Frankincense tea, also known as a Frankincense infusion, is a time-honoured remedy in many cultures and medical systems. Some of its traditional medicinal uses have been researched in recent years and I am surprised to see that many of the classic therapeutic properties associated with Frankincense tea are substantiated in the laboratory. I have listed a few here, but trust you to do your own research as well.
Not the essential oil
Our recent obsession with Frankincense essential oil can easily blind us to the plethora of therapeutic compounds found in the whole oleo gum resin and is no doubt increasing the pressure we are putting on trees that are already over-harvested and over-burdened with our growing demand for Frankincense essential oil.
A Holistic approach
The following gem is borrowed from one of the linked studies below. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
“However, exclusive focus on individual biochemical targets neglects the fact that strong synergy of multiple constituents in a crude drug may prove more potent and effective than any single purified compound, or that interactions of co-occurring phytochemicals may help nullify the toxic effects of individual constituents. So while it is important to understand the active agents within medicinal plants, it should also be with caution that we extract and use constituents in isolation.”
Kurt Schnaubelt,
Traditional therapeutic benefits of Frankincense
Frankincense tea has a broad range of traditional therapeutic applications..
- As a sexual tonic and aphrodisiac
- To increase fertility in men and women.
- To stimulate brain function, memory and intelligence
- As a home remedy for coughs, colds and congestion
- To reduce the pain and inflammation associated with Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- As a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Alleviating respiratory complaints such as Asthma and Bronchitis.
- To treat diabetes.
- To ease the irritation of urinary tract inflammations
A teaspoon of Frankincense tears steeped overnight in water is a traditional healing formula that has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years
An aqueous solution and emulsion
I found no research that enumerated all the chemical constituents delivered through an aqueous solution of Frankincense. However, it is safe to assume that the emulsion created by an infusion of Frankincense in water is similar in composition to the fresh tears and delivers both the water-soluble gum and the oil-soluble resin acids, (including the Boswellic acids), which are today considered the most sought after therapeutic compounds in Frankincense.
How to prepare Frankincense tea
The traditional ratio of Frankincense granules to water is about a teaspoon of tears to 1 or 2 cups of water.
- Place a teaspoon of Frankincense tears in a cup, mug or bowl. large tears can be pulverized or crushed with a mortar or pestle, or by putting the tears in a ziplock bag and bruising them with a hammer.
- Add 1-2 cups, (250-500 Milliliters) of room-temperature water. Some people use boiling water though I can’t say if one method is better than the other. Both seem to yield the same results.
- Cover the container with a saucer or plastic wrap and let it sit overnight.
- Sip the tea/infusion throughout the next day.
- If you prepare too much you can keep it in the fridge for a day or two.
- If you want to prepare a larger amount for future use, freeze it in ice cube trays, then store the frozen cubes in Ziploc bags in the freezer. Thaw them as needed. they should keep well for up to 6 months.
- Remember, traditional use suggests consuming small amounts throughout the day. It is likely more beneficial to consistently drink a cup or two slowly throughout the day than to consume large quantities over a short period.
- Listen to your body, and don’t overdo it.
- Often, the tears can be infused in water once more and still colour the water.
- When they are spent they can be consumed, (washed down with water or taken with food), and a new batch prepared.
- Though there are no major side effects to consuming too much Frankincense, if you experience digestive discomfort in any way, take a break and moderate your intake.
Which types of Frankincense are best suited to making a tea?
Not all Frankincense types are suited to this type of preparation. Some Frankincense resins have no water-soluble gum and will not create an emulsion when steeped in water. If the solution does not turn white or cloudy overnight, know that the resin acids are not included in the “Tea”.
The following species of Frankincense are the best suited and most popular types for this application and contain water soluble gum. Click on the links for a detailed description of each type.
- Frankincense Carterii
- Frankincense Dalzielii
- Frankincense Papyrifera
- Frankincense Sacra
- Frankincense Serrata
Not suitable for teas
Though Frankincense Rivae, Neglecta and Frereana contain many therapeutic compounds, their lack of water-soluble gum means their resin acids will not be delivered through an emulsion.
Scientific research
Laboratory studies of the tea, infusion or aqueous extract/solution of Frankincense support many of the traditional uses. Below, are a few of the studies I came across. I urge you to do your own research. An online query such as “Frankincense tea” or”Frankincense infusion” won’t yield many results. However, if you phrase your search, “Aqueous solution of Boswellia”, or something similarly scientific, you will be well rewarded. I have by no means collated everything there is, and can’t judge the veracity of all the studies, but a few hours searching proved fruitful and educational. The potential benefits of a simple tea of Frankincense are extensive and yet to be fully explored. Here are a few.
- To increase fertility in both sexes-https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jhs/53/4/53_4_365/_pdf
- http://jhs.pharm.or.jp/data/53(4)/53_365.pdf
- http://bipublication.com/files/ijabr20160561_Hossein.pdf
- To reduce cholesterol, protect the liver and kidneys.-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15991575
- To reduce inflammation and trauma after stroke-http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/page/11/Journal-Information
- To act as an antioxident and anti Diabetic-http://jjnpp.com/?page=article&article_id=6755
- To increase memory and learning abilities-http://zums.ac.ir/journal/browse.php?a_id=2886&sid=1&slc_lang=en
- To increase the power of memory and learning in adult offspring-http://en.journals.sid.ir/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=48926
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25657807
- http://jsci.khu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=1101&sid=1&slc_lang=en
- As an antibacterial-shaik20ismail20mannur20et20al
- Treating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease-effect-of-frankincense-as-on-alzheimers-disease-model
- To prevent or treat rheumatoid Arthritis other autoimmune inflammatory Diseases-Analysis of Frankincense Extracts which Inhibit the Growth of Bacterial Triggers
- To address memory impairment-https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305636410_
- As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory-anti-inflammatory-and-analgesic-activity-of-different-fractions of Boswelia Serrata
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178177#
- As a neuroprotective agent-http://jssu.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3586-en.html
Studies like these remind me how much we don’t yet know about nature, our bodies and diseases. There is so much more for us all to learn. It also tells me that our obsession with taking things apart and consuming individual active compounds, ( such as essential oils), is likely to our detriment, that of the land and the plant species that give us our medicine.
