Archive for the ‘Frankincense healing properties’ Category
Frankincence Essential Oil
Frankincense – at one time it was more valuable than gold, the enigmatic and ancient aroma of frankincense is still highly esteemed by aromatherapists and meditators alike.
Frankincense Boswellia carterii is obtained from an unspectacular scrubby bush of the genus Boswellia, native to the arid regions of Arabia and East Africa. Of the known 25 species of tree that produce ‘frankincense’ resin gum, the most common are Boswellia carterii found mainly in Somalia, Oman and Ethiopia, and , Saudi frankincense. The Arabic name is luban, which means white or cream. It’s also known as olibanum, and its essential oil is often called “Oil of Lebanon.” It’s commonly recognized western name, frankincense, is said to have originated from the Frankish (French) Knights of the Crusades who treasured it in large quantities. The resin and essential oil are also known as African elemi. Frankincense trees originated in the Dhofar valley and carried great economic importance to figures such as the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Recent evidence has indicated that frankincense was exported to China during the Ming Dynasty.
In southern Arabia, the small trees, which reach a height of 3 – 7 m, are found scattered in dry rock gullies, formed into bizarre shapes by the sun, wind and impoverished soil. For thousands of years, nomadic families have travelled into the desert to collect the frankincense resin (at this stage a milky white resin) which flows when a tool called a mengaff is used to scrape about a five-inch section down the trunk of tree. This hardens under the hot sun into amber or orange brown ‘tears’ between the sizes of a pea and a walnut. The tree is marked and the harvester returns in two weeks to scrape what has become hardened frankincense resin from the tree. Resins which fall to the ground are collected on large palm leaves placed when first tapping the tree. The process repeats itself for about 3 months during harvesting. The frankincense tears are scraped off into a basket and transported to the ports for world-wide shipment.
The ancient Egyptians imported tonnes of frankincesne and myrrh every year from the mysterious land of Punt, thought to be modern day Somalia, and through Jordan and Israel via the famous Incense Route from Sabaía;, the land of the Queen of Sheba (now Yemen and Oman). Frankincense was used by the Egyptians as a fumigant, ritual incense and medicine. The earliest recorded use of the substance is found in an inscription on the tomb of a 15th century BC Egyptian queen named Hathsepsut. As a cosmetic, the gum resin was charred and ground to make a black powder known as kohl, used by men and women to paint the eyelids.
Of its myriad uses, frankincense was favoured by the ancient folks as a treatment for wounds and skin diseases, urinary tract infections, gynaecological disorders, and as an expectorant for chronic catarrh. Frankincense also played a role in the religious and domestic lives of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Persian and Hebrews. Today it is still a major ingredient in Jewish ceremonial incense, forming part of the sabbath day offering. Frankincense is also a natural insecticide and was used in ancient Egypt to fumigate wheat silos and repel wheat moths. In Arabia, the smoke of burning frankincense resin is used to repel mosquitoes and sand flies. Researchers have found that burning frankincense indoors improves the acoustic properties of the room.
For many centuries frankincense has been an important ingredient in incense mixtures burned in Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. In the past, it was thought that emotion, such as worry, grief and fear, created energies that affected the atmosphere in a room. Since people often left their distress in churches and temples, incense was used to cleanse the space on a psychic or subtle level. Frankincense has been one of the world’s most treasured commodities since the beginning of written history. At its peak its value rivaled that of gold, the rarest silks, and the most precious of gems.
The Science in 1981, scientist in Germany were intrigued by reports that inhaling frankincense can be emotionally adictive to some people, such as altar boys. They found that when the gum resin (not the essential oil) is burned, it produces traces of tetrahydrocanninol. This psychoactive substance is said to enhance creativity and dream recall. Others have found that the balsamic aroma of frankincense, both the essential oil and the raw incense material, has the ability to deepen the breathing, which produces feelings of calm – a state conducive to prayer and meditation.People in Arabic countries have always used frankincense for medicinal, as well as religious purposes. For instance, they burn frankincesne to relieve the pain of toothache, labout pains and to lower fever, while people suffering from rheumatism and arthritis suspend thei painful joints in the smoke. A study at the university of Munich has demonstrated the anti-inflamatory effects of frankincense on joint pain. The remedy, known as Boswellia, is sold in health stores, both as an ointment and as tablets for internal dosage. It contains boswelliac acids extracted from the frankincense gum resin.The Essential Oil is steam distilled in Europe from the imported gum resin. It is a pale yellow or greenish liquid with a warm rich, sweet balsamic aroma, often with a note of camphor. A high quality oil will also reveal a lemony nuance. Its odour effect is intriguing, initially warming and mentally clarifying, giving way to deeply relaxing sensations, all making it the supreme choice for facilitation of meditation.In aromatherapy, frankincense oil is valued for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system and may be used in steam inhalations, baths and massages for catarrh, bronchitis and coughs. the oil has also been recommended for asthma, though this should only be undertaken as part of a professionally supervised holistic healing programme.
Evidence amongst aromatherapists and their clients indicates that baths and massages with the oil can help reduce excessive menstruation associated with menopause. If the aroma is liked, it has a calming effect on the nervous system and may help with the emotional upheavals commonly experienced by women at this time of their lives. For womens health problems, the rather ‘masculine’ fragrance is usually blend with rose, neroli and/or lavender.
With the current resurgence of interest in frankincense as a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis, it is certainly worth using the oil in the bath and in massage blends to alleviate pain in muscles and joints. Aromatherapists recommend blending it with other anti-rheumatic and aroma compatible oils, such as juniper berry, lavender and rosemary. Frankincense is regarded as a tonic with particular benefits to oily skins – although to counteract its possible drying effect, incorporate it into a cream base or dilute in a carrier oil such as avocado. Some aromatherapists believe that frankincense based skin care products soften the appearance of wrinkles. While there is no scientific evidence to support this view, it is certainly worth a try.
Frankincense
Following are some of the physical conditions and symptoms that Frankincense oil has proven to be effective in either removing or easing. These are either my personal experiences or those of people I know directly and were not necessarily only a one-time occurrence.
- Depression and anxiety was relieved after sprinkling a couple of drops of Frankincense oil in the hands, rubbing them together and inhaling deeply several times.
- Nighttime wheezing stopped within minutes when Frankincense oil was applied to the sinus areas around the nose and the neck… all without getting out of bed.
- Snoring stopped completely for the night within minutes after Frankincense was applied to the area around the nose, the neck and chest and inhaled.
- Skin tags in the underarm area disappeared after applying Frankincense daily for a month or so until they disappeared. Other skin tags and moles were reduced with the application of Frankincense oil directly on site. (A better and faster result could probably have been obtained had the oil not been forgotten to be used daily.)
- Parkinson’s Disease: Tremors, mental fogginess and confusion and the stiff facial mask associated with Parkinson’s disease were reduced after applying Frankincense around the head. (At a recent doctor’s visit for an un-related reason, the doctor was surprised to see that the patient’s Parkinson’s symptoms were obviously greatly reduced.)
- Asthma: Respiration was inspired and opened after applying Frankincense oil around the nose and inhaling.
- Sadness: After breathing in Frankincense, greater clarity of mind and balance of emotions was obtained.
- Bronchial cough was soothed immediately after applying frankincense oil to the throat and chest area.
- Smoker’s cough was alleviated after application on chest and throat.
- Cold and flue were warded off by adding two or three drops of Frankincense oil to a glass of drinking water and repeated after an hour or more.
(NOTE: It is very important to use only the finest therapeutic essential oils. If low quality or synthetic oils are used, harmful effects may occur.)
Love, Jennifer
Frankincense works really well for varicose veins. Just mix 15 – 20 drops with 2 ounces of one of the YL lotions and rub on your legs. I had a woman use it that has had varicose veins for at least 40 years and they just gradually went away.
Karen
Frankincense reduces the veins very well and also helps with the pain. I had a client that would rub it around her eyes and then put the extra on her veins and suddenly noticed one day they no longer hurt or were enlarged.
