What Does Frankincense Smell Like?

Have you ever caught a whiff of something that transported you to a different place, a different time? That’s what happened to me the first time I stepped into an Orthodox church. The enchanting scent of frankincense filled the air, weaving its way through the soft flicker of candles and the melodic chants. It wasn’t just a smell—it was holiness itself. That woody base note mixed with an earthy aroma and subtle hints of citrus created an atmosphere that felt timeless, sacred, and completely otherworldly.

It made me pause and think—how could something so simple hold such deep, sacred meaning? That curiosity led me to discover the incredible journey of frankincense, from the frankincense tree in faraway arid lands to the sacred spaces where its aroma transforms the air.

It was humbling to realize that the sacred scent filling the church wasn’t just a pleasant fragrance—it carried centuries of history and spiritual significance. The deeper I dug into the story of frankincense, the more I understood why it has such a profound place in Christianity. Its journey from the frankincense tree to the heart of Christian worship is a testament to its enduring spiritual power.

📜 The History of Frankincense

Frankincense, also known by its French word "franc encens" (meaning "high-quality incense"), comes from the sap of Boswellia trees, primarily found in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and parts of the Middle East. This aromatic tree resin is harvested by making cuts in the tree trunk to extract its sap, which hardens into the prized frankincense resin.

For centuries, frankincense has played a prominent role in ancient civilizations, from Ancient Greece to the kingdoms of the Middle East. It was a valuable tool in religious ceremonies, spiritual practices, and even traditional medicine. Frankincense resin was so prized in ancient times that it was one of the gifts brought by the wise men to the Baby Jesus, alongside myrrh oil and gold.

1. Frankincense in the Ancient World

In the ancient world, frankincense was more than just a fragrance—it was a treasure of immense value. It became a cornerstone of spiritual practices, playing a central role in religious ceremonies across Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Egyptian priests used it in temple rituals, while ancient healers prized its use in traditional medicine for its soothing and antimicrobial properties. Frankincense was so valuable that it was often referred to as "liquid gold," with dedicated trade routes ensuring its availability to the most powerful civilizations of the time.

2. Frankincense in Christianity

On Frankincense in the Old Testament

Frankincense appears prominently in the Old Testament, where it is described as a vital component of worship and offerings to God. 

In Exodus 30:34-36, God instructs Moses to create a sacred incense blend using frankincense, which was to be placed in front of the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle. This highlights its role as a symbol of prayers and devotion rising to heaven. The aromatic smoke of frankincense was part of daily temple rituals, signifying holiness and the presence of God.

In Leviticus 2:1-2, frankincense is also mentioned as a required ingredient in grain offerings, emphasizing its role in worship and sacrifice. This connection to sacred rituals established frankincense as more than a luxury—it became a spiritual tool used to honor and communicate with the divine.

Frankincense in the New Testament

Frankincense’s significance deepens in the New Testament, where it is one of the three gifts presented to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). The Magi’s offering of gold, frankincense, and myrrh was profoundly symbolic. Frankincense, in particular, represented Christ’s divinity and His role as the ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for humanity before God. This gift, precious and sacred, highlighted the worship and reverence due to the Christ Child.

3. Frankincense in Christian Worship Today

Following its biblical roots, frankincense has become an integral part of Orthodox and Catholic church services. Burned in censers during the Divine Liturgy and other rituals, its aromatic smoke sanctifies the space and symbolizes prayers ascending to heaven. The woody base notes and earthy aroma create an atmosphere of reverence, connecting worshippers to centuries of faith and devotion.

The enchanting scent of frankincense has woven itself into my understanding of faith, connecting me to the prayers and sacred spaces of those who came before us. For us Orthodox Christians, it’s not just a fragrance—it’s a living symbol of worship and a reminder of God’s presence in our lives. When I think about the Magi offering frankincense to Christ, I’m humbled by its significance and how it continues to sanctify our prayers and celebrations today. It’s amazing how something as simple as fragrant resins can hold such profound meaning, transforming moments into sacred experiences.

