Is Boswellia resin the same as frankincense?

Yes. Boswellia resin is essentially natural frankincense, used in many ancient cultures – including within the Christian tradition, where it was one of the gifts of the Three Wise Men. Today, the term “frankincense” is mostly used for its traditional form of use (burning), while “Boswellia” often refers to the ingredient as used in nutrition and herbal applications.

How does it differ from spruce resin?

Spruce resin comes from Slovenian forests and has extraordinary effects, while boswellia comes from warm places and is known mainly for its effect on inflammatory processes in the body. They therefore work in a similar way. In Smrekovit, we use them as natural allies - Smrekovit 365 Alter, which has boswellia resin, is intended especially for those who are allergic to spruce resin.

Does Boswellia have a scent?

Yes – it has a pleasant, warm, slightly balsamic scent, which is why it has been used as frankincense for thousands of years. When burned, it releases a distinctive aroma that was highly valued in churches, temples, and palaces.

How long has Boswellia resin been used?

Boswellia resin has one of the longest histories of use of any natural resin (pine resin has an even longer history of 7000 years), with recorded use dating back more than 3500 years, from Egypt and Mesopotamia to India and the Arab world. It has been used for both religious and medicinal purposes.

Where can I find the scientific sources you mention?

The sources on which the information on this page is based are published in publicly available scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and other peer-reviewed publications.If you would like specific links to research on boswellia resin (e.g. on boswellic acids and inflammation), please contact us and we will be happy to provide them. You can find the sources used here on this page →

A natural treasure with a millennia-long tradition

Frankincense (Boswellia resin)

An herbal resin valued by ancient traditional medicine and modern science for its remarkable effects on joints, skin, and the respiratory system.

What is the Frankincense (Boswellia resin)?Facts about Frankincense (Boswellia resin)Frankincense (Boswellia resin) through time Scientific facts Frequently asked questions

What is the Frankincense (Boswellia resin)?

Boswellia resin is an aromatic plant resin obtained from Boswellia trees, which grow mainly in India, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.

The tree releases its resin naturally, much like spruce, and local communities have been harvesting it by hand for thousands of years. Traditionally, the dried resin was used for burning as incense and for herbal care, but today it is recognised by science as a natural active ingredient with beneficial effects on the joints, skin, and respiratory system.

In Smrekovit products, we use it as a complement to spruce resin, as the properties of the two naturally enhance each other.

Boswellia resin in numbers

3500

years of traditional use

Frankincense (Boswellia resin) was used in ancient Egypt, India and Mesopotamia.

1000

+

scientific publications on boswellia resin.

It has been linked in research to its effects on joints, inflammation and other functions.

200 +

natural compounds in boswellia resin.

Among them, boswellic acids are the most studied.

The millennia-long story of Boswellia resin

Ancient Egypt

In Egypt, Boswellia resin (frankincense) was used in religious rituals, embalming, and as an offering to the gods. It was one of the most precious resins of its time.

The Arab world

In Arab culture, Boswellia resin was highly valued for incense, space purification, and herbal remedies. It was also used by resin traders along the Silk Road.

India - ancient medicine

In Indian practices, Boswellia resin was used to ease pain, support the body during inflammation, and help maintain overall balance. In some places, this tradition is still preserved today.

The millennia-long journey of Boswellia resin – from rituals to scientific research

Boswellia resin has a rich history that goes back more than 3,500 years. In ancient Egypt, it was used in religious ceremonies, embalming, and as one of the most precious offerings to the gods.

In India, it became an important part of natural support for various inflammation-related issues and overall body balance. The tradition of its use has been preserved to this day, especially within traditional herbal medicine systems.

In Arab and Persian culture, Boswellia resin – also known as frankincense – was valued as a cleansing agent for both space and body, and as part of the trade routes that connected East and West. At certain times, it was even worth more than gold.

Frankincense also holds an important place in the Christian tradition – it was one of the three gifts brought to Jesus at his birth: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Frankincense symbolised spirituality and holiness, further highlighting the great value of this natural resin throughout history.

Today, this millennia-old tradition meets modern science. An increasing number of studies are examining the boswellic acids found in Boswellia resin. These compounds show potential in influencing inflammatory processes, supporting the long-standing knowledge preserved across different civilisations.

Scientific insights into Boswellia resin

In recent decades, the boswellia resin has been the focus of much scientific research. Particular attention has been paid to boswellic acids, which are among the most important active substances in this natural resin.

Studies have shown that these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they could help regulate inflammatory processes in the body. This is why boswellia resin is often the subject of research in areas such as:

Joints and mobility

Boswellic acids are the focus of numerous studies exploring their effects on joint inflammation, stiffness, and overall mobility. Clinical research often investigates their potential use as natural support for joint-related issues.

Chronic inflammation

Boswellia shows potential as a natural substance that may support the body in various inflammatory conditions. Its mechanisms of action are linked to inhibiting enzymes involved in inflammatory processes.

Skin and respiratory system

Some studies mention a possible effect of Boswellia on respiratory issues and skin inflammation. Traditional use often focuses on soothing irritation and supporting the mucous membranes.

You can find the sources and references on this page →

Frequently asked questions

Is Boswellia resin the same as frankincense?
Yes. Boswellia resin is essentially natural frankincense, used in many ancient cultures – including within the Christian tradition, where it was one of the gifts of the Three Wise Men. Today, the term “frankincense” is mostly used for its traditional form of use (burning), while “Boswellia” often refers to the ingredient as used in nutrition and herbal applications.
How does it differ from spruce resin?
Spruce resin comes from Slovenian forests and is known for its remarkable effects, while Boswellia grows in warm regions and is primarily recognised for its influence on inflammatory processes in the body. Their effects are therefore similar. At Smrekovit, we use them as natural allies – Smrekovit 365 Alter, which contains Boswellia resin, is intended especially for those who are allergic to spruce resin.
Does Boswellia have a scent?
Yes – it has a pleasant, warm, slightly balsamic scent, which is why it has been used as frankincense for thousands of years. When burned, it releases a distinctive aroma that was highly valued in churches, temples, and palaces.
How long has Boswellia resin been used?
Boswellia resin has one of the longest histories of use among all natural resins (spruce resin is even older – 7,000 years). Documented use goes back more than 3,500 years, from Egypt and Mesopotamia to India and the Arab world. It was used for both religious and medicinal purposes.
Where can I find the scientific sources you mention?
The sources on which the information on this page is based are published in publicly accessible scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and other professional publications.
If you would like specific links to studies on Boswellia resin (e.g., on boswellic acids and inflammation), feel free to contact us and we will gladly provide them.

The sources used here can be found on this page →

What is the Frankincense (Boswellia resin)?Facts about Frankincense (Boswellia resin)Frankincense (Boswellia resin) through time Scientific facts Frequently asked questions