Karen H
I also want to share about my Dad. I’ve mentioned before how he has used Frankincense for his lung congestion (COPD) and then he tried it on the top of his ears for what he thought to be skin cancer and that is gone. Well, last night he shared that he been trying it on his middle finger knuckle had a pea size knot that really stuck out and was sore. The knot is smaller and has softened. It’s so fun watching him use his Frankincense for different little things. He is on his third bottle and finding that it works for alot of things.
Michelle
I was diagnosed with COPD 4 years ago and being slightly stubborn, I refused to accept the diagnosis. I did not smoke, did not drink and still do not. After hearing what the doctor diagnosed me with, I went the “traditional” medical route of medications and steroids, which did nothing to improve my situation based on pulmonary testing. My lowest point was 65% lung capacity and a base oxygen rate of 92% during my pregnancy with my healthy 16 month old son. After my son was born, I realized that if I wanted to be around to see him grow up, and be the healthy and involved kind of mother I wanted to be, something had to change. So 15 months ago, I changed my diet drastically, cutting out 90% of all wheat and dairy products. I stopped ingesting white sugar. I started drinking water instead of Dr. Pepper. I restricted my intake of red meat and increased my intake of vegetables and whole foods. I started taking supplements that would help support my immune and respiratory system; primarily a multi-vitamin, probiotic, extra vitamin E and minerals. I started putting Frankincense on my chest before going to bed at night, and inhaling it and applying it anytime I started to cough or feel tightness in my chest. Before my Frankincense days began, I was taking a nebulizer with toxic medication 2 – 3 times a day, and was so dependent on it that it went with me everywhere I went – to the store, to church, to work. I now carry Frankincense with me everywhere. I have been using Frankincense religiously since December 2003. It is now March 2004, and I had a pulmonology test last week. I tested at 102% large airway and 99% blood oxygen. I had 90% scarring in one lung from several bouts with pneumonia, and the doctors were amazed that my lung has “regenerated” itself so that most of the scar tissue is gone. When they asked what I had been doing, I told them I changed my diet, used Ffrankincense oil, and weaned myself from my medications. The looks on their faces were priceless! I hope this miracle story encourages someone you love. I truly believe my recovery is miraculous, and I am so thankful for Gary Young and his dedication to the health and well-being of others! And please share YL with others – you never know who might need a miracle!
Niki
My husband is the biggest sceptic when it comes to essential oils. He has been diagnosed with emphysema. Once he had a cold and his lungs were making it difficult for him to get a full breath. I asked his permission and used Frankincense, and Eucalyptus directly on the skin of his back and chest corresponding to the lungs. I placed a few drops of each oil on my hands and applied to the four sides of his body: front left, front right, back left and back right. His lungs cleared in a few minutes he had a loose, productive cough.
Laura
For many years my beautiful daughter had struggled with depression. After taking Lexapro, Adderol, etc. for years, she had had enough with the pharmaceutical roller coaster. I suggested she attempt putting Frankincense on the bottoms of her feet daily. She began doing that immediately and has been able to get off of all medications. She has now relied upon Frankincense alone for many months and is feeling happier and healthier than ever before.
Carolyn
I have been impressed with how Frankincense oil has helped my father’s emotional stability. He has a reoccuring basal cell cancerous growth on his nose/eye area. Surgery would be too tramatic for him since he had the same surgery 5 years ago and now it is back. I learned how frankincense can pass the blood brain barrier and also affect his fragile emotions (almost 85 years old). Everyday I twice come by and we rub it on our hands and then rub it on his forehead and nose. It is a relaxing little ‘ritual’ we do everyday. If all it does is help with his emotions and gives him a positive outlook on life and does nothing for the cancer we will be happy but we hope for the best as NOW he can smell out of his left nostril where before for years he could smell NOTHING! Something good is happening and will continue our daily rubbing on of Frankincense oil!
