Drinking frankincense water is an ancient wellness ritual that’s gaining popularity again. If you’ve ever asked “how do you make frankincense water to drink?”, you’re not alone. In this post we reveal five astonishing truths about this simple herbal infusion – from a step-by-step guide and scientific benefits to potential risks and sourcing tips. This ultimate guide (with a friendly tone and expert backing) will show you how even novices can brew a powerful cup of frankincense water at home for refreshing, anti-inflammatory benefits.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick overview: frankincense water is made by infusing Boswellia resin in hot water, a practice rooted in Middle Eastern tradition ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). In Oman and ancient Egypt it was prized as a healing drink – for example, the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (circa 1500 BC) already prescribes frankincense for throat infections and asthma (History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin).
Today, modern studies note that the boswellic acids in frankincense have potent anti-inflammatory effects (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects), supporting conditions like arthritis and even soothing gut issues (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). We’ll cover all that and more, with easy instructions and science-backed insight. (For our mission and heritage, see About Kohzen.)
( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com) Ingredients for making frankincense water: a kettle of boiled water, a glass jar, and pure frankincense resin (light-coloured Hojari “tears”).
What Is Frankincense Water?
Frankincense water (sometimes called frankincense infusion) is simply water infused with frankincense resin. You place clean Boswellia tears in hot water and let the water steep, drawing out the resin’s active compounds ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). It’s not an oil or extract, but a mild, tasty herbal drink.
- Traditional roots: This drink has roots in Middle Eastern folk medicine. As one herbal guide notes, “Frankincense water is an infusion of Frankincense resin in water” and is “a traditional Middle Eastern preparation” ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). Historically people in Arabia and even ancient Egypt and India made such infusions for health.
- Boswellia species: Most quality frankincense for drinking comes from Boswellia sacra (Omani/Arabian frankincense). Lighter, premium grades are preferred for taste (more on that later). (Other species like B. serrata and B. carterii also make incense but the highest-grade Hojari frankincense is usually B. sacra.)
In short, frankincense water is a gentle, aromatic tea of sorts – easy to make yet steeped in tradition ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). Next, we’ll show you exactly how to prepare it.
Truth #1: It’s Super Easy – Step-by-Step Preparation
Surprisingly, making frankincense water at home is very simple. You don’t need fancy equipment – just quality resin, hot water, and patience. Follow these steps (and see images below) to brew your own frankincense drink:
- Gather ingredients: Use about 1 teaspoon of high-quality frankincense resin per 750 ml of water. (For reference, 1 tsp ≈ 2–3 grams of resin.) We recommend light-coloured Hojari tears (such as Royal Green or Pure White grade) for flavour and purity ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). Also have a clean glass bottle or jar (500–1000 ml) and a kettle for boiling.
- Add the resin: Place the measured frankincense resin into your glass jar. It can be lump or tear form – if very large, break it into smaller pieces so it infuses well. (See image below for how it looks.) ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com) Step 1: Add frankincense resin to a glass jar (about 1 teaspoon). We’re using high-grade Royal Green Hojari tears for a potent infusion.
- Pour boiled water: Boil fresh water and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly (to avoid cracking the glass). Then pour the hot water over the resin, almost filling the jar. You should see the water quickly turn a milky cloud as the resin starts to release its compounds ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). Seal the jar with a lid.
- Shake and steep: Give the jar a gentle shake to mix the resin and water. Place it aside and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or leave at room temp to continue infusing. Most people soak it overnight (about 8–12 hours) to get the most out of the resin ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com).
- Drink and reuse: After steeping, pour yourself a glass (about 200–250 ml). It should taste mild, perhaps slightly piney or citrusy, depending on the resin. You can sweeten with a little honey or lemon if you like. You’ll notice undissolved bits at the bottom – that’s fine. After drinking, you can refill the bottle with fresh hot water and steep again 1–2 more times. (Over time the resin will soften and you may even chew the leftovers to fully extract the boswellic acids ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com).)