🎄 Special Occasions When People Use Frankincense

Frankincense has a unique place in both religious and personal life, often reserved for the most special occasions. Its enchanting scent, steeped in symbolism and tradition, transforms these moments into something sacred and memorable. Let’s look at the special occasions where frankincense takes center stage, infusing our lives with holiness and meaning.

1. Religious Celebrations and Services

Frankincense is integral to the spiritual life of Orthodox Christians, especially during holy days and sacraments:

• Christmas (Nativity of Christ). Frankincense takes center stage during this holy celebration, reflecting the gift of frankincense brought by the Magi to the Christ Child. Its use in homes and churches underscores the sacredness of the season.
• Pascha (Easter). Burned in churches and homes, frankincense sanctifies the space, symbolizing prayers ascending to God during the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
• Feasts of the Theotokos: During major feasts like the Dormition and the Annunciation, frankincense enhances the reverence of these events.
• Sacraments. At weddings, baptisms, and chrismations, frankincense is burned to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit, blessing the participants and the space.

2. Personal Milestones

Frankincense is often used to mark significant personal events in a spiritual way:

• House Blessings: When a new home is blessed, frankincense is burned to cleanse and sanctify the space.
• Special Prayer Intentions: For moments of gratitude, mourning, or petition, burning frankincense adds solemnity and focus to personal prayer.

3. Festive Gatherings and Holidays

Frankincense is also a meaningful addition to family celebrations and holidays:

• Holiday Season. During Christmas dinners or family gatherings, the aroma of frankincense candles or incense brings warmth and a sense of sacredness to the occasion.
• Anniversaries and Memorials. Its woody base notes and earthy fragrance make it a fitting choice for honoring loved ones and reflecting on shared memories.

4. Special Liturgical Moments

Frankincense elevates the most sacred liturgical events:

• Great Vespers and Matins. Used during these services to signify God’s presence.
• Feast Days. On major feast days, frankincense is burned in larger quantities to heighten the solemnity of the occasion.

Over time, as I celebrated holidays and cherished life’s important moments with my children, my wife, my parents, and the people we love, the enchanting scent of frankincense became more than just the scent of holiness—it became the scent of happiness. It’s woven into the memories of Christmas mornings filled with joy, family prayers during feast days, and quiet evenings spent in reflection. Now, when I light frankincense, it’s not just a reminder of God’s presence but also of the warmth, love, and laughter shared with those closest to me. For me, frankincense has become the fragrance of both faith and family, tying the sacred and the joyful together in a way that feels timeless.

👃 What Does Frankincense Smell Like?

Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: the fragrance of frankincense. Its scent is a unique and fascinating blend of woody notes, earthy aromas, and sweet hints of citrus, creating an aroma that’s both grounding and uplifting. Each of these elements contributes to the multifaceted aroma that has enchanted people for centuries.

1. Woody Notes:

At its core, frankincense carries a distinct woody aroma that feels warm and grounding. It’s often compared to cedarwood or sandalwood but is softer and more refined, evoking the serenity of a quiet forest. This woody base makes frankincense feel timeless and sacred.

2. Earthy Aromas:

Adding depth to its profile, frankincense exudes a rich earthy scent that’s reminiscent of freshly turned soil or damp moss after a rain. This element gives the fragrance a natural, grounding quality that makes it perfect for creating a spiritual atmosphere during prayer or meditation.

3. Sweet Hints of Citrus:

High-quality frankincense often carries subtle sweet notes, with delicate hints of citrus or honey-like warmth. These light, refreshing touches balance its woodiness and earthiness, making the overall aroma feel clean and uplifting.

4. Resinous Quality:

As an aromatic resin, frankincense has a balsamic, slightly smoky undertone that enhances its complexity. This resinous quality is especially noticeable when the resin is burned, producing a comforting aromatic smoke that fills the space.