Stan
It’s been many years in the making but I can now share my testimonial on Frankincense and breast masses. This past month I finally got my first ‘normal’ mamogram in many years. I’ve had fibrocystic breasts since the age of 26. But in my 40′s when I started getting mamograms my left breast was always unstable requiring more and more views. Meaning more and more radiation. I once questioned the doctor about how I thought all this radiation was doing more harm than good. He said the benefits far outweighed the risks. I was introduced to essential oils and decided to take matters into my own hands. I stopped going in every six months for mamograms and used Frankincense neet on my breasts daily. I waited about three years and went back for a mamogram. They said they now needed to do an ultrasound. So I went for the ultra sound and then they wanted me to get another one. Finally I got ahold of the doctor and questioned her what they were looking for and she said that when I went in for the mamogram after three years of not having any, the three masses they were following in my breast weren’t there and they were looking deeper to see if they went deeper into my breast. But they didn’t. They completely dissappeared. So, just to be sure I waited till this year, went in for my annual mamogram, and just got the notice back saying my mamogram was normal. I use the oils every day for various things and they always work for me.
Joan
My friend’s doctor told her after having diagnosed her with many fibroid cysts to come back in six months for a re-evaluation. I convinced her to use the Frankincense and Lavender oils daily, at least 2x day, which she did for at least four months. After six months, she returned to the doctor to have another scan done, and was thrilled to find that ALL the cysts were gone!! Of course, the doctor could not understand it, and neither did she tell him what she had been doing!
Jo Ann
I had a fibroid in my breast the size of a small Easter egg. I rubbed in 1 drop of Young Living frankincense oil most days for about 6 months. In about 4 months the fibroid shrunk to the size of a jelly bean. Now it is half that size. I hadn’t made any other changes in my diet or lifestyle for many months before my fibroid started to shrink.
Tom
I At birth there was complications which had led to blindness in both eyes. When I heard about the Young Living Oils I was willing to try anything. When I started using Frankincense, one of the Young Living Oils by rubbing on my upper eye lids and back of my neck. Plus what enhanced it even more I used a hot pack for 15 minutes. It has been a miracle for me. In less than a week I started seeing light and color. It was six weeks later I as able to get my day time drivers license back. And to make even better I had help finding a part time job. I want to give a big THANKS! to Young Living.
Michael
I stopped using the steroid eye drops completely for my Iritis condition. I began using ONLY Frankincense. I applied it around the eye and on the eyelid-1 -2 drops on my finger (very little and gently) instead of the doctor’s recommended application for the steroid drops. At first it was 4 times a day, then I went for a follow up visit about 3 days after using the oil and the opthamologist said that the inflammation was almost totally gone, he seemed surprised as it had only been about 1 month since the condition began. (Last time I had a battle with this it took over 4 months on steroid drops!) So I continued to apply the oil for 2 more weeks changing to 2x’s a day then 1x a day and my eye feels great. I intended to tell the opthamologist what I had done but I never made it to my last appointment because my baby boy was born.
Kiela
I’ve had two experiences with Frankincense Oil I want to tell you about. This past winter has taken a great toll on my bicep muscles by stressing and straining and spraining them all by shoveling snow by hand. With all the snow we had I had to shovel snow for three straight days including at work. My driveway was the other. Well after shoveling all that snow, My arms (Biceps) developed a soreness that would not go away. So from Jan. to now I’ve had pain. However in April I ordered Frankincense Oil and applied it to my biceps. To my surprise, the pain started to go away! As of now I still fell some pain but the oil has helped heal my arms! I have a herniated disc that acts up every now and then. When I had the last bout of pain and stress there, I applied Frankincense oil to that disc. Again to my surprise, the healing of that spot increased to just a few days opposed to weeks. These oils are fantastic.
Pete
In my chiropractic practice, I have used Frankincense for warts and skin keratoses. A ten year old girl showed me a wart on the heel of her hand that was raised and approximately a quarter of an inch in diameter. We applied one drop of Frankincense. When she came in the office a week later, the wart had turned black. We applied another drop of Frankincense and when she returned the next week, the wart was gone. Another little boy showed me a small plantar wart on the ball of his left foot. We applied a drop of Frankincense and when he came in several weeks later, the wart had disappeared. Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties and warts are thought to be caused by a virus. I had a small, rough patch on my chest that looked like a keratosis and possibly a precancerous lesion. After several applications of Frankincense, it disappeared and has not returned. Research has demonstrated the skin healing properties of Frankincese. Reportedly, it has the ability to heal damaged DNA.
