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what kind of tree does frankincense come from

by Cora Howell IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, frankincense oil has been important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees.Mar 18, 2009

Does frankincense get rid of evil spirits?

This interesting ‘herbal extract’ is one that all should know about. Now, for those who are not aware frankincense is a resin extracted from the Boswellia tree and has been used for centuries in medicine and more. It can help not only with things like arthritis and IBD but also to raise your vibration and help ward off evil spirits.

What is the spiritual use of frankincense?

Frankincense, similar to Sage or Palo Santo, acts as an energetic purifier. For years, frankincense has been used in religious and spiritual spaces to cleanse one’s aura. This means that burning frankincense resin will help to cleanse and realign your chakras, leading to a feeling of balance and ease.

Where does frankincense originate from?

Most frankincense comes from the Horn of Africa, and India, but also in Oman, Yemen, and western Africa.

What are the real benefits of frankincense essential oil?

Some other benefits of Frankincense:

  • Can help with digestion
  • Can increase fertility
  • Has been shown to improve memory
  • Antifungal and antibacterial properties
  • May reduce cancer cell growth
  • Can help fight diabetes
  • Can help heal inflammatory bowel disease (6) (7)

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Where did frankincense come from?

In ancient Oman, frankincense was one of the most important trade items in the Mediterranean region. The old port city of Khor Rori near Salalah is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes other archaeological wonders along the Frankincense Coast of the Dhofar region of Oman. This is where donkeys and camels brought bags of frankincense resin to waiting ships for transport to Mesopotamia, India, and China. Khor Rori dates at least to 300 B.C. and flourished until the fourth century A.D. The old sea gate leading from the stone fortress remains, opening onto a sandy path where the frankincense was set on its journey, a luxury item fit for royalty. Biblical scholars believe this is one of the reasons frankincense was chosen as a gift for the Christ child. Frankincense and myrrh, also a resin that comes from a tree, were used as perfumes and anointing oils, and these lands of Oman are referenced in both the Bible and the Quran.

What is the smell of Frankincense?

Frankincense is the very scent of Oman, deeply entrenched in the culture, burned as incense in homes and offices, added to perfumes, and used for medicinal purposes to ease everything from inflamed joints to congestion and anxiety. A traffic circle near the old stone city gates in Muscat features a gigantic incense burner in the middle.

Why is Frankincense used in the Bible?

Biblical scholars believe this is one of the reasons frankincense was chosen as a gift for the Christ child. Frankincense and myrrh, also a resin that comes from a tree, were used as perfumes and anointing oils, and these lands of Oman are referenced in both the Bible and the Quran. Advertisement.

How tall is a frankincense tree?

The conditions of the southern Oman coast are ideal for growing frankincense trees, which can reach 16 feet in height. Monsoon rains during the summer months and hot, desert conditions during the rest of the year help produce what is considered some of the finest and most expensive frankincense in the world.

How to collect resin from a tree?

To collect resin, Mohammed uses a metal blade to nick the tree, allowing droplets of white, milky sap to bleed slowly onto the bark. He will return in 10 days to collect the gum resin, which will have started to harden. The resin pellets are then spread on the ledge of a cave for four months to dry more completely, forming rocks that are sorted by hand.

Where does Mohammed's family get his frankincense resin?

For generations, Mohammed’s family has tapped frankincense resin from the trees on their tribal land, scarred, rocky mountain faces that drop to the emerald waters of the Arabian Sea, offering expansive vistas of some of the most beautiful and desolate landscape in the world.

Is frankincense a spiritual smell?

In Oman, the smell of frankincense is something more spiritual, even though frankincense is big business and has been for centuries. Somehow, frankincense manages to be more than a quantifiable export. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, also referred to as the Great Leader of Oman, has made frankincense a visible (and smellable) icon of a modern, ...

Where Does Frankincense Oil Come From?

So why is frankincense so special, and where does it come from? Incisions (“wounds”) are cut into the Boswellia tree and the tear-shaped droplets of sap that escape are carefully scraped off and dried. These “tears” solidify into an alluring mass of silver, golden, and amber colors that, in and of itself, are a sight to behold.

What is the scent of frankincense?

The pleasant scent of frankincense can be used to both calm and invigorate. As an essential oil, frankincense is commonly used to promote relaxation and peace of mind, with many likening its effects to mental and spiritual enlightenment.

Why is frankincense used in soap?

As an essential oil, frankincense is commonly used to promote relaxation and peace of mind. Many soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and deodorants with authentic base notes contain frankincense because its aroma is both soothing and long-lasting.

What is frankincense resin used for?

Frankincense resin is valued for its uses in everything from religious incense and perfume, to decorative jewelry, toothpaste, deodorant, and even folk medicine.

What is the name of the tree that produces resinous sap?

Its legacy even spans into modern times, and into every corner of the globe. Beyond its elegant, low-flowing branches and bright, perky flowers, the frankincense tree produces a powerful resinous sap.

Why do soaps contain frankincense?

Many soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and deodorants with authentic base notes contain frankincense because its aroma is both soothing and long-lasting.

Does frankincense oil help with influenza?

In a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers concluded that an essential oil blend containing frankincense may help inhibit the spread and proliferation of viral cells associated with influenza. The study’s authors wrote that the oil “decreased direct infection of the cells,” adding that frankincense oil specifically “possess [es] anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of immune cytokines production and leukocyte infiltration [3].”

What does Frankincense smell like?

Frankincense has a woody, spicy smell and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or taken as a supplement.

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory in frankincense?

Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense ( 3, 4 ).

Is Frankincense better than placebo?

In one 2018 review, frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility ( 7 ).

Is bael frankincense effective?

Additionally, when researchers gave people 200 mg of a supplement made from frankincense and the South Asian fruit bael ( Aegle marmelos ), they found that the supplement was more effective than a placebo at reducing asthma symptoms ( 20 ).

Can you use frankincense in gum?

Aside from tablets, studies have also used frankincense in gum for oral health and in creams for arthritis. That said, no dosage information for these creams is available ( 23, 9 ).

Is Frankincense safe to take?

Frankincense is generally safe to use, but as with any supplement, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking it.

Is frankincense good for you?

Although frankincense is praised for multiple health benefits, not all of them are backed by science.

What is the meaning of Frankincense?

Frankincense was a precious spice with great significance and worth in ancient times. The fragrant gum resin obtained from balsam trees (Boswellia) can be ground into a powder and burned to produce a balsam-like odor. Frankincense was a key part of worship in the Old Testament and a costly gift brought to the baby Jesus.

What is Frankincense used for?

Frankincense is the gum or resin of the Boswellia tree, used for making perfume and incense. It was one of the ingredients God instructed the Israelites to use in making the pure and sacred incense blend for the most holy place in the tabernacle .

What is frankincense used for in the Old Testament?

Frankincense was a key part of the sacrifices to Yahweh in Old Testament worship. In Exodus, the Lord said to Moses: “Gather fragrant spices—resin droplets, mollusk shell, and galbanum—and mix these fragrant spices with pure frankincense, weighed out in equal amounts. Using the usual techniques of the incense maker, ...

How long did it take for frankincense resin to harden?

Gathering frankincense resin was a time-consuming process. Over a period of two or three months, the sap would leak from the tree and harden into white "tears.".

Why is Frankincense so expensive?

Frankincense was a very expensive substance because it was collected in remote parts of Arabia, North Africa, and India and had to be transported long distances by caravan. Balsam trees from which Frankincense is obtained, are related to turpentine trees.

How to make holy incense?

Using the usual techniques of the incense maker, blend the spices together and sprinkle them with salt to produce a pure and holy incense. Grind some of the mixture into a very fine powder and put it in front of the Ark of the Covenant, where I will meet with you in the Tabernacle.