Building this drink into your routine is easy. Many folks enjoy one glass per day, for example in the morning on an empty stomach ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). As one user notes, “I drink about a glass a day – it tastes like it smells… great!” ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). With this simple method, you have answered “how do you make frankincense water to drink” in a straightforward way. (And yes, it really is that simple once you try it!)
Truth #2: Ancient Tradition Backed by History
The idea of drinking frankincense water isn’t new – it’s rooted in centuries of herbal medicine. In ancient cultures, frankincense was more than just a burnable resin; it was taken internally for wellness:
- Egyptian records: The Ebers Papyrus from 1500 BC (an Egyptian medical text) actually lists frankincense as a remedy for sore throats and asthma (History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin). In other words, people have been recommending a frankincense drink for respiratory health for over 3,000 years.
- Greek and Arabic medicine: Classic writers (like Pliny the Elder) and later Arabian physicians (like Avicenna) praised frankincense as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The ThoughtCo history of frankincense notes that Pliny mentioned it as an antidote, and Avicenna recommended it for ulcers and inflammation (History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin).
- Middle Eastern folk use: In Oman and Arabia, it’s traditional to soak frankincense in water overnight to “strengthen immunity and treat infections” (folk wisdom passed down through generations). While modern science is still catching up, Kohzen’s research confirms that the Boswellia used (particularly Omani Hojari frankincense) is indeed rich in beneficial oils.
In sum, drinking frankincense water has a credible past. You’re tapping into a ritual that was valued in ancient temple ceremonies and apothecaries alike. Our next truths will show why this tradition has endured – the amazing health effects and the scientific evidence behind them.
Truth #3: Rich in Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Compounds
One of the best things about frankincense water is its potential health benefits. Modern research (and many traditional claims) highlight a range of positive effects, thanks mainly to the boswellic acids and other terpenes in the resin. Key benefits include:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory effects: Frankincense’s boswellic acids have been shown to strongly suppress inflammatory pathways (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). In fact, the Arthritis Foundation even recommends boswellic acid (a frankincense extract) as a complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). Drinking frankincense water regularly may therefore help ease joint swelling, arthritis pain, and general inflammation in the body.
- Joint health and arthritis: Studies in animals and small human trials have found that frankincense can reduce arthritis symptoms. For example, one study found boswellia extract reduced cartilage loss and joint inflammation in arthritic mice (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). A 2018 review also noted frankincense relieved osteoarthritis pain and improved mobility better than a placebo (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). While more research is needed, these results hint that a frankincense infusion might support arthritis relief over time.
- Digestive and gut support: Frankincense has been traditionally used for stomach and intestinal ailments. Recent trials back this up: one 2017 study found a frankincense blend (with herbs) significantly reduced IBS symptoms like pain and bloating (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). Another study gave people 250 mg Boswellia daily for 6 months and saw notable IBS improvement (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). Frankincense water may also soothe mild ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease) – a 4-week trial showed boswellia extract helped patients in remission (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). These findings suggest your daily frankincense drink could gently calm your gut.
- Oral health: The resin’s constituents appear to be antimicrobial. In lab tests, frankincense extract killed Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a microbe behind aggressive gum disease (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). Even chewing frankincense gum for a few hours reduced bacteria in saliva (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). This indicates frankincense water (or chewing the soaked resin) may help protect against oral infections and promote healthy gums.
- Respiratory and immunity: Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, frankincense has been used for respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. Research suggests boswellic acids can inhibit the allergic response involved in asthma (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects), and folk medicine cites frankincense water for colds or flu. Plus, preliminary lab work shows frankincense may have antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects, which could subtly support your body’s defenses.
- Skin and antioxidant support: Traditional lore also credits frankincense with skin-healing properties. While primarily topical, sipping the infusion may still offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support healthy skin from within. (Some sources claim improved skin tone and healing with regular intake (Benefits and harms of drinking frankincense water on an empty stomach), though more human studies are needed.)
Overall, drinking frankincense water brings many of the same benefits seen with frankincense supplements – but in a mild, natural form. Multiple scientific reviews highlight boswellic acid as a “good anti-inflammatory” (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects), and ongoing trials (e.g. at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center) even explore anti-cancer effects of Boswellia extracts. While it’s not a cure-all, the evidence strongly supports frankincense water as a gentle, helpful addition to a health regimen.
