Katrina Rosales
Incense is an aromatic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. It is used for a variety of purposes, including aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, and meditation. Incense is made from aromatic plant materials, often combined with essential oils. The base ingredients of incense determine its burning properties, with wood powder being the most common base material. Frankincense is a type of resin that is commonly used in incense and is known for its rich, powerful aroma. It is hand-harvested from the finest trees and can be burned on charcoal or heated in an electric incense burner. While it is unclear if frankincense bark is used in incense, tree barks can be used as base materials, and some incense products are made from dried bark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin used throughout the world as incense in religious ceremonies. |
| History | The earliest recorded use of frankincense is found in an inscription on the tomb of a 15th-century BC Egyptian queen named Hathsepsut. |
| Source | Frankincense is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. |
| Species | Boswellia sacra, B. frereana, B. serrata, B. papyrifera, Boswellia neglecta, Rivae, Commiphora confusa, Boswellia occulta, Boswellia carteri |
| Height | 5 meters |
| Location | The Horn of Africa, predominantly from the border communities on the Somalia-Ethiopia border. |
| Harvesting | Frankincense is harvested by cutting a hole in the surface bark of the tree, then peeling back and distressing the layers until the resin seeps out and hardens. |
| Uses | Incense, perfumes, aromatherapy, skincare, medicine, essential oils, natural medicines, religious ceremonies, coating, cough and throat inflammation, chewing gum, cosmetics, paints |
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What You'll Learn
- Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia
- It is used in incense, perfumes, and natural medicines
- Frankincense has been used for 5,000 years for its medicinal and fragrant properties
- The resin is hand-sorted for quality and is available in various grades
- Frankincense is harvested by cutting the tree bark and allowing the resin to bleed out and harden
Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The Boswellia tree is about 5 meters high, with an upstanding trunk or trunks branched from the ground. The twigs are dense and intertwined, and the leaves are twisted with thin crusts. The tree grows in coastal areas and on mountain slopes in Yemen.
Frankincense is harvested by making small cuts or scrapes on the tree's surface bark, allowing the resin to flow out and harden. This process is called "tapping" and is typically done two to three times per year, with the final taps producing the highest-quality resin due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene content. The hardened resin, known as "tears," is then collected and sorted by size, grade, and colour.
Frankincense has a long history of use in various cultures for its medicinal, fragrant, and spiritual properties. It has been burned as incense in religious ceremonies, used for purification and meditation, and valued for its therapeutic compounds, including Boswellic acids. The ancient Egyptians, for example, burned frankincense and ground the charred resin into a powder called kohl, which they used as eyeliner. Frankincense was also one of the gifts given by the Biblical Magi to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew.
Today, frankincense is still widely used in incense, perfumes, and natural medicines. It is also an ingredient in skincare and aromatherapy products. The resin is available in various grades, depending on the time of harvesting, and the trees typically start producing resin when they are about eight to ten years old.
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It is used in incense, perfumes, and natural medicines
Frankincense is an aromatic gum resin that has been used throughout the world as incense in religious ceremonies. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The Boswellia tree typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. The tree is about 5 meters high with an upstanding trunk or trunks branched from the ground.
To obtain the frankincense, a longitudinal incision is made in the trunk of the tree, and below it, a narrow strip of bark is peeled off. The milk-like juice that exudes hardens when exposed to air, forming the resin. After about three months, the resin attains the required consistency, hardening into yellowish 'tears'. The clear globules are then scraped off, and the inferior quality that has run down the tree is collected separately.
Frankincense has been used in religious ceremonies and incense offerings in ancient cultures such as Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Assyria, and ancient Hebrew societies. In Christian tradition, frankincense is one of the gifts given by the Biblical Magi to Jesus at his nativity. It was also used in the Roman Empire before the spread of Christianity and was later reintroduced to Western Europe by the Frankish Crusaders.