Dr. Lisa
About 5-6 years ago my husband had a lump on his cheek and went through 2 rounds of antibiotics. The lump went down but a pea-sized core remained. A year later it grew again and since we had no insurance I asked a friend who sold YL essential oils what she suggested. We tried Frankincense and within a week of applying it, the lump “exploded” and out came everything, even the core which was like plastic. That was the beginning of our wonderful journey with YL oils. I’m looking forward to hearing many wonderful testimonies and learning so I can help others.
Blessings, Jane
My husband had age spots on the backs of his hands. He decided to use Frankincense on one hand and nothing on the other. The age spots on the hand where he used Frankincense have completely disappeared. The other hand looks the same as always. He used one drop of Frankincense and rubbed it into the back of his hand twice a day (morning and evening). He noticed a difference in coloration in about 2 weeks, and after 2 months, the spots on the Frankincensed hand were gone. Haven’t tried other oils for this, but the Frankincense worked great.
Frankincense (Greek: libanos, λἰβᾰνος)
Lexicon Entry: λἰβᾰνος [ῐ], ὁ, frankincense-tree, Boswellia Carterii, Hdt.4.75, Thphr.HP9.4.2, Dsc.1.68, etc.; ἱερὀδακρυς λ. Melanipp.I.5. II.= λιβανωτὀς, frankincense in which sense it is feminine in Pi.Fr.I 22.3, E.Ba.I 44 (lyr.); but masculine in PCair.Zen.69.13 iii B.C., AP6.23I (Phil.), 9.93 (Antip. Thess.), Edict. Diocl. (‘Αθηνα 18.6, Tegea); indeterminate in Sapph. Supp.20C.2, S.Fr.1064, Anaxandr.41.37, SIG 247ii 19 (Delph., iv B.C.). [4] [5]
Frankincense is the supreme fragrance and it is likely mentioned in ancient texts with more frequency than any other incense offering. One can find reference to its religious use throughout Hellenic literature and the Bible. Although most people think of the famous gift of the three Magi, frankincense has been offered to the Gods of all traditions both in the West and as far east as China and Japan. In fact, the use of frankincense has been connected with religion for so many millennium that it is considered sacred. It remains one of the most elegant and precious offerings to this day.
In the opening to his article on frankincense, the great Egyptologist A. Lucas states “This has been regarded from a very early period, and is still regarded, as true or genuine incense” (Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, 1926). A curious but revealing statement. The very antiquity of its precedence carries weight: there is no single substance that has more legitimacy as incense than frankincense.
Pythagoras, philosopher and priest of Apollo, exhorted the worshipers of Hellas to offer frankincense instead of sacrificing animals to the Gods, and, indeed, by 400 BC, blood sacrifice declined in favor of incense, particularly frankincense. According to incense historian Walter Muller, “It’s resin was considered to be the blood of a tree, which was taken to be animate and divine.”
In the writings of Herodotus (330 BC), the great traveler known as the “father of history,” we find mention of a yearly tribute of a thousand talents (98,422 pounds) of frankincense to Babylon for worship at the great temple of Baal (Bel). By 1 AD, 3000 tons of frankincense were exported to Greece and Rome from Southern Arabia. The Romans considered frankincense to be the very finest incense to offer the Gods and this was reflected in the apex of its use in the 400 year period from the 2nd century BC through the 2nd century AD, the very peak of the ancient incense trade. The Egyptians made great use of frankincense and its use was sacred. They used many types of resins and gums in mummification, but frankincense was excluded because it was used solely for the worship of the Gods.
There appears to be some connection in antiquity between frankincense and the sun. It’s use was particularly cherished by the Egyptians for the worship of Ra, the Babylonians for Baal, and in Hellenic religion for the worship of Apollo: all of these deities are associated with the Sun.
Although frankincense is still used by both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, as well as in Islamic worship (informally), the religious custom of burning incense of any kind dwindled with the rise of Christianity in the 4th century AD and the suppression of the old religion, to which its use was greatly associated. “The creator and father of the universe does not require blood, nor smoke, nor even the sweet smell of flowers and incense,” declared Athenagoras, an idea abhorrent to Hellenismos as impious (i.e., that a suppliant’s gift would not be welcomed by the Gods). The use of frankincense later re-emerged, now in the Christian church, following the apparent destruction of ancient Hellenic religion, but not at the level of usage of former times.
