Tag: oral health

Frankincense water is a gentle herbal infusion made by steeping Boswellia sacra (Hojari) frankincense resin in hot water. Unlike steam-distilled hydrosols or essential oils, this is a simple traditional tea – water infused with frankincense tears – that has been used for centuries in West Asia and Ayurvedic remedies. An ancient Egyptian papyrus (Ebers, ~1500 BC) even prescribed frankincense for throat infections and asthma. Today, health-conscious people appreciate it as a natural remedy. Scientific studies show that frankincense’s active compounds (boswellic acids and terpenes) possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.

As an infusion, frankincense water delivers these benefits in a mild form. It offers soothing relief without the potency (or risk) of essential oils. By following Kohzen’s step-by-step preparation method using premium Hojari frankincense resin, you can brew your own aromatic, wellness-boosting tea at home. Below, we explain seven key benefits of drinking frankincense water, and show you exactly how to make it with Kohzen Hojari Frankincense Resin. We also cover its uses (internal and topical) and important safety notes, all grounded in research. (For more on frankincense itself, see our Ultimate Guide to Frankincense and Kohzen About page.)

What Is Frankincense Water (Infusion)?

Frankincense water – sometimes called frankincense infusion – is simply water steeped with pure frankincense resin. You add small pieces (“tears”) of Boswellia sacra resin to hot water and let it soak, drawing out the resin’s water-soluble compounds. The water quickly becomes milky or cloudy as terpenes and acids infuse into it. Importantly, this is not a distilled product or essential oil; it’s a gentle tea. As Kohzen notes, it’s “not an oil or extract, but a mild, tasty herbal drink”.

This practice has traditional roots. Frankincense tea was prized in Oman, Arabia, India and Egypt for wellness. Besides the Ebers Papyrus, old herbal texts mention Boswellia infusions for digestive and respiratory issues. Contemporary science echoes this heritage: research confirms boswellic acids in frankincense have powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Kohzen’s Hojari resin (light-colored, high-grade Boswellia sacra) is ideal for brewing this infusion due to its purity and flavor.

In short, frankincense water is a calming, aromatic tea with a history of folk use and growing scientific interest. We’ll explore its benefits below, then show how to prepare it yourself.

7 Benefits of Frankincense Water

Regularly sipping or using frankincense infusion may support health in various ways. Many benefits come from boswellic acids and other compounds that leach into the water. Here are seven key advantages backed by research or traditional use:

• Reduces Inflammation. Boswellia resins contain boswellic acids that inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes. Studies show frankincense extracts (and their boswellic acids) can block leukotriene production and NF-κB pathways, reducing inflammation. This suggests frankincense water may help soothe chronic inflammation in the body. In fact, Boswellia is traditionally used for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and bronchitis. Drinking an infusion could deliver mild anti-inflammatory support, easing discomfort in joints, intestines or respiratory passages.
• Supports Joint and Digestive Health. Because of its anti-inflammatory action, frankincense has been studied for arthritis and gut issues. Medical News Today notes Boswellia “may help with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma” by reducing inflammation. Similarly, research shows frankincense extracts relieve arthritis pain and improve motor function in animal models. While most clinical studies use concentrated extracts, traditional decoctions (strong infusions) of Boswellia also ease digestive cramps and bowel inflammation. Drinking frankincense water (e.g., 1 cup daily) could therefore serve as a gentle supplement for joint comfort and digestive wellness.
• Calms Respiratory and Immune Responses. Frankincense is known for clearing airways in folk medicine. The Ebers Papyrus cited it for asthma, and modern work confirms it can reduce bronchial inflammation. A 2016 review noted Boswellia preparations “inhibit leukotrienes, thus having an anti-inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis and sinusitis”. By extension, frankincense water may be helpful for mild coughs, sinus irritation or seasonal allergies. The aromatic steam from the infusion can also be comforting. Moreover, Boswellia’s immune-modulating properties (with antibacterial and antiviral terpenes) give added protection against minor infections. For example, one study found Boswellia serrata extracts impaired the growth of oral and periodontal bacteria, suggesting antimicrobial effects.
• Enhances Oral Health. Rinsing or gargling with frankincense water can benefit the mouth. Clinical research shows frankincense extract significantly reduced inflammation in gingivitis (gum inflammation) when used as an adjunct to dental cleaning. Its antibacterial properties inhibit harmful oral microbes and biofilms. In practice, using cooled frankincense infusion as a gentle mouthwash may soothe gums, reduce plaque, and freshen breath. (Always spit out any rinse; it’s not meant to replace dental care, but can complement it.) This aligns with traditional Ayurvedic uses of frankincense for oral hygiene.
• Promotes Wound and Skin Healing. Applied topically, frankincense water can help minor skin issues. Boswellia has long been used on cuts, sores and burns for its healing effects. Modern studies support this: an animal wound model found alpha-boswellic acid (a main resin component) accelerated wound healing by modulating inflammation and growth factors. Likewise, frankincense oil boosts collagen formation in skin. While an infusion isn’t as potent as essential oil, it still contains water-soluble compounds that are soothing. You might apply a cooled infusion with a cotton pad to calm irritated skin, acne or sunburn. Just be aware – some people can be sensitive, so test on a small skin patch first.
• Aids Relaxation and Stress Relief. Frankincense’s gentle aroma and compounds can have calming effects. The Al-Yasiry & Kiczorowska review reported frankincense’s sedative and tranquilizing effects. Inhaled or ingested, Boswellia is thought to soothe anxiety. Drinking the warm infusion can become a mindful ritual, promoting relaxation. Some users report it helps them unwind or even improve focus. Of course, an infusion is subtle; it’s not a sedative drug. But as part of a soothing evening routine, a cup of frankincense water may help reduce tension.
• Provides Antioxidant and Cellular Support. Frankincense contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Boswellic acids and other terpenoids scavenge free radicals and have been studied for anticancer potential. For example, test-tube studies suggest frankincense compounds can slow the growth of certain cancer cells. While drinking frankincense water isn’t a cure, its antioxidant content (like many herbal teas) offers gentle support for long-term wellness. Regular consumers in traditional cultures believe it strengthens immunity and vitality. As [13] summarizes, Boswellia “resins contain … numerous pharmacological activities” including antimicrobial and potential anti-tumor effects.

Each of these benefits reflects known properties of Boswellia resin – especially Boswellia sacra (Hojari) – which is why Kohzen sources the highest-grade tears. By drinking frankincense infusion as part of a balanced lifestyle, you may harness these natural benefits.

How to Make Frankincense Water at Home

Making frankincense water is easy and inexpensive. You don’t need special gear, just high-quality resin and clean water. Follow these simple steps using Kohzen Hojari frankincense tears:

Making frankincense water at home is simple and rewarding. You’ll need Kohzen Hojari frankincense resin and water.