For me, the unique aroma of frankincense is timeless, blending its rich cultural significance with a deeply personal connection to faith and family. Whether I burn it during prayer, incorporate it into meditation practices, or simply let its overall aroma fill my home, it creates an atmosphere that feels both sacred and serene. Its earthy richness, subtle sweetness, and divine essence make it more than just a fragrance—it’s a bridge between heaven and earth.

🛠️ How is Frankincense Made?

My curiosity about frankincense led me to explore its creation, and what I discovered is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern science. The process, simple yet profound, transforms the raw sap of the Boswellia Carterii tree into a unique fragrance that has stood the test of time.

1. The Ancient Process

Harvesting frankincense begins with the sustainable practice of carefully tapping the Boswellia Carterii tree. Small incisions are made in the bark, allowing the tree to release its sap. Over weeks, the sap hardens into resin tears, which are collected by hand. This method, largely unchanged since ancient times, ensures the tree remains healthy for future harvests while yielding the precious resin.

The resin’s overall aroma of frankincense is a complex blend of woody scents, rich earthy fragrances, and a slight sweetness that captivates the human nose. Sorting the resin into different lines based on clarity, color, and aroma determines its quality. High-grade resin, often with a higher price, is reserved for sacred uses, luxury candles, and therapeutic products.

2. Modern Science Meets Tradition

While the harvesting remains traditional, modern advancements have revolutionized how we understand frankincense. A group of researchers, including experts like Nicolas Baldovini, use tools like thin-layer chromatography, classic mass spectrometry detectors, and the output of a gas chromatograph to analyze frankincense’s many odorants. 

These techniques reveal the intricate components of frankincense, such as:

• Olibanic Acid. Responsible for the balsamic, smoky undertones that define frankincense’s unique fragrance.
• Boswellic Acids. Valued for their anti-inflammatory properties, enhancing its therapeutic appeal.
• Isomers of a Rare Carboxylic Acid. Present in trace amounts, they add depth to the olfactory journey that makes frankincense so enchanting.

The extraction process, such as steam distillation, captures these compounds in essential oils, preserving their rich aroma for modern times.

3. Is Frankincense Healthy?

As much as I’ve always loved the unique scent profile of frankincense—its woody, earthy, and subtly sweet notes. I couldn’t help but wonder: is it healthy? What are the health benefits of this ancient resin that has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals and wellness practices? Here’s what I discovered.

Natural Health Benefits

Pure frankincense, particularly from the Boswellia Carterii tree, is packed with natural compounds. That includes boswellic acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These benefits make it useful for:

• Relieving joint pain. Helps reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
• Supporting respiratory health. Burning or diffusing frankincense can help open airways and soothe congestion.
• Enhancing skin health. Used in skincare, frankincense is known to reduce wrinkles, scars, and blemishes.

Its enduring popularity in aromatherapy also stems from its calming effects. The scent is known to reduce stress, enhance focus, and create a sense of peace. That makes it ideal for prayer, meditation, or simply unwinding.

Scientific Validation

Modern research has confirmed what ancient civilizations knew. Using tools like thin layer chromatography and classic mass spectrometry detectors, scientists have identified the active components of frankincense that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These studies ensure that when you use frankincense, you’re benefiting from its full potential.

Learning how frankincense is made has profoundly deepened my connection to its long history and traditions. Knowing that the Boswellia Carterii trees are still tapped by hand, just as they were in ancient times, and that their resin tears are carefully collected and sorted with such reverence, makes its woody scent feel even more sacred. Modern techniques like thin-layer chromatography may reveal its complexity, but the process remains rooted in the timeless care of faith and devotion. Now, every time I burn frankincense, I’m reminded of its incredible journey. A connection to generations of worship, the rich history of our Church, and the enduring beauty of offering something sacred to God...

🕯️ How Is Frankincense Used?

After learning about the historical significance of frankincense and its enduring role in religious practices, I wanted to explore the best ways to incorporate it into my daily life. I’ve long cherished using a blend of frankincense and myrrh in our adjustable brass censer during prayers. But I also wanted to find new methods for enjoying its frankincense benefits. Especially ways that don’t involve burning. Whether for spiritual uses, therapeutic purposes, or simply adding a sense of calm to my home, frankincense is a natural product that seamlessly blends tradition with modern convenience.

