Frankincense essential oil: a scent for calm and meditation

For thousands of years, frankincense was one of the most precious goods of the ancient world, carried by caravans and burned in temples. Its woody, balsamic scent still evokes calm and contemplation today. As an essential oil, it lends itself to more everyday rituals: a few minutes of meditation, some quiet reading, a massage at the end of the day.

What is frankincense?

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is a gum resin produced by trees of the genus Boswellia, native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. When the bark is cut, the tree releases a resin that hardens into golden "tears". This resin is traditionally burned on charcoal, and it is also the source of the essential oil.

According to the product sheet, our frankincense essential oil has a "woody and balsamic scent" and is described as calming and meditative. For the two organic versions, the sheet for the 10 ml bottle highlights a resinous scent suited to aromatic uses, while the 5 ml bottle is presented for diffusion. To learn how essential oils are grouped according to their composition, see our sheet on essential oil families.

How to use it

In a diffuser, for a quiet moment

• Pick a time without distractions: phone on silent, soft lighting.
• Add a few drops to your diffuser and run it for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Sit comfortably and let the scent accompany your breathing or meditation.
• For a rounder note, blend it with a citrus or cedar oil.

Diluted, for massage

• Mix the essential oil with a gentle vegetable oil; our team will gladly tell you the right proportion.
• Do a patch test in the crook of your elbow before first use.
• Slowly massage the shoulders, neck or soles of the feet to prolong the moment of relaxation.

Which size?

The small 5 ml organic bottle is a good way to discover this precious scent; the 10 ml suits regular use.

Precautions

For worry-free use. Frankincense essential oil is not to be swallowed or applied neat to the skin. Keep it away from the eyes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, for a child, or if you are on medication, talk to us before using it. When diffusing, air the room regularly and avoid prolonged exposure for young children and pets. Keep the bottle closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Frankincense essential oil – woody, balsamic scent.
• Organic frankincense essential oil, 10 ml – resinous scent, for aromatic uses.
• Organic frankincense essential oil, 5 ml – discovery size, suited to diffusion.

Find your own ritual

Frankincense is an essential oil to savour slowly, a little at a time. Would you like to blend it with other scents or find out which version suits you? The team at Droguerie Perusset will let you smell the bottles and advise you in store.