How can you describe a fragrance? Frankincense is so sublime that it is characterized with terminology not unlike that used for wine tasting. Juliet Highet, in her wonderful book Frankincense: Oman’s Gift to the World, describes Omani silver, a type of frankincense, with these words: “…it is indeed a wonderful fragrance, warm, woody and balsamic, honeyed but not cloying, with an almost austere balancing note of pine and vetiver.” You would think she was painting a picture or trying to describe the qualities of ambrosia. Whenever I entertain guests and there is the lingering perfume of frankincense in the air, it always draws warm comments because it is very pleasing to people. But in the ancient world, it was believed that frankincense pleased the Gods, and we who worship still believe this today. It is interesting to note that Central American Indians believed the same of their precious copal resins, that the rising smoke was actually food for the Gods.
“In its literal meaning the word ‘incense’ is one with the word “perfume,” the aroma given off with the smoke (per fumum) of any odoriferous substance when burnt. But in use, while the meaning of the word “perfume” has been extended so as to include everything sweet in smell, from smoking incense to the invisible fragrance of fruits and exquisite scent of flowers, that of the word ‘incense,’ in all the languages of modern Europe in which it occurs, has, by an opposite process of elimination, been gradually restricted almost exclusively to frankincense.” (Classic Encyclopedia, based on the 11th edition of the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica)
The origin of the word is uncertain. Some scholars say that frank can be translated as “true” or “honest,” therefore the interpretation being “true incense.” Another explanation sees the word as a combination of the Old French word franc meaning “pure” or “abundant,” added to the Latin wordincensum, meaning “to kindle.” Still others say that it means “the incense of the Franks,” because during the Crusades, the Franks re-introduced it to Europe.
Although there are affordable grades of frankincense, the highest quality resin is very, very costly, but in ancient times it was even more expensive. An average person could not afford it. One of the major reasons for the high price was that the resin was harvested from trees that only grew in distant areas. Therefore, the product was shipped, and generally taxed repeatedly as it passed from one country to the next. By the time it arrived in Greece or Rome, it had greatly compounded in price. We are very fortunate that contemporary shipping costs are much less. Truly, most anyone today can afford at least the lower grades of frankincense. But the highest grades still command a steep price. These highest grades of frankincense produce a fragrance that is so sublime it is almost otherworldly, truly a most worthy gift to the Gods we love.
Frankincense, an oleo-gum resin, comes from a deciduous, often shrub-like tree of the Burseraceae(balsam) family. The genus is Boswellia, and various species within this genus are used to obtain the resin. The tree has particular habitat requirements. There was an attempt in Egypt around 1480 BC, detailed in the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Luxor, to import frankincense and myrrh trees and establish them for local use. The rains destroyed the trees. Moisture must be provided principally by mist, not rain (with the possible exception of B. frereana). The trees tend to grow in very dry climates rich in limestone, often in crags where they cling to the rocks with a sucker-like appendage and little or no soil.
In Dhofar, the area most famous for high quality frankincense, the tree is thought to be a gift from God, therefore they are not planted or watered deliberately. The tree is scored using a tool called amanqaf (mengaff or minquaf), making incisions one and a half to three inches long. The bark is removed revealing the red inner core of the branch. The resin oozes out from ducts in this core, dries in the sun for ten days to three weeks, and is collected. After having dried, the resin is semi-water soluble.
This family of trees has many sub-species and the one in question is the genus Boswellia. Although there are over twenty-five species of Boswellia, there are but a dozen used in the production of frankincense. The most common ones are as follows: Boswellia carterii (the Mohr madow tree) andBoswellia frereana (the yigaar tree) from Ethiopia, Somalia and Oman. Boswellia thurifera from Somalia and India. Boswellia papyrifera from Ethiopia, East Africa and the Sudan. Also there isBoswellia serrata, primarily from the Indian subcontinent. Boswellia neglecta is found in Kenya and India, but this author has never found any of the product. Boswellia rivae, Ogaden frankincense, from Southeast Ethiopia. The most famous variety of all is Boswellia sacra (called variously hojary,hojari, houjari, hogary, hawjari, hawjeri), which grows wild in Arabia, inland, flourishing in the limestone hills, plains and valleys from Hadramawt east to Dhofar. It must be noted that there is confusion as to the scientific classification of the varieties of plants that produce frankincense, as it is difficult to differentiate between species. Beyond the various species, the student will find additional mystery and obscurity concerning other qualities of frankincense as well.