Truth #4: Risks and Precautions
Despite its natural status, frankincense water isn’t risk-free. Here are some points to watch out for:
- Possible digestive upset: Like many herbal infusions, frankincense can cause mild stomach effects. Medical reviews note that Boswellia supplements (and by extension strong infusions) may cause nausea, heartburn or diarrhea in some people (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). It’s wise to start with a small dose (e.g. half a glass) to see how your stomach reacts. If you notice any discomfort, reduce the amount or frequency.
- Drug interactions: Frankincense acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it may enhance the effects of NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also thin the blood slightly, so those on anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet medications should be cautious (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). In short, if you’re taking prescription medications, especially for inflammation or clotting, consult your doctor before making frankincense water a daily habit.
- Allergies and skin reactions: Though rare, some people can be sensitive to Boswellia compounds. Topically it can cause skin rashes in sensitive individuals (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects) – so if you have known tree resin allergies, treat the drink cautiously. Ingestion itself rarely causes rashes, but as always, stop use if you notice any new allergy symptoms (rashes, itching, swelling).
- Pregnancy and children: As a rule of thumb, pregnant or nursing women should be conservative with herbal infusions unless there’s proven safety. There’s not enough research on frankincense water for pregnancy, so it’s safest for expecting or nursing mothers to check with a healthcare provider first. Similarly, don’t give frankincense water to infants or very young children without medical advice.
- Quality control: One “risk” to avoid is simply poor quality resin. Unsourced or adulterated frankincense could contain impurities. Always choose pure, high-grade Boswellia (like the Omani Hojari grades) from a reputable source (for example, Kohzen’s Royal Green or Pure White Hojari tears). This minimizes any chance of contaminants or inferior resin.
By staying mindful of dose and source, most people can enjoy frankincense water without problems. If in doubt, start slowly or consult a naturopath or physician. But overall, the side effects are mild compared to many supplements, and the drink is generally safe for healthy adults.
Truth #5: Quality Matters – Royal Green & Pure White Hojari
Not all frankincense is created equal. The grade and origin of the resin greatly affect both flavour and potency. Here’s what to know when choosing resin for your frankincense water:
- Opt for Hojari grades: The Boswellia sacra trees of Oman’s Dhofar region produce Hojari frankincense, considered the finest in the world (About – Kohẓen). Even within Hojari, the lighter-coloured tears are top-tier. Royal Green Hojari (emerald-tinted) is the most coveted – historically reserved for royalty (About – Kohẓen). Next is Pure White (Silver) Hojari, pearly and almost translucent (About – Kohẓen). Both have a clean, refreshing aroma and high boswellic content.
- Why lighter resins? Traditionally, the light-coloured frankincense resins (green/white) were used for medicinal infusion. They have fewer impurities and a milder, pleasant taste. A respected herbal source even recommends “the Royal and Green” grades for therapeutic use ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). In practice, the lower grades (golden, brown) still work but may be smokier or resinous. For daily drinking, we prefer Royal Green or White Hojari for their purity and aroma.
- Our recommended tears: For the best experience, Kohzen offers Royal Green Hojari and Pure White Hojari frankincense tears (Boswellia sacra). These A* grade resins are carefully harvested in Oman’s Dhofar and have exceptional fragrance and potency. In fact, we highlight these in our Etsy store for their outstanding quality. (Try our Royal Green and Pure White Hojari tears – they make the most delightful drink infusion!)
Investing in high-grade frankincense means your water will be smoother and more effective. Cheap, impure resins might give a bitter taste or less benefit. As Kohzen’s founder notes, great frankincense “is distilled and graded with pride by Omani harvesters” (About – Kohẓen). Choosing the purest tears is well worth it when making frankincense water.
FAQs About Making Frankincense Water
Q: How do you make frankincense water to drink?
A: Very simply! Soak about 1–2 teaspoons of frankincense resin in 200–250 ml of warm (recently boiled) water. Cover the jar and let it steep 8–12 hours (overnight is ideal). The water will turn milky as the resin infuses. In the morning, strain or pour off the liquid and drink it. This method – steep, cool, and sip – is the classic way to prepare it ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). You can reuse the same resin for another batch or chew it afterwards to extract every bit.
Q: What kind of frankincense should I use?
A: Always use high-quality Boswellia sacra tears, ideally Hojari grade from Oman. As mentioned, Royal Green and Pure White (Silver) Hojari are top choices for drinking because they’re very pure and aromatic. Avoid powdered or low-grade “salai” frankincense; the resin tears (gems) give the best infusion. You can purchase these from specialist sellers (like our Kohzen Etsy shop) to ensure authenticity.
Q: How much frankincense water should I drink each day?
A: Listen to your body, but a common approach is to drink 1 glass (about 150–250 ml) per day. Many people have it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for best absorption. Start with a small glass and see how you feel. One user mentioned “drinking about a glass a day” with good results ( How to make Frankincense water – Herbaldimensions.com). You can always adjust – some days you might drink twice, other days skip. Overdoing it is unnecessary and might cause mild stomach upset, so moderation is key.
Q: Can I drink frankincense water with other ingredients?
A: Yes – frankincense water is versatile. You can add a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of honey to improve taste and add antioxidant boost. Some people mix it with green tea or ginger tea for extra flavour. However, keep it simple at first to enjoy the natural aroma of the resin. Avoid mixing strong spices (like cinnamon or cayenne) unless you’re accustomed to herbs, as frankincense’s effects on its own are quite potent.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Most people tolerate frankincense water well, but watch for digestive reactions. If you feel nausea, reflux, or diarrhea, you may be sensitive to the dose (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). In that case, reduce frequency or dilute the water with more plain water. Also, if you have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners or NSAIDs, consult a doctor first (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects). Otherwise, side effects are usually minor. Always discontinue if you notice any unusual reactions (like rash or dizziness).
Q: Can children or pregnant women drink frankincense water?
A: We recommend caution. There isn’t enough research on frankincense water for kids or pregnancy. Pregnant or nursing women, and young children, should only take frankincense water under medical advice. In general, the drink is best suited for healthy adults.
Q: What if I don’t like the taste?
A: Frankincense water has a distinct resinous aroma (piney, lemony or citrusy depending on grade) which many find pleasant. If the taste is too strong, try a smaller dose of resin or add honey/lemon. You can also refrigerate the infusion – some prefer it cold like a gentle flavoured water. Over time, as you keep brewing different grades, you’ll find a flavour profile you enjoy. Also note that how you prepare it affects taste: using the lighter Hojari tears (Royal Green or White) yields a milder, more citrusy cup than darker resins.
The Bottom Line
Making and drinking frankincense water is a simple yet powerful practice that combines ancient wisdom with modern science. By following the steps above, you can safely brew a glass of frankincense water to drink each day, tapping into its anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing properties. We’ve seen how this ritual was valued by Egyptians and Omanis for millennia (History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin), and why current studies highlight real benefits (especially for inflammation) (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects) (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths). Just remember to source the best resin (like Royal Green or Pure White Hojari) and to sip it mindfully.
At Kohzen we’re proud to bring you premium frankincense from Oman, so you can enjoy this natural elixir safely. Try our Royal Green Hojari and Pure White Hojari tears (available on our KohzenOfficial Etsy shop) for the purest experience. These tears are perfect for infusing into drinking water, offering the vibrant aroma and potent qualities of true Boswellia sacra.
For more on our story and commitment to quality frankincense, visit our About page. Embrace the soothing ritual of frankincense water and discover the ancient wisdom it carries – along with the supportive, science-backed health effects. Cheers to your health!
References: Frankincense water traditions and health benefits are documented in sources like Medical News Today (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects) (Boswellia: What it is, uses, benefits, and side effects) and Healthline (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths) (5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths), which discuss boswellic acids’ anti-inflammatory effects. Historical uses (e.g. in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus) are noted by ThoughtCo (History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin). These authoritative references underline the points made above.