1. Gather ingredients: Use about 1 teaspoon of Hojari frankincense resin per 750–1,000 ml of water. One teaspoon is roughly 2–3 grams of resin. We recommend Kohzen’s light-coloured Hojari tears (Royal Green or Pure White grade) for the purest taste. Ensure your glass jar is clean; a 500–1000 ml jar or bottle works well.
2. Add the resin: Place the measured frankincense tears into the jar. You can use them whole. If any pieces are very large, break them into smaller chunks so they infuse more fully. The resin will sink to the bottom.
3. Pour hot water: Boil fresh water and let it cool for a minute to avoid cracking the jar. Carefully pour the water over the resin, filling the jar almost to the top. You’ll immediately see the water turn cloudy or milky as the resin releases its compounds. Do not fill completely; leave a little headspace to shake.
4. Seal and steep: Screw on the lid and give the jar a gentle shake to mix the resin and water. Then set the jar aside. It should steep and cool naturally. For best results, leave the infusion at room temperature or in the fridge for about 8–12 hours (overnight is ideal). Longer steeping extracts more of the resin’s benefits. During this time, the water will gradually take on flavour and colour.
5. Strain and serve: After steeping, pour out a glass (200–250 ml) of the infused water. (You can use a fine strainer or simply decant, since any floating bits are harmless.) The taste will be very mild – perhaps slightly piney, citrusy or resinous. Some people like to add a little honey or lemon for flavour. Drink in sips, as you would herbal tea, preferably on an empty stomach or between meals for best absorption.
6. Reuse the resin: Don’t throw away the resin after one cup! You can refill the jar with fresh hot water and steep again 1–2 more times. The resin gradually softens with use. Eventually, you may even chew on the softened bits gently (they become more gelatinous) to get the very last of the boswellic acids. After 2–3 infusions, the resin will be fully spent and can be composted.

Following these steps lets you easily brew a personal supply of frankincense water. You can sip it daily or as needed. Store any unused infusion in the fridge and use within 24–48 hours. Always use clean containers to prevent contamination. (For extra convenience, you can prepare multiple jars and label them by date.)

Internal and Topical Uses of Frankincense Water

Frankincense water is versatile. Here are common ways to use it, internally and externally:

• Drink for wellness. The most common use is as a daily herbal tonic. Many people drink a cup of frankincense water in the morning or evening. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components support overall health. Some people drink it on an empty stomach for digestion and joint comfort, or sip it throughout the day for hydration and a calming ritual. It’s caffeine-free and mild, so it’s suitable for most adults. (Children can drink small amounts too, but note: avoid giving it to infants.) Over time, you might feel subtle improvements in digestion, joint stiffness or mood. (Remember, effects are gentle – this is a supplement, not a medication.)
• Oral rinse (gargle). After brushing, you can use cooled frankincense infusion as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth and gargle for 30 seconds, then spit out. This practice can soothe sore throats and gums. As noted above, frankincense has anti-gingivitis effects and kills certain oral bacteria. A natural oral rinse may reduce plaque and inflammation. Because it’s gentle, it can be used daily or a few times a week. Avoid swallowing the rinse; think of it like a natural mouthwash.
• Topical skin care. The cooled infusion can be applied to the skin to calm irritation. For example, you might use a cotton pad soaked in frankincense water as a facial toner to gently cleanse and calm acne-prone or sensitive skin. Or dab it on minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites or eczema patches to soothe redness. Traditional medicine used frankincense for wound healing, and modern studies show boswellic acids help repair tissue. Note: do a patch test first – a small number of people can be sensitive. Don’t use it on open deep wounds or serious burns.
• As a compress. For swollen muscles or joints, soak a clean cloth in warm frankincense water and apply as a compress. The warmth plus the anti-inflammatory resin may provide relief. Alternatively, add cooled frankincense infusion to a spray bottle and spritz it on areas of muscle tension or to cool sunburned skin.
• Aromatic steam. When you pour hot water for the infusion, you release fragrant steam. Simply inhaling the vapour can clear the sinuses and calm the mind. Lean over the jar (carefully) with a towel over your head for a few minutes. This can be helpful for nasal congestion or stress reduction.

For all these uses, frankincense water offers natural, holistic support. It’s important to remember it’s mild – results may be subtle and gradual. But as part of a healthy lifestyle (with good diet, exercise, etc.), frankincense infusion can complement your wellness routine.

