For centuries, frankincense has been treasured throughout the Middle East for its rich aroma, cultural significance and traditional uses. While many people know it as an incense, fewer realise that certain varieties of food-grade frankincense can also be enjoyed as a refreshing herbal infusion.
If you’re looking for a natural, traditional drink, frankincense tea made from Green Hojari frankincense is one of the finest options available.
In this guide, we’ll explain what frankincense tea is, how to prepare it correctly, why Green Hojari is considered the premium variety, and what modern research says about its potential benefits.
What is Frankincense Tea?
Frankincense tea is a herbal infusion prepared by steeping edible frankincense resin in water. Unlike ordinary tea made from tea leaves, frankincense tea is created using small pieces of hardened tree resin, commonly known as “tears.”
The highest-quality resin comes from the Boswellia sacra tree, which grows naturally in Oman. Among the different grades available, Green Hojari frankincense is widely regarded as the most prized due to its purity, appearance and distinctive aroma.
Why use Green Hojari Frankincense?
Green Hojari frankincense is harvested from carefully selected Boswellia sacra trees in Oman and is highly sought after around the world.
It is valued for its:
- Exceptional purity
- Fresh citrus and pine aroma
- Light, clean flavour
- Traditional use as both incense and an edible resin
- Premium appearance with pale green and golden resin tears
When purchasing frankincense for drinking, always ensure it is food grade. Not every variety of frankincense sold for burning is intended for consumption.
How to Make Frankincense Tea
Preparing frankincense tea is remarkably simple.
Hot Method
You will need:
- 2–5 small pieces of Green Hojari frankincense
- 250–300 ml hot water
Instructions:
- Rinse the resin briefly to remove any dust.
- Place the resin into a cup or teapot.
- Pour over hot (not quite boiling) water.
- Leave to steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove the resin if desired before drinking.
Many people enjoy adding:
- Honey
- Fresh ginger
- Lemon
- Mint leaves
These ingredients complement the naturally woody, citrus-like flavour of Green Hojari.
Traditional Cold Infusion
In Oman, many people prepare frankincense by soaking the resin in drinking water overnight.
Simply place a few pieces into a glass or bottle of water and leave for 8–12 hours. By morning, the water develops a subtle flavour and may appear slightly cloudy as naturally water-soluble compounds dissolve.
This refreshing drink is especially popular during warmer weather.
What Does Frankincense Tea Taste Like?
Frankincense tea has a unique flavour unlike ordinary herbal teas.
Most people describe it as:
- Mild
- Woody
- Slightly citrusy
- Pine-like
- Fresh and clean
The taste is generally delicate rather than overpowering.
Potential Benefits of Frankincense Tea
For generations, frankincense has been used in traditional practices across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia.
Modern scientific research into frankincense has focused mainly on concentrated extracts rather than tea, so it’s important not to assume that drinking frankincense tea provides the same effects. However, researchers continue to investigate compounds naturally present in frankincense for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Many people choose to enjoy frankincense tea because it is:
- Naturally caffeine free
- A traditional herbal drink enjoyed for centuries
- Refreshing when served hot or cold
- Made from a single natural ingredient
As with many herbal products, more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of frankincense consumed as a tea.
Can You Reuse the Resin?
Yes.
High-quality Green Hojari frankincense can often be steeped two or even three times before it loses most of its flavour.
Many people simply refill the cup with hot water and enjoy another infusion.
Choosing the Right Frankincense
Quality matters.
The finest frankincense tea is made using premium food-grade Green Hojari resin sourced from Oman. Lower grades intended primarily for burning may not offer the same flavour, purity or drinking experience.
Always buy from a reputable supplier that clearly states the resin is suitable for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink frankincense every day?
Many people enjoy frankincense tea regularly as part of their daily routine. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication, you should speak with your healthcare professional before consuming it regularly.
Is frankincense tea naturally caffeine free?
Yes. Frankincense tea contains no caffeine, making it suitable to enjoy at any time of day.
Can I eat the resin after making tea?
Food-grade Green Hojari frankincense is traditionally chewed by some people once it has softened in water. However, preferences vary, and many simply remove the resin after steeping.
Discover Premium Green Hojari Frankincense
At Azizun, we carefully source premium Green Hojari frankincense from Oman, selected for its quality, purity and traditional heritage.
Whether you enjoy burning frankincense for its beautiful aroma or preparing a traditional frankincense tea, our food-grade Green Hojari offers an authentic experience rooted in centuries of tradition.
Browse our collection today and discover why Green Hojari is regarded as one of the world’s finest frankincense resins.