Where is frankincense used in sacrifices?

Detailed instructions on how to properly use frankincense in sacrifices can be found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The mixture included equal parts of the sweet spices stacte, onycha, and galbanum, mixed with pure frankincense and seasoned with salt (Exodus 30:34).

Where does the frankincense tree grow?

B. carterii (or B. sacra, and called olibanum or dragon's blood) is thought to be the tree mentioned in the bible. It grows in Somalia and the Dhofar valley of Oman. The Dhofar valley is a lush green oasis, watered by monsoonal rains in sharp contrast to its surrounding desert. That valley is still the leading source for frankincense in the world today, and the highest grade resins, called Silver and Hojari, are only found there.

Where can I find frankincense?

The Dhofar valley is a lush green oasis, watered by monsoonal rains in sharp contrast to its surrounding desert. That valley is still the leading source for frankincense in the world today, and the highest grade resins, called Silver and Hojari, are only found there.

What is the most common resin in the world?

Frankincense consists of the dried resin from the frankincense tree, and it is one of the most common and sought-after of aromatic tree resins in the world even today.

What is melted incense used for?

More pragmatically, melted incense resin is and was used to mend cracked pots and jars: filling the cracks with frankincense makes a vessel watertight again. The bark of the tree is and was used as a red-brown dye for cotton and leather clothing. Some species of resins have a delightful flavor, which is sampled by adding it to coffee or by simply chewing it.

How tall does Frankincense grow?

The trees have no central trunk but seem to grow up out of the bare rock to heights of about 2-2.5 meters or about 7 or 8 feet. The resin is harvested by scraping a 2 centimeter (3/4 of an inch) opening and allowing the resin to ooze out on its own, and harden on the tree trunk. After a few weeks, the resin has dried and can be taken to market.

What is the oldest known reference to frankincense?

The Egyptian Ebers Papyrus dated to 1500 BC is the oldest known reference to frankincense, and it prescribes the resin as a use for throat infections and asthmatic attacks. In the first century AD, the Roman writer Pliny mentioned it as an antidote to hemlock; the Islamic philosopher Ibn Sina (or Avicenna, 980-1037 AD) recommended it for tumors, ulcers, and fevers.

How tall do spruce trees grow?

The trees have no central trunk but seem to grow up out of the bare rock to heights of about 2-2.5 meters or about 7 or 8 feet. The resin is harvested by scraping a 2 centimeter (3/4 of an inch) opening and allowing the resin to ooze out on its own, and harden on the tree trunk.

What is Frankincense used for?

People use it to make medicine. Frankincense is used for pain and swelling in people with various diseases. Also used for gas ( flatulence ), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Frankincense is also used as a flavoring agent in foods and as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, ...

Is Frankincense essential oil safe?

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of frankincense for these uses. When taken by mouth : Frankincense is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be. When applied to the skin : Frankincense essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin.

Is frankincense safe for pregnant women?

Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if frankincense is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Is frankincense a flavoring agent?

Frankincense is also used as a flavoring agent in foods and as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Some experts warn that frankincense may interfere with the body's response against COVID-19. There is no strong data to support this warning.

Is Frankincense oil safe to use?

When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. It might cause skin irritation in some people. When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be. Special Precautions and Warnings.

What is the name of the family of frankincense?

Frankincense comes from a family of trees known as the “Burseraceae”. Within the Burseraceae family, Boswellia is the group ...

What is the best frankincense tree?

Boswellia frereana, also known as Maydi and Yagcar, is a type of frankincense tree that produces ones of the highest quality resins for burning. Some people even call it the “King of Frankincense”, due to its high quality. When the resin of Boswellia frereana is burned on a hot coal, you will notice that the resin literally melts into the coal, leaving behind little-to-no gum residue. This is good because other types of frankincense leave behind a gum on the coal to burn, producing burnt off-scents that detract from the beautiful aroma of frankincense.

