Incense vs. Frankincense — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Incense refers to aromatic materials that release fragrant smoke when burned, while frankincense is a specific type of incense resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia.
Difference Between Incense and Frankincense
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Key Differences
Incense is used globally in religious rituals, aromatherapy, and meditation for its ability to create a fragrant atmosphere, whereas frankincense, specifically derived from the Boswellia tree, is renowned for its distinct, sweet, and woody aroma.
Incense can be made from a variety of materials including resins, herbs, and oils, each offering different scents, while frankincense is a resin made exclusively from the sap of Boswellia trees, known for its purity and therapeutic properties.
The use of incense spans many cultures and traditions, where it is burned to purify and sanctify spaces, whereas frankincense has been highly valued in religious contexts, particularly in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions for spiritual rites.
Incense comes in various forms such as sticks, cones, and powder, providing options for different burning methods, while frankincense is typically available in granular form and often burned over charcoal.
The production of incense involves blending various aromatic ingredients, making it a diverse and customizable product, on the other hand, frankincense involves the careful harvesting of resin and tends to be less variable in its composition.
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Comparison Chart
Source
Various plants, oils, and resins
Resin from Boswellia trees
Forms
Sticks, cones, powders
Resin granules
Use
Religious rituals, meditation, aromatherapy
Predominantly religious ceremonies
Aroma
Varied, depending on ingredients
Sweet, woody, and distinct
Cultural Significance
Widespread across many traditions
Prominent in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic rituals
Compare with Definitions
Incense
Used for spiritual and religious purposes.
Incense filled the air during the temple ceremony.
Frankincense
Historically valuable, often traded.
Frankincense was a major commodity in ancient trade routes.
Incense
Aromatic substance that burns to emit fragrance.
She lit a stick of incense to enhance the room’s ambiance.
Frankincense
Resin from Boswellia trees used as incense.
Frankincense has been valued for centuries for its aroma.
Incense
Can be therapeutic in aromatherapy.
He used lavender incense for its calming effects.
Frankincense
Known for its sweet, woody scent.
The frankincense emitted a soothing, woody aroma.
Incense
Variety of scents from different materials.
The market sold incense ranging from sandalwood to lavender.
Frankincense
Used for its supposed healing properties.
They used frankincense oil to soothe inflammation.
Incense
Often used in meditation practices.
She uses incense to focus her mind during meditation.
Frankincense
Important in religious ceremonies.
Frankincense was burned during the Sunday service.
Incense
Incense is aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma.
Frankincense
Frankincense (also known as olibanum) is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The word is from Old French franc encens ('high-quality incense').There are several species of Boswellia that produce true frankincense: Boswellia sacra (syn.
Incense
To cause to be extremely angry; infuriate.
Frankincense
An aromatic gum resin obtained from African and Asian trees of the genus Boswellia, used as incense and in perfumes.
Incense
To perfume with incense.
Frankincense
A type of incense obtained from the Boswellia thurifera tree.
Incense
To burn incense to (a deity, for example) as a ritual offering.
Frankincense
A fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, burned as an incense in religious rites or for medicinal fumigation. The best kinds now come from East Indian trees, of the genus Boswellia; a commoner sort, from the Norway spruce (Abies excelsa) and other coniferous trees. The frankincense of the ancient Jews is still unidentified.
Incense
An aromatic substance, such as wood or a gum, that is burned to produce a pleasant odor.
Frankincense
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
Incense
The smoke or odor produced by the burning of such a substance.
Incense
A pleasant smell.
Incense
A perfume used in the rites of various religions.
Incense
(figurative) Homage; adulation.
Incense
(transitive) To anger or infuriate.
I think it would incense him to learn the truth.
Incense
(archaic) To incite, stimulate.
Incense
(transitive) To offer incense to.
Incense
(transitive) To perfume with, or as with, incense.
Incense
(obsolete) To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn.
Incense
To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn.
Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labor to incenseThy glorious heap of funeral.
Incense
To inflame with anger; to enrage; to endkindle; to fire; to incite; to provoke; to heat; to madden.
The people are incensed him.
Incense
To offer incense to. See Incense.
Incense
To perfume with, or as with, incense.
Incense
The perfume or odors exhaled from spices and gums when burned in celebrating religious rites or as an offering to some deity.
A thick cloud of incense went up.
Incense
The materials used for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned, as fragrant gums, spices, frankincense, etc.
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon.
Incense
Also used figuratively.
Or heap the shrine of luxury and pride,With incense kindled at the Muse's flame.
Incense
A substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned
Incense
The pleasing scent produced when incense is burned;
Incense filled the room
Incense
Perfume especially with a censer
Incense
Make furious
Common Curiosities
How is incense traditionally burned?
Incense is often burned directly or on hot coals, depending on its form.
What makes frankincense unique among incenses?
Frankincense is specifically known for its sweet, woody aroma and its use in religious rituals.
What is incense used for?
Incense is used for spiritual practices, meditation, and creating aromatic environments.
Why is frankincense often used in religious ceremonies?
Its historical significance and distinctive fragrance make it popular in various religious traditions.
What are the benefits of burning incense?
Benefits include air purification, relaxation, and aiding in meditation.
Is frankincense expensive?
Due to its extraction process and historical value, frankincense can be more expensive than other incenses.
What is the main difference between incense and frankincense?
Incense is a general term for scented smoke products, whereas frankincense specifically refers to resin from the Boswellia tree.
Can all incense be used for meditation?
While most incense can enhance meditation, some scents are specifically chosen for this purpose.
Are there different types of frankincense?
Yes, there are several species of Boswellia that produce slightly different types of frankincense.
What other uses are there for frankincense aside from burning?
Frankincense is also used in making perfumes and essential oils.
Can burning incense have health implications?
Some studies suggest that excessive inhalation of incense smoke may have health risks.
Can incense come in forms other than sticks?
Yes, incense can also be found in cones, powders, and resin forms.
Where does the best frankincense come from?
The highest quality frankincense typically comes from the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa.
How long has frankincense been used historically?
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations.
Is it safe to use incense every day?
Moderate use is generally safe, but ventilation is important to avoid respiratory issues.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
