A Tale of 2 Frankincenses

Posted on Oct 31, 2011 | 7 comments

The holidays are fast approaching, and before we know, it will all be over.  Before we get to that point, now is a good time to highlight one of the most popular essential oils of the season: frankincense.  Did you know that there are over 50 biblical references to this precious healing resin? We know that frankincense was one of the gifts given by the three wise men at the birth of Jesus Christ, but what else can we learn from this ancient member of the Boswellia family?

Young Living currently offers two different types of frankincense essential oil—Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) and Sacred Frankincense (Boswellia sacra).  Historically, many believed the two to be the same, but Young Living’s recent research has proven that they are in fact two distinct species.  Our researchers have been the first to successfully separate the Chiral (pronounced Ki-Rol) molecules found in each variety of oil with Gas Chromatography (GC), offering definitive support of the difference between carteri and sacra. The GC tests have shown a difference in the optical rotation—the way light deflects off of molecules—in each species. To learn more about the science behind these tests, visit D. Gary Young’s Blog.

So what is the difference when it comes to usage? Frankincense is known for its ability to promote and support healthy skin, as well as for its everyday calming and balancing properties. Sacred Frankincense should be used primarily to create a heightened sense of spiritual awareness, and for moments of deep, personal meditation. Studies have shown that the incensole acetate found in Sacred Frankincense works on an ion channel within the brain, which may explain its ability to create a deep connection. Put a drop in journals, books, or sacred texts to bring an increased sense of spirituality.

Which frankincense essential oil is your favorite, and why? Leave us a comment below!

Marco Colindres III—YL Associate Product Marketing Manager

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  • Sherri Meikle

    I have recently been blessed with the healing powers of Frankincense. My dog, Millie had all the symptoms of Cushings disease. Typically, Cushings is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland stimulating the adrenals to produce too much cortisol. The symptoms of too much cortisol in the blood are excessive drinking and appetite, a pot belly and hair loss. Blood tests showed Millie had too much cortisol in her blood and was drinking excessivly causing her to have accidents and her belly was bloated. I had read about Frankincense oil disolving tumors. I put the oil on top of her head, on her ear tips, over her adrenals located over kidney areas, and on her back feet. I did this at least once a day, twice at first. I started the treament on a Saturday and by Wednesday her water consumption had reduced a little, Thursay and Friday was back to normal with no accidents. Her belly has shrunk as well. I will continue with the Frankincense oil on a maintenance basis. I consider her cured. Millie also had a lot of Reiki, group energy healing, and The Vibe Machine a couple of times too. Millie’s healing happened more quickly than I expected and I am grateful! My little heeler dog is a teacher of healing! Buying more Frankincense today! Hope this helps another the way it did Millie. Thank you and Many Blessings…

  • Megan

    I was wondering if Frankincense has anti parasitic properties? My nephew picked up the leishmania parasite in Costa Rica and it is only treated with heavy painful drugs. the CDC is involved but I wanted to have him ingesting oils and putting them on the open wound that the parasite has made on his arm. Hoping I can get some direction. I know the Frankincense is so powerful for healing!

    • http://www.youngliving.com Young Living

      We do have a product called ParaFree. It is designed to help with parasite issues. In looking at the ingredients it does appear some oils with anti-parasitic properties. They include Laurus nobilis, Nutmeg, Melaleuca, Thyme, and Clove.

  • http://www.wellnessworksllc.com Paul Youngquist

    The first time I ingested just 2-3 drops of the Sacra under my tongue left me with a profound feeling-since like I was at home within. It was that type of feeling that would make you feel like hugging yourself. Many old memories surfaced and furthered my inward journey and left me with a feeling of comfort and contentment the rest of the evening. I found it very restoring….

  • http://www.youngliving.org/vladislavakroa Vladislava Kropacek

    I love Sacred Frankincense to breath in every morning . When I get to my spa, I put few drops on top of my head, because we have lots of client coming during the day with different moods, problems, etc. In the evening I love to use my resin burner just for few minutes when I read.

  • Annette Said

    I was wondering if Sacred Frankinsense is ok to give to dogs. I was using Frankinsense successfully for her glaucoma, but wanted to know if Sacred has the same benefits…

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=549848432 Karen Gregory Smith

      After Christmas this year I discovered that my dog had a hard cyst like growth behind his ear. It was about the size of a large green pea. I started putting a drop of Frankincense behind his ear, and it started getting smaller and smaller, and finally it disappeared! It took about three weeks. As another benefit, his weepy eyes cleared up! I now put a drop behind each ear twice a day. It’s a miracle oil!