Reading information about frankincense, you may encounter this: B. carterii Birdwood. Is “Birdwood” a particular variety of this shrub? No. The two-part scientific name for frankincense was created by George Christopher Molesworth Birdwood (1832-1917). The first species named wasBoswellia carterii. The initial word, Boswellia, immortalizes James Boswell, a friend of Samuel Johnson; carterii honors H.J. Carter, a surgeon who had been surveying the south Arabian coast.
When you purchase frankincense, try to find out the scientific name and country of origin. Write these things on the container you put the incense in. This will help you to become familiar with the subtleties of difference between the various types.
Frankincense from Dhofar and Yemen
According to Juliet Highet, Dhofar produces the four finest grades of frankincense in the world: hojary, nagdi (najdi, nejdi), hasiki, and one further grade I have been unable to discover the name of. Which of these grades is the best is a matter of opinion. 1) In the USA the likely the variety to receive this honor is hojary. You will see it described as such on the various websites selling it. It derives its name from the Hojar region of the Sultanate of Oman, formerly only available to his family. 2) There is also another grade referred to as nagdi (nejdi) from the Nejd region, where the desert meets the southern mountain range in Oman. The frankincense trees from this region grow very slowly and produce, supposedly, the finest, and most expensive white resin. But the information I have found about nagdi is perfectly contradictory. One article describes nagdi as being second only to hojary frankincense. In other articles nagdi is described as the highest type of hojary! Regardless, I find the fragrance of that sold here as nagdi very rich and warm; it seems distinguishable from what is sold as hojary, although in the same family of fragrance. 3) Another supposedly high grade of frankincense is called hasiki (from Hasik). I have recently located this resin from a supplier named Floracopeia. It is described by Highet as having “a strong, long-lasting fragrance apparent before burning, which improves with time.” In other words, it is said that the fragrance actually improves with age, like some wines. I have also read that the intensity of fragrance is greatest with this variety. 4) There is a very special grade that is reserved for the Omani ruling family.
Continuing with Dhofar resins, I have seen frequent mention of the terms silver (described as brittle, white tears) and hojary as being two major divisions, but have been unable to locate silver, at least by that name. I have, however, encountered several grades of hojary. It is said that silver is preferred by locals in Oman, but that hojarysilver is simply a grade of hojary, yet it is sometimes described as a different type of frankincense. I have also heard the term silver to refer to ALL the frankincense from Oman. So, welcome to this world of confusion! Differences between these higher grades are quite intriguing and discernible, but names and discussions of how to differentiate these varieties are almost nonexistent. It is claimed that dealers in Dhofar can distinguish between grades easily. Confusing things even further, this author is aware of yet other names of frankincense from Oman. is preferred elsewhere out of the country. Perhaps
The frankincense from neighboring Yemen, around Hadramaut (B. carterii), is very similar to the Dhofar, perhaps the same, but sold at a slightly lower price-point. Yemen was the principle production area of frankincense from antiquity until World War I. Sometimes you will see frankincense sold as Aden. Aden is a city in Yemen. I would venture to say that most people would find the Yemen frankincense to be on the same level as hojary, very ethereal.
Hojary frankincense, indeed probably all the Dhofari resin, comes from Boswellia sacra, yet some experts say that B. sacra, B. carterii, and possibly even B. thurifera, are all the same shrub. Others insist that B. sacra is the only frankincense tree found in this region (Dhofar) and is distinct from the other plants. Perhaps it is actually the particular characteristics of the region itself that somehow causes the difference in the fragrance and possibly even a difference in the appearance of the tree. This would also account for the fact that the Yemen frankincense has such a similar fragrance to the Omani, being that Yemen borders on Dhofar. Often, the Yemen frankincense is sold as hojary, but the price is usually less, although still quite costly.