What is the name of the frankincense that has boswellic acid?

The Boswellia carterii [16], sacra, serrata [16], dalzielii [2], and papyrifera [17] species of frankincense have something called “boswellic acid”. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, boswellic acid also has an antiproliferative effect on tumors, meaning that boswellic acid stops the tumor from spreading.

How tall does a Frankincense tree grow?

The Boswellia serrata is a deciduous (sheds its leaves annually) tree that grows on dry hills, slopes, and gravelly soil. The Indian Frankincense tree can grow up to 3 to 5 meters in height. The bark has the color of grey ash, looks & feels like the texture of rough paper.

What is the name of the tree that people burn as incense?

Within the Burseraceae family, Boswellia is the group of trees that people actually call “frankincense” and use to burn as incense. Within the Boswellia genus, there are many species of frankincense including carterii, dalzielii, frereana, papyrifera, sacra, and serrata.

What is frankincense resin?

Frankincense is ancient aromatic resin that is prized for it’s scent when burned, it’s medicinal properties, and it’s psychoactive effects. In this article, I discuss the various different types of frankincense species that exist. After reading this, you should be able to tell apart the different types of frankincense resins & their respective ...

How many species of frankincense are there?

There are over 20 species of frankincense that currently exist in the world, and it will take quite a bit of time and effort in order to compile information on them. So instead of fully going in-depth with each species, I will quickly collate the information I find on these species in the sections below. Later on, I may fully research these frankincense species in-depth.

Where is Frankincense used?

Frankincense has been popular as an incense for thousands of years and was used in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It's mentioned in the Bible as one of the three gifts of the wise men to the baby Jesus, along with myrrh and gold.

Where does Boswellia grow?

Boswellia is a shrubby tree found in Africa, India, and the Middle East. It generally grows in rocky areas with dry soil. The tree's resin is usually pale yellow in color and has a pleasant scent. The resin is also known as olibanum and is popular in the perfume industry.

Why is resin used in perfume?

The resin is also known as olibanum and is popular in the perfume industry. It's used as incense because when it burns it releases a fragrant smoke. In fact, its name is derived from the Old French "franc encens," which means "pure or high quality incense." The incense is lit in religious ceremonies, used during meditation or aromatherapy, or simply lit for pleasure. It's sometimes used as an insect repellent and an air freshener.

Where does myrrh grow?

Myrrh is produced by trees in the Commiphora genus, especially Commiphora myrrha, which grows in Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The tree has spiny branches and small leaves. The resin is yellow to red-brown in color and is aromatic. It contains oil and is used in perfumes and incense.

Does Frankincense burn?

I love Frankincense and Myrrh and burn it regularly. It has a terrific calming and soothing effect, I find.

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1.Frankincense - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense

12 hours ago Frankincense resin is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae). Incisions are made in the trunks of the trees to produce exuded gum, which appears as milk like resin. …

2.Frankincense Tree: The Amazing Desert Treasure with a …

Url:https://organixx.com/frankincense-tree/

10 hours ago Frankincense is a hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree. People use its oil on the skin and in aromatherapy.

3.5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 7 Myths

Url:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/frankincense

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4.What Is Frankincense? - Learn Religions

Url:https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-frankincense-700747

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5.History of Frankincense, Ancient Aromatic Tree Resin

Url:https://www.thoughtco.com/frankincense-history-ancient-aromatic-tree-resin-170908

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6.FRANKINCENSE - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-448/frankincense

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7.Frankincense Types: Medicinal, Psychoactive, Cognitive, …

Url:https://www.therevisionist.org/reviews/frankincense-types-medicinal-psychoactive-cognitive-scent-properties/

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8.Frankincense, Myrrh, and Amber: Tree Resin Facts and Uses

Url:https://owlcation.com/stem/Frankincense-Myrrh-Amber-and-Other-Plant-Resins

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