Whether in churches, temples, or at festive ceremonies—incense has been a part of human life for millennia. Its spicy, resinous scent is known throughout the world and is still associated today with tranquility, contemplation, and spirituality. But incense is much more than just an aromatic resin.
The resin of the Boswellia tree has long been valued in traditional herbal medicine. Today, Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) in particular is once again gaining attention. The reason for this is its unique plant compounds, known as boswellic acids. These are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they have been the subject of scientific research for many years.
But what makes frankincense so special? How is the resin harvested, what is Boswellia serrata used for today, and what should you look for in a frankincense extract? This article provides you with important information.
What exactly is incense?
Frankincense is the natural resin of various Boswellia species that grow primarily in India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.
It's hard to believe: This incense, which many people recognize from churches or festive ceremonies, comes quite simply from the bark of a tree.
To extract the resin, the tree bark is carefully scored. This causes a milky liquid to ooze out, which hardens on contact with the air into the characteristic resin nuggets. This process has been used for centuries with virtually no changes.
Various cultures recognized the special value of frankincense early on. While it was used primarily as incense in ancient Egypt and later in religious ceremonies, it also played a significant role in traditional herbal medicine—for example, in Ayurveda. Today, the resin forms the basis of exquisite Boswellia extracts.
Boswellia serrata—also known as Indian frankincense—is the primary ingredient used in high-quality dietary supplements.
What Makes Boswellia serrata So Special?
The fact that frankincense continues to play a special role today is primarily due to its constituents. This resin contains various natural plant compounds, including essential oils, terpenes, and, in particular, boswellic acids.
Boswellic acids make up about 30 percent of the resin of Boswellia serrata and are found exclusively in Boswellia species. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they have been the subject of scientific research for many years. Research has focused particularly on their role in natural inflammatory processes.
In addition to boswellic acids, the synergy of other plant compounds also contributes to frankincense’s long-standing popularity. However, it is not only the plant itself that is crucial, but also the quality of the extract used. High-quality, standardized Boswellia extracts provide a defined content of boswellic acids, thereby ensuring consistent quality.
What is incense traditionally used for?
The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellic acids make frankincense a versatile natural substance. That is why Boswellia serrata is valued today primarily for its role in managing natural inflammatory processes. It is particularly well known for its use in supporting the musculoskeletal system, such as the joints. In addition, frankincense also plays a role in gut health, as inflammatory processes can affect the function of the digestive tract. Its active ingredients are also used in skincare to care for sensitive or stressed skin.
Burning Incense—A Tradition Dating Back Thousands of Years
In addition to its use in herbal medicine, frankincense is still valued today as an incense resin. Its distinctive scent has been a part of religious ceremonies for centuries, but it is also used during meditation, yoga, or moments of relaxation.
Taking Frankincense—What Should You Keep in Mind?
Not all frankincense is created equal. The key factor determining the quality of a dietary supplement is, above all, the Boswellia extract used. Depending on the source, processing, and extraction method, the composition and content of the boswellic acids can vary significantly.
High-quality products therefore rely on standardized Boswellia serrata extracts. These contain a defined percentage of boswellic acids and ensure consistent quality. Equally important is gentle processing to preserve the valuable plant compounds as much as possible.
Another factor is bioavailability— that is, how well the body can absorb the ingredients. Modern manufacturing processes—such as liposomal complexation—can help improve the absorption of certain plant compounds.
Anyone who wants to take frankincense as a dietary supplement should therefore pay attention not only to the plant's name, but also to the quality of the raw materials and how the extract is processed.
Important to know: Young children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, as well as people taking blood thinners and those with allergies, should not use frankincense without first consulting their doctor.
Pro Boswellia – High-Quality Frankincense from TISSO
With Pro Boswellia, TISSO combines two high-quality boswellia ingredients in a single product: a liposomal full-spectrum boswellia complex and a standardized Boswellia serrata extract containing 65% boswellic acids. This provides both all naturally occurring boswellic acids and a particularly high concentration of these valuable plant compounds.
A key feature is the liposomal full-spectrum complex. In this complex, the boswellic acids are embedded in a phospholipid bilayer—similar to the membrane of human cells. This liposomal form can support the absorption of the active ingredients in the body and thus contributes to high bioavailability.
Pro Boswellia thus combines the benefits of a natural, full-spectrum product with the properties of a highly concentrated Boswellia serrata extract.
Conclusion: Frankincense—Tradition Meets Modern Research
Frankincense is one of the oldest natural substances in the world. And it is more relevant today than ever. What was once valued primarily as a precious incense resin is now the subject of numerous scientific studies. Boswellia serrata, in particular, stands out for its characteristic boswellic acids and is therefore widely used in modern herbal medicine.
Whether to support the musculoskeletal system, in connection with gut health, or as part of a mindful lifestyle—frankincense can be a valuable addition to a holistic approach to health. The quality of the extract used is crucial. Standardized products with a precisely defined content of boswellic acids provide a reliable foundation for daily use.
Those who prioritize high-quality raw materials and careful processing can make targeted use of the unique properties of Boswellia serrata.
Sources
- Siddiqui, M. Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, a potential anti-inflammatory agent: An overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309643/