This is an updated version of a popular post. originally published in 2017.
Dan
Reblogged this on Fair Trade Frankincense.
How often can you drink the tea? Also, di you have any information about myrrh.
Traditionally, the tea made from one teaspoon of Frankincense tears is sipped throughout the day. The residual resin is immersed in water and the resulting liquid is consumed in the same manner. When the tears are spent a new infusion is prepared. I can’t tell you how long this preparation is taken. I do.oly have no information on it.
To answer your question on Myrrh, I need you to be more specific.
Fan
Greetings. I can attest to the medicinal benefits of this tea. I have been using it for approximately six months and I can honestly say that my libido has been enhanced, and my overall mood is one of contentment. I com only speak for myself, but I will continue to use this daily as long as I don’t notice any negative side effects. Peace!
Good morning Dan!! I emailed last year about possibly driving out to you and learning how to extract oil from the raw frankincense I purchased from you. I’ve read your instructions a million times but am still unsure! I’m in the London area and would love to learn from you. Last year marked another cancer death in our family and it distracted me once again from my mission. Hope to hear from you to see if you have any time in the near future! Thanks so much! Kelly
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Kelly. I am leaving soon for Africa but will be back in May. I have a few workshops planned including how to make an oil extract of Frankincense. keep an eye on this blog and the Apothecary’s Garden Face book page for details later in the year
Dan are you back in Hamilton now? Your ‘Apothecary’s Garden makes me think that all is well in your chosen field of endeavour and I’m very happy for you. Just to let you know that my dear wife Jean unfortunately has alzheimer which makes it a daily struggle for her but she is a courageous woman.
may you have growing success Dan ….. cheers John
Thank you John. I will call you.
Reblogged this on and commented:
DID YOU KNOW?! | Our favorite resin to burn as incense can and is used as internal medicine.
Another exceptional article. Thanks, Dan, shared!!
Thank you Julie!
Very good info n knowledge learned for the day..
Thankyou so much for the patience to write this article for the public..
Sincerely.. PsMiracle
Thank you for your time and all this wonderfull information, such a valuable resource.
I was given some frankincense resin by a friend and told about the tea. I am excited to give it a try. But I don’t own a coffee grinder… can I make the tea without grinding it?
Hi Allis.
Though you do not have to grind Frankincense to a powder in order to make a tea, it helps if you are working with pieces/tears that are no bigger than peas. If you have large pieces of Frankincense, you can either break them up in a mortar and pestle or put them in a ziplock bag and give them a few firm whacks with a hammer. Smaller pieces will break down more easily in the tea and will be better absorbed in your body if you consume them after drinking the tea.
I just chewed on a pea sized piece of high quality Hojari frankincense resin yesterday, and as I completely consumed it, I definitely felt very relaxed. Next I will try taking as a tea throughout the day, and see if it effectively helps my mood. It should be safe to take internally as long as it’s from a good source, and you ask your doctor.
Hi, Dan:
Recently, I bought a package of Beeyo Frankincense (100% pure Boswellia Carterii Resin). On the front of package indicated wild harvested resin and the back of package indicated: Caution: Not for internal use. Avoid contact with eyes.
Is this type of frankincense not suitable for making frankincense tea, but use as incense burner only?
Mimi
Hi, Dan:
Recently, I bought a package of Frankincense (100% pure Boswellia Carterii Resin). On the front of package indicated wild harvested resin and the back of package indicated: Caution: Not for internal use. Avoid contact with eyes.
Is this type of frankincense not suitable for making frankincense tea, but use as incense burner only?
Mimi
Hi Mimi. This is the very same Frankincense you will find everywhere. I think the seller is being overly zealous in guarding themselves against litigation on the off-chance someone will sue them. Since they are not stating it can be taken internally, I see no real need for the warning. Perhaps they think it makes them look professional. The same cautions that apply to all other types of Frankincense apply to the package you purchased. Of course one does not want to get Frankincense, lemon, baking soda or a myriad of other innocuous natural products in one’s eyes.
Hello. Can I use same batch for infusion and oil extraction, and if yes, which order is best, first infusion and afterwards oil, or the other way? Thank you so much for this invaluable page.
Hi Wendy.
Though it is common tonreinfure the resin in frankincense tea till it is gone, you can first make the tea, thoroughly dry the resin and then prepare an oil infusion from the remenents. If you first prepare an oil extract you will not be able to make a proper tea with what is left over.
I hope this was of some help.
Dan
Yes it was Dan, thanks.
Hi where do you purchase this at if you don’t mind me asking I am trying to heal my herpes
Hi Daniesha. You can purchase frankincense tears for making tea if you navigate to the SHOP on the top bar and go to the “Fresh Frankincense resins” section.