Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual and meditative practices. Today, it is making a comeback as more people look for natural ways to enhance their mental wellbeing. But what makes frankincense for mindfulness so powerful?
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of frankincense for mindfulness, how to use it in your daily practice, and why it’s more than just a pleasant scent—it’s a tool for building inner calm.
What Is Frankincense?
Frankincense is a resin that comes from the Boswellia tree. It is harvested by making cuts in the tree’s bark and collecting the sap that hardens into amber-coloured pieces. When burned, it releases a rich, earthy aroma.
Frankincense for mindfulness has been used across cultures—from ancient Egypt to India—for its grounding and calming effects. Today, modern science is starting to catch up, confirming many of the traditional beliefs about frankincense and its impact on the mind and body.
You can learn more about frankincense and its many forms at Kohzen, a specialist in traditional and sustainable resin.
Why Use Frankincense for Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present with your thoughts, feelings, and body—without judgement. Frankincense, a natural tree resin, has been used for centuries to support this. Today, science is helping us understand why it works so well.
Here’s how frankincense for mindfulness may support your practice:
1. Frankincense for Mindfulness – Help You Feel Calm and Safe
The scent of frankincense can help your body relax and feel grounded. When you smell it, your brain sends a signal to slow down. This is why many people feel peaceful when using it during meditation, journaling, or yoga.
A review from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that essential oils, which would also include those made from frankincense, may reduce levels of cortisol—the body’s main stress hormone. This makes it easier for your nervous system to settle into a calm, mindful state. Read the NIH-backed study here.
2. Frankincense for Mindfulness – Help Reduce Distraction and Support Brain Health
One of the biggest challenges in mindfulness is staying mentally present. Our minds naturally wander—often to thoughts about the past or future. The steady aroma of frankincense can act as a sensory anchor, gently guiding you back to the moment whenever your focus drifts.
Scientists are beginning to understand why this ancient resin has such a grounding effect. A key compound in frankincense—incensole acetate—has shown potential to support emotional balance and reduce neuroinflammation in the brain.
A 2021 study published in the journal Neurochemical Research looked at how incensole acetate affected rats experiencing inflammation-related memory loss. The researchers found that the compound not only reduced inflammation in the brain but also increased levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—a protein linked to learning, memory, and mood. Read the full study here.
“These findings suggest that incensole acetate may support brain function by reducing harmful inflammation and improving neuroplasticity,” the researchers concluded.
While these findings are based on animal models, they give insight into why frankincense has traditionally been used to enhance clarity and inner calm. BDNF, often called “fertiliser for the brain”, plays an important role in how we form memories and stay mentally sharp—skills that are also strengthened by mindfulness.
Although more human studies are needed, this research supports the idea that frankincense may enhance the mental benefits of mindfulness by helping the brain stay healthy and balanced.
3. Frankincense for Mindfulness – Deepens the Feeling of Presence
If you’ve ever lit a piece of frankincense resin and simply sat with it, you may already know what makes it so special. The scent is earthy, ancient, and somehow comforting. It fills a space slowly, giving you something soft and steady to return to—much like the breath.
In mindfulness, we often talk about anchoring ourselves to the present. For many people, frankincense becomes one of those anchors. Its scent marks the start of stillness. It signals the mind that this is a moment of peace—of turning inward.
Over time, using frankincense in your daily practice can become a kind of ritual. You might begin to associate the smell with a calmer, more aware version of yourself. This doesn’t come from science—it comes from practice. From showing up, day after day, and building a relationship with your own presence.
“Lighting frankincense is like opening a door into quiet,” one practitioner told us. “Even if my mind is busy, the scent reminds me I don’t have to follow every thought.”
These moments may seem small—but they add up. A breath here, a pause there. A few minutes of silence wrapped in scent. Together, they become the foundation for something deeper: a more mindful way of living.
How Does Frankincense Affect the Brain?
To understand how frankincense works, it helps to look at your brain’s limbic system. This is the part of the brain that handles emotion, memory, and smell.
When you smell frankincense:
- It travels quickly to the amygdala, which helps regulate fear and stress.
- It stimulates the hippocampus, which helps you form memories and stay focused.
- It calms the hypothalamus, which controls your body’s stress response.
This is why burning frankincense or diffusing its oil can quickly create a feeling of safety and ease.
👉 See this article for more information.
How to Use Frankincense in Your Mindfulness Practice
You don’t need to change your whole routine to start using frankincense. Here are a few simple ways to include it:
1. Burn Frankincense Before Meditation
Before sitting down to meditate or journal, burn a small amount of frankincense resin. The scent creates a ritual around your practice, helping your brain shift into a calm and mindful state.
Not sure how to burn it? Kohzen offers a helpful tutorial on how to burn frankincense, including methods that don’t require charcoal, such as using an oil burner.
2. Use an Oil Burner During Yoga or Breathwork
Frankincense pairs well with gentle movement and breath awareness. Place a few drops of essential oil or a pinch of resin in an oil burner while you do yoga or breathing exercises. The aroma blends naturally with your breath, helping to extend your awareness.
Explore mindful movement techniques on our Get Started page if you’re just beginning your mindfulness journey.
3. Create a Morning Mindfulness Ritual
Light a piece of frankincense first thing in the morning. As it burns, take a few slow, deep breaths. Set an intention for the day. This 5-minute ritual can help you feel more centred before the busyness begins.
Learn more about sense based mindfulness practices in our starter guide: Mindfulness Made Easy Guide
Where to Buy High-Quality Frankincense
Quality matters when it comes to natural resins. Look for sustainably harvested and ethically sourced frankincense. Poor-quality resins may contain additives or fillers that affect the scent and its benefits.
We recommend buying directly from Kohzen’s shop, which offers premium, pure frankincense sourced from traditional communities. Their commitment to sustainability and education makes them a trusted source for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Safety Considerations
Frankincense is generally safe to use, but like any heated substance, it should be used with caution.
Tips for Safe Use:
- Use only a small amount of resin in a well-ventilated room.
- Never leave burning incense unattended.
- If using essential oil, dilute it properly before applying to the skin.
If you’re new to mindfulness, visit our Get Started page for simple ways to include mindfulness every day.
Final Thoughts: Frankincense for Mindfulness
In today’s fast-paced world, the simple act of pausing, breathing, and lighting a piece of frankincense can feel like a small rebellion against stress. Frankincense isn’t a cure-all. But as part of a daily mindfulness practice, it offers a powerful, natural way to support your focus, calm, and emotional clarity. If you’re looking for a gentle way to start your mindfulness journey—or to deepen an existing practice—frankincense might be just help.
Next Steps
- Buy a quality resin: Visit Kohzen’s shop to get started.
- Learn how to burn it safely: Check out the burning tutorial.
- Read more on building a practice: Visit our blog for guides and tips.
