The frankincense tree, upon first glance, is somewhat plain and indistinguishable from the arid lands surrounding it. It looks like an oversized shrub with thick, twisting branches, and a canopy of narrow leaves dotted with small white flowers. Though the frankincense tree appears ordinary, one of the world’s great treasures is found beneath its bark. When the bark is cut, milky-white resin droplets seep out (known as pearls) and eventually harden into the orange gum known as frankincense. Aroma Medium. A lemony-sweet top note with rich, warm balsamic hints. Benefits Freeing, euphoric and transcendental. Spiritually enlightening. Rejuvenates the senses and sparks creativity. Calms nerves and uplifts moods. History of Frankincense The first recorded uses of frankincense date back all the way to the 15th century BC, where it was used by the Egyptians for beauty products, incense and embalming. Frankincense essential oil has since gained worldwide popularity for containing the spirit of the sacred and divine. Today it is often used in deep meditation practices, where it is believed to help elevate the spirit to higher levels.