In addition to its use in incense, frankincense has a long history in traditional medicine. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine and has been employed to treat various conditions, including arthritis, asthma, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Frankincense is also believed to have potential cancer-fighting properties, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Frankincense is also used in the perfume industry, where it is valued for its versatility. It can be presented in various ways, from fresh and piquant to dark and ambery. Its versatility allows perfumers to create unique fragrances that appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Overall, frankincense, with its woody aroma and potential health benefits, continues to play a significant role in incense, perfumes, and natural medicines.
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Frankincense has been used for 5,000 years for its medicinal and fragrant properties
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin that has been used for 5,000 years for its medicinal and fragrant properties. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The Boswellia tree typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. It is a 5-metre-high tree with an upstanding trunk or trunks branched from the ground.
Frankincense has been traded on the Somali and Arabian Peninsula for over 5,000 years. Greek historian Herodotus wrote that frankincense was harvested from trees in Southern Arabia. Pliny the Elder also mentioned frankincense in his "Naturalis Historia". Frankincense was also used in the Roman Empire prior to the spread of Christianity.
The use of frankincense was not confined to the Romans. It was also used in ancient Egypt, where it was burned as incense and ground into a powder called kohl, which was used to make eyeliner. The Egyptians also used frankincense in the mummification process. Frankincense was further used in Jewish and Christian traditions, where it was one of the three gifts presented to the Christ Child, as mentioned in the Bible.
Frankincense has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, with few side effects. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve arthritis and digestion and reduce asthma. It is also used in Chinese medicine for its antibacterial properties and blood-moving uses. In Persian medicine, it is used to treat diabetes, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. Frankincense is also used in aromatherapy and skincare products.
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The resin is hand-sorted for quality and is available in various grades
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The English word "frankincense" comes from the Old French expression "franc encens", meaning "true incense" or "high-quality incense". The adjective "franc" in Old French meant "noble" or "pure".
To obtain the frankincense, a deep longitudinal incision is made in the trunk of the tree, and a narrow strip of bark is peeled off. When the milk-like juice that exudes hardens, the resin is scraped off into baskets. The resin is hand-sorted for quality and is available in various grades. The grades depend on the time of harvesting, with the final taps producing the best tears due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene content. The more opaque resins are generally considered to be of better quality.
The greenish, translucent variety is quite rare and is the most precious of the four grades. It has a fresh scent with notes of eucalyptus and mint. The second grade is the "Superior Hojari", which is whitish, sometimes with a hint of yellow. This grade is far from second-rate and is comparable to the Royal Hojari from Oman. The Boswellia sacra from Oman and Yemen are almost identical due to their geographic proximity. The trees in Yemen are harvested much more infrequently, resulting in a sweeter variety.
The "Harrabi" Frankincense from Nigeria is another variety that is quite unknown and infrequently harvested. The tears are large, with an intense greenish translucent colour. The taste and scent are fruity, with refreshing notes of peppermint and camphor. This frankincense is available in larger quantities than the varieties from Burkina Faso and Senegal.
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Frankincense is harvested by cutting the tree bark and allowing the resin to bleed out and harden
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The Boswellia tree is about 5 meters high, with an upstanding trunk or trunks branched from the ground. The trees start producing resin when they are about eight to 10 years old.
To obtain the frankincense, a deep longitudinal incision is made in the trunk of the tree, and a narrow strip of bark is peeled off. The milk-like juice that exudes hardens when exposed to air, and after about three months, the resin attains the required consistency, hardening into yellowish "tears." These large, clear globules are then scraped off into baskets, while the inferior quality resin that has run down the tree is collected separately.
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal and fragrant properties. It is burned as incense in religious ceremonies, and the ancient Egyptians also ground the charred resin into a powder called kohl, which was used as eyeliner. Frankincense is also used in perfumes, natural medicines, and essential oils.
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Frequently asked questions
Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae.
Frankincense is harvested by cutting into the bark of the Boswellia tree and allowing the resin to bleed out and harden. This hardened resin is then scraped off the tree.
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in both health and spirituality. It has been used to treat headaches, stomach ulcers, and menstrual pains, among other ailments. It is also burned as incense in religious ceremonies and for spiritual practices like meditation and divination.