Safety and Precautions

Frankincense is generally safe when used appropriately, but some precautions apply. As Medical News Today advises, boswellia (frankincense) is a “natural extract” that can still have side effects. Here are some safety tips:

• Start slow. If you’re new to frankincense water, begin with a small amount (1–2 tablespoons) to see how you react. Increase gradually as tolerated. Drinking too much (or very concentrated brew) may cause mild digestive upset, since boswellic acids can be strong. Known side effects include stomachache, nausea, acid reflux or diarrhea. If you develop discomfort, reduce the dose or stop.
• Watch for skin sensitivity. Although an infusion is mild, some individuals can develop a rash if frankincense touches the skin. When using topically (as toner or compress), test on a small patch first. If irritation occurs, dilute the infusion more with water or discontinue.
• Medication interactions. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects like NSAIDs. Be cautious if you take blood-thinners, aspirin or other anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs; frankincense might increase bleeding risk. It may also interact with anti-inflammatory medications. If you have any chronic conditions or take medication, consult a healthcare provider before making frankincense water part of your routine. As always with natural supplements, it’s best to check with a doctor when in doubt.
• Not a substitute for medical care. Frankincense infusion is a complementary remedy, not a cure. It should not replace prescribed treatments for serious conditions. If you have chronic illness (like severe arthritis, colitis, asthma, etc.), continue following your doctor’s advice. Think of frankincense tea as an adjunct that may support health.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Exercise extra caution during pregnancy. Some sources (e.g. RxList) explicitly advise avoid during pregnancy and note frankincense could stimulate uterine contractions. It may act as an emmenagogue (promoting menstrual flow) or abortifacient in high doses. The safety in breastfeeding is also unclear. Due to limited research, it’s wise for pregnant or nursing women to skip frankincense water or consult a doctor first.
• Allergies. If you’re allergic to frankincense or related substances (burseraceae family), don’t use it. Look for any allergy symptoms when trying it initially.

In summary, frankincense water is safe for most healthy adults in moderate amounts. Keep in mind that more is not always better – a cup or two per day is usually enough. Stay hydrated as you would with any herbal tea, and enjoy it as a complement to a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Traditional infusion: Frankincense water is simply Boswellia sacra resin steeped in hot water – an age-old herbal tea. It’s NOT an oil or hydrosol, but a gentle resin infusion.
• Anti-inflammatory & healing: Boswellic acids in the resin provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Drinking the infusion may ease joint, gut, respiratory or skin inflammation.
• Simple DIY recipe: Brew with 2–3 g high-quality Hojari frankincense per 750 ml water. Let it steep 8–12 hours, then drink plain or lightly sweetened. You can reuse the resin for multiple brews.
• Internal uses: Sip frankincense water as a healthful tea. It may support digestion, joint comfort, and relaxation. It can also be used as a soothing mouth rinse (helps gum health) or spritzed/patted onto skin to calm irritation.
• External uses: Use cooled infusion on skin (minor wounds, acne) or inhale the warm steam for sinus relief. Its antibacterial effects help in oral/skin care.
• Safety: Start with small amounts. Possible side effects include stomach upset or skin rash. Avoid use in pregnancy/breastfeeding and check for drug interactions (blood thinners, NSAIDs).
• Quality matters: Always use pure frankincense resin (like Kohzen’s high-grade Hojari). Impure or adulterated resin won’t produce the same benefits, and low-quality products can contain fillers.

For health-conscious readers, frankincense water offers a gentle, evidence-supported way to tap into nature’s pharmacy. Enjoy it as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Ready to try making your own frankincense tea? Visit the KohzenOfficial Etsy shop to find our premium Hojari frankincense resin and begin brewing this ancient wellness infusion today!

Kohẓen Disclaimer:

The information provided on Kohzen.com and affiliated platforms is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

While frankincense water (infusion) made with Boswellia sacra resin has a long tradition of use, its internal consumption may not be appropriate for everyone. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before ingesting frankincense water, especially if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a medical condition
• Take medications (including blood thinners or anti-inflammatories)
• Are considering giving it to children

Kohẓen (unlike other frankincense purveyors) does not claim that frankincense water treats, cures, or prevents any disease. Use is at the discretion and responsibility of the individual. If any adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use and seek medical attention.