1. Adjustable Brass Censer Method

The adjustable brass censer is one of my favorite tools for using frankincense. Its design allows you to control the heat, making it perfect for releasing the unique aroma of frankincense resin without overwhelming the room.

Tips for Using a Brass Censer:

• Adjust the heat level to find the ideal balance between smoke and fragrance.
• Use high-quality resin for a clean and long-lasting sensory experience.
• Mix frankincense with myrrh for a rich, layered aroma that enhances spiritual rituals.

2. Traditional Burning Methods

Burning pure resin on charcoal is the most traditional way to use frankincense, creating an atmosphere of reverence during prayers or special occasions. This method is often used in Orthodox and Catholic churches to symbolize prayers ascending to heaven.

Tips for Burning:

• Use a censer with charcoal for controlled burning.
• Start with small resin pieces to manage the smoke.
• Blend with complementary resins like myrrh for a more complex olfactory journey.

3. Smoke-Free Alternatives

For those who prefer not to use smoke, there are modern methods to release the woody scent and earthy aroma of frankincense:

• Electric Resin Burners. These gently heat the resin without producing smoke, ideal for indoor spaces or those sensitive to smoke.
  • Tip: Adjust heat settings to control the intensity of the scent.
• Diffusers with Frankincense Essential Oil. Adding frankincense essential oil to a diffuser is a popular choice for creating a calm and serene environment.
  • Tip: Mix with citrus or myrrh oils for a layered aroma perfect for meditation.

4. Passive Scent Release

For subtle, continuous fragrance, try passive methods:

• Aroma Stones. Add a few drops of frankincense oil to an unglazed ceramic stone for a steady release of aroma.
• Sachets or Cloth Bags. Place small resin pieces in a bag to naturally diffuse their scent in smaller spaces like prayer corners.

Researching the various ways to burn incense was an enriching experience, opening my eyes to the versatility of frankincense and the tools available to enjoy its woody scent and earthy aroma. After exploring everything from traditional charcoal methods to modern electric burners, I’ve found that the adjustable brass censer is, for me, the best method. Its ability to control the heat makes it practical while preserving the rich tradition of burning resin during prayers or special occasions. If you’re looking for the best method to burn frankincense, start by thinking about your needs. Whether you prefer the smoke and ceremony of a censer or the convenience and cleanliness of a smoke-free electric burner. While I love the adjustable censer for its connection to ancient practices, experimenting with different tools can help you find what works best for your space and spiritual routines. To me, it’s about creating an experience that is both meaningful and practical for your life.

🌟 Final Take Away

Frankincense smells different to everyone. For some, it’s the scent of holiness, a timeless bridge between faith, tradition, and personal connection. For me, it’s all of that and more. It’s the aroma of cherished moments with God, my family, and the people I love. It reminds me of Christmas mornings filled with joy. Quiet prayers in our home, and celebrations shared with those closest to me...

If you’re exploring how to use frankincense, remember that the best method is ultimately a personal choice. Blending it with myrrh has been my favorite way to create a rich, layered fragrance that feels both sacred and grounding. For releasing its full unique aroma, I’ve found that an adjustable brass censer is ideal. It gives you control over the heat. Ensuring the resin doesn’t burn while allowing the woody base notes and earthy aromas to fill your space. If you prefer a cleaner, smoke-free option, an electric resin burner is a great alternative. Gently heating the resin to release its full fragrance without any smoke...

Ultimately, the best way to use frankincense depends on your space, your preferences, and how you want to experience its beauty. Experiment with different tools and blends to discover what works for you. Whether in a censer during prayer, a burner for reflection, or even a diffuser with essential oil... Let frankincense be more than a scent. It’s an invitation to connect with holiness, tradition, and the moments that matter most.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions