Boswellia sacra

Frankincense

Boswellia sacra essential oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Here are some potential health benefits supported by both traditional use and modern research:

1. Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief

•Boswellic acids (compounds found in Boswellia) may help reduce inflammation.
• Potentially useful for managing arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

2. Respiratory Support

• Inhalation may ease congestion, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
• Helps open up the airways and ease breathing.

3. Skin Health & Wound Healing

• Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it popular in skincare.
• May help reduce acne, scarring, wrinkles, and dry skin.
• Often used in anti-aging and wound-healing treatments.

4. Stress & Anxiety Reduction

• Aromatherapy with frankincense oil is believed to have calming and grounding effects.
• May help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support mental clarity.

5. Immune System Booster

• Frankincense oil may enhance immune function by modulating immune responses.
• Traditionally used to ward off infections and promote overall health.

6. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties (Early research)

• Preliminary studies suggest boswellic acids might have anti-tumor effects, especially in certain cancers like breast, colon, and pancreatic.
• More clinical research is needed.

1. Geographic Dependence
• Primary source countries: Oman (especially Dhofar), Yemen, and Somalia.
• Many communities in these regions rely on frankincense harvesting as a major source of income.
• The tree only grows in specific arid climates, limiting global cultivation and tying the economy closely to local ecosystems.

2. Livelihoods & Traditional Knowledge
• Harvesting Boswellia resin is a traditional craft, often passed down through generations.
• It supports rural livelihoods, especially for nomadic and semi-nomadic populations.
• In some regions, women are increasingly participating in the harvesting and trade, contributing to gender-inclusive economic opportunities.

3. Global Trade & Economic Value
• Frankincense is a high-value export commodity, especially in the wellness, perfumery, and natural health industries.
• It’s used in essential oils, cosmetics, incense, and alternative medicine, with growing demand globally.
• However, the value chain is often imbalanced—local harvesters may receive a small portion of the final retail price, while middlemen and international companies profit more.

4. Environmental Pressures & Overharvesting
• Increased demand has led to overharvesting, threatening the long-term sustainability of Boswellia sacra.
• Over-tapping trees can weaken or kill them, leading to reduced resin output and environmental degradation.
• This creates a vicious cycle: economic need drives overharvesting, but environmental damage threatens future income.

5. Lack of Regulation & Market Instability
• Many producing regions have limited regulation or support for sustainable harvesting practices.
• Fluctuations in global demand or political instability (especially in Yemen and Somalia) can disrupt trade and hurt local economies.

6. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing Initiatives
• Some NGOs, governments, and ethical brands are working on:
• Sustainable harvesting training
• Fair trade certification
• Conservation programs

• These efforts aim to balance economic development with ecological preservation.

Sourcing Boswellia sacra essential oil ethically and sustainably requires a balance between supporting the livelihoods of local communities, ensuring environmental conservation, and minimizing exploitation along the supply chain.

Here’s a guide on how to do it right:

1. Look for Transparency in the Supply Chain
• Choose brands that clearly identify the origin of their Boswellia sacra (e.g., “wild-harvested in Dhofar, Oman”).
• Reputable companies will often share details about:
• Their partnerships with harvesters
• Their sustainability commitments
• Their certification status (organic, fair trade, etc.)

2. Prioritize Sustainable Harvesting Practices
Overharvesting weakens or kills the trees. Look for sources that:
• Limit tapping to 2-3 incisions per tree per season
• Allow trees recovery time between harvests
• Support reforestation or regeneration projects

3. Support Ethical, Community-Based Sourcing
Ethical sourcing means:
• Fair wages for harvesters
• Inclusion of local communities in decision-making
• Empowering women and minority groups in the supply chain

Look for cooperatives or companies that work directly with harvesters rather than through multiple middlemen.

4. Check for Certifications & Third-Party Verifications
While not all sustainable producers are certified (it’s expensive), certifications can still be a useful sign:
• Fair Trade
• Organic (USDA, EU, etc.)
• Wild Harvest or Ecocert Certified
• Non-GMO / Cruelty-Free

5. Choose Pure, Unadulterated Oils
Adulterated frankincense oil is often cheaper but may be blended with synthetic or lower-quality oils—undermining both sustainability and health benefits.
• Look for GC/MS reports (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) for chemical analysis and purity.
• Seek oils labeled Boswellia sacra, not just “frankincense”—as there are multiple species (e.g., B. carterii, B. frereana), and they’re not all harvested the same way.

6. Ask Questions
If a brand doesn’t list details on sustainability, it’s okay to reach out. Ask:
• Where is your Boswellia sacra sourced from?
• Do you work directly with local harvesters?
• What harvesting methods are used?
• Is the oil distilled from fresh or old resin?
• How do you ensure the trees aren’t overexploited?

The more consumers ask, the more pressure companies feel to act responsibly.

According to the World Flora Online database, Boswellia sacra is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

As this painting is a member of the Endangered Species Project, in collaboration with the Airmid Institute, 50% of all profits from the sale of prints will be donated annually to the Airmid Institute in order to strengthen and fortify healthy, ethical, and sustainable supply chains.