The Omani frankincense is graded by various factors such as the time of the year that the resin is harvested, the color of the resin and the size of the “tears,” and, of course, the fragrance. Generally, lighter color and large chunks are thought of as more valuable. The price is determined by all these aspects. I t is fascinating to discover subtleties of difference between Hojary resin from several sellers, even though it is all hojary frankincense. However, it most be noted that the entire grading process of incense from Oman and Yemen is very unclear and reliable information about it has been illusory to this author. I have even spoken to sellers from Oman who are quite bewildered and actually asked for my advice!
From my experience, it seems that any of the frankincense resin that comes from Oman (particularly) and Yemen is quite distinct from any other frankincense. Once you encounter it, you will realize that it is unique. The frankincense from other regions almost seems like entirely different resins, rather than just other varieties of frankincense.
Other varieties of frankincense
Another famous type of frankincense is known as Maydi frankincense and it is collected fromBoswellia frereana. This resin is also quite costly. It’s fragrance is distinct from the Omani types. It may at first give you the impression of a more varnish-like fragrance, a little like eucalyptus, yet the more your experience deepens you will discover that it is very rich and elegant. It is the frankincense used by the Coptic Christian Church of Egypt. There are supposedly seven or eight grades of maydi frankincense, some used as chewing gum.
Ogaden frankincense, Boswellia rivae, is a difficult resin to obtain in the United States although you can readily buy it in oil form. The fragrance is incredibly rich, similar to the finer varieties ofBoswellia serrata, a very heady perfume. It is generally dark brown to reddish and black and is found in chunks. Although it is somewhat costly, it is also a lovely gift to the Gods. You can obtain this frankincense at Floracopeia.
The less expensive varieties of frankincense, such as Boswellia thurifera and Boswellia papyrifera have a more gum-like fragrance. This gum-like smell is difficult to describe but it is a fragrance that is common to most resin incense. If you could take away the distinguishing quality of a resin (regardless if it is frankincense, sandarac, myrrh or whatever), what is left is this gum-like odor that I am referring to. So, when I say that the modestly priced varieties of frankincense have more of this gum-like smell, it is really saying that they have less fragrance, the fragrance that masks the gum-like smell. But do not be deceived, because this is not to say that these types of frankincense are not worthy. They are ALL frankincense and they all have a pleasing fragrance. And there are subtleties and depth to every type, some of the reasonably priced varieties being quite sublime. B. papyrifera, for instance, is considered in modern times as inferior, but this particular variety was the source for most of the frankincense in antiquity (B. sacra was the principle source in classical times).
Olibanum
The frankincense from India, Boswellia serrata, known as Salai gugal, is one of my personal favorites, an exquisite and rich fragrance, again, quite different from the other varieties. Some call thisolibanum. The etymology of the word, like frankincense, is uncertain. Al-luba’n is Arabic for “milky” or “that which was milked,” being that frankincense is milked as a sap from the Boswellia tree. Luba’n seems to have etymological ties with a Semitic root referring to “milky whiteness,” purity, white. Another possibility is that it may be a contraction of “oil of Lebanon,” since frankincense was traded in Lebanon.
The issue of frankincense and olibanum adds yet another level of confusion to the classification of these resins. To many specialists, they are equivalents, i.e. they refer to the same resin. Furthermore, the term olibanum in the trade is sometimes used as a generic term meaning simply “incense,” similar to the generic term “benjamin.” But some say that Boswellia resins can be classified by the citrus quality of their fragrance. This method of classifying says that those resins that have a distinctly lemon-like fragrance are frankincense while those resins that have a more orange-like fragrance are classified as olibanum. There is no universally accepted agreement about this, but I will admit that there does seem to be these lemon and orange associations. Some say that this orange-like fragrance is only found in B. serrata, therefore B. serrata is olibanum while the rest is frankincense, more lemon-like. I have even heard of some frankincense as having a lime-like smell. But there are yet other differences between the varieties that confuse the systems of classifying. So, it is really a matter of personal choice and one’s ability to distinguish subtle aromas.
Unfