosmetically to support, nourish and regenerate dry, wrinkled, and aging skin.

Among frankincense's many attributes is its use as a spiritual aid for ritual and prayer or meditation. Used in worship since time immemorial for the way it blends its many healing powers with an intoxicating fragrance, frankincense can properly be said to belong to the family of sacred scents.

How to Use:

Frankincense can be applied topically, as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or diffuser.

Apply a drop of frankincense to purify the skin.

Add a few drops to a warm bath to support the respiratory system and promote a healthy inflammatory response.

Diffuse or use steam inhalation for enhancing immunity (combine with above recipe for respiratory conditions).

Diffuse frankincense with lavender and a drop of peppermint to enhance cerebral circulation and to support the healing of headaches.

Diffuse meditation blend before and during meditation practice.

Frankincense Papyrifera Oil Recipes:

Respiratory Support blend: 8 drops frankincense papyrifera, 6 drops eucalyptus globulus, 3 drops rosemary, 3 drops pine, 2 drops peppermint for diffusion, or in 30 ml jojoba oil for topical/direct inhalation

Meditation blend: 8 drops frankincense papyrifera, , 6 drops sandalwood, 3 drops opoponax, 3 drops cedar wood for diffusion, or in 30 ml jojoba oil for topical/direct inhalation

More Information:

Boswellia seedlings are slow growing and are susceptible to livestock grazing before they are able to reach a more mature state. Papyrifera in particular is becoming endangered and is need of conservation due to extensive farming, overgrazing and poor harvesting practices. Once established, frankincense trees can live for at least a hundred years. Their flowers are popular with bees, and the long flowering period from October to February is helpful for bee colony maintenance.

Frankincense was included in the gifts presented by the wise men to the infant Christ together with gold and myrrh. It was introduced into church ceremonies at the beginning of Christianity in Europe during the Middle Ages. About 500 tons of frankincense were used by the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches per year. Burning frankincense in churches had hygienic functions as well as spiritual importance. People of the Middle Ages lived in extremely unsanitary conditions, so the fumigation of churches helped reduce contagion through atmospheric purification.

Safety Guidelines:

Safety Considerations for Boswellia papyrifera Essential Oil:

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Do not take Boswellia papyrifera essential oil internally.

Aromatic Profile & Blending:

Aromatic Profile and Blending of Boswellia papyrifera Essential Oil:

Perfumery Note: Base to middle
Odor: Fresh, woody, rosy-floral, balsamic, slightly spicy, warm
Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild to medium
Dry-out: woody, rosy

Blends well with: citrus oils such as grapefruit and bergamot; spice oils: basil, black pepper; also neroli, sandalwood, galbanum, geranium

Product Details:

Floracopeia Boswellia papyrifera Oil Product Details:

Botanical Name: Boswellia papyrifera
Bottle Size: 1/2 ounce (15 ml)
Composition: 100% Pure Frankincense Essential Oil
Origin: Ethiopia
Plant Part: Gum Resin
Extraction: Hydro Distilled
Cultivation/Harvesting: Wild Harvest
Plant Part: Gum resin
Color: Clear to light yellow
Consistency: Thin
Yield: 3-5%


Bottle Size: 15ml

Why Buy From Floracopeia:

Floracopeia was established to help preserve and promote the use of botanical medicines as solutions to the widespread ecological destruction taking place in the world, and the loss of medicinal plants on which traditional medical systems depend. We provide our customers with the highest quality essential oils and other botanical aromatic treasures through the promotion of ecological sustainability, organic agriculture, and agro-forestry projects.

Our products are acclaimed for their therapeutic-grade, high quality at affordable prices. We provide artisanal quality oils produced by small family-based distillers. We buy directly from farmers and distillers, thus supporting the local economies in which the plants are grown. We do not buy oils from the world-brokers. Floracopeia is founded with a strong medical orientation and is involved in a number of global eco-projects based in grass roots health care, spirituality, reforestation projects, and the preservation and restoration of ethno-botanical culture.