True Frankincense Magic: DIY Salve for Anti-Aging and Skin Regeneration
Today, I dove into a new adventure in natural skincare by creating my very own potent frankincense salve. Not by simply combining a carrier oil and essential oil, but by harnessing the power of the actual resin! I recently took an online class with Evan at The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine—a session so clear and inspiring that I felt confident every step of the way. As someone constantly expanding my plant medicine knowledge, I was thrilled to try making this unique salve—and I can already feel the anticipation of how transformative it will be for my skin!
Why Frankincense?
I chose to work with Boswellia sacra, often heralded as the “true” frankincense, for its celebrated high-quality resin. Traditionally, Boswellia sacra has been revered for its potent bioactive compounds that support skin regeneration. Studies suggest that its rich chemical profile can promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and even help diminish fine lines—making it an ideal ingredient for anti-aging skincare. Its aromatic, earthy scent and therapeutic properties further enhance its appeal as a natural remedy for maintaining clear, resilient, and radiant skin. Below I outline how I crafted my frankincense salve, a bit different than Evan did, but the final result is for sure the same, a gentle yet effective formula that I’m thrilled to start using on my face!
The Recipe
Ingredients:
2.5 oz. Frankincense Resin: Use Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carterii resin.
1 Cup Carrier Oil: I used my own herbal-infused oil, prepared with astringent herbs like lady's mantle, red raspberry, gotu kola, sage, and yarrow.
1/4 Cup Beeswax: Shaved or in pellet form.
24 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
24 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
Method:
Prepare the Resin: Start by powdering the dried frankincense resin until you achieve a fine consistency. I used my apothecary’s coffee bean grinder.
Combine with Oil: In a clean jar, add the frankincense powder to the carrier oil. Stir in thoroughly so that the powder is evenly dispersed.
Infuse the Mixture:
Bring a small amount of water to a boil in a saucepan. Enough to cover at least half the jar, but not so much that water can seep inside.
Place the jar with your oil and powder mixture into the water, creating a warm bath. Ensure that the oil temperature does not exceed 120°F by monitoring the heat closely.
Let the mixture simmer for up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Strain the Infusion: After infusion, strain the oil to remove any remaining powder particles.
Make the salve:
Set up a double boiler and gently melt the beeswax.
Once melted, add your infused oil into the beeswax and mix well. Keep the temperature around 120°F to preserve the integrity of the active compounds.
Pour and Set:
Pour the combined mixture into your chosen container(s). You should end up with about 5 ounces of salve.
Allow the salve to sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow it to cool down.
Add Essential Oils:
Stir in 24 drops of frankincense essential oil and 24 drops of lavender essential oil.
Mix thoroughly, then let the salve cool completely and harden.
Usage
Once set, your potent frankincense salve is ready to use! This luxurious, natural formulation is perfect for daily application on your face, providing the nourishment and rejuvenation that our skin deserves.
Final Thoughts
Evan’s class made the process accessible and inspiring, and now I’m eager to see the benefits unfold as I integrate this salve into my daily skincare routine. If you’re passionate about natural, non-toxic skincare and the wonders of plant medicine, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try.
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
Try it and let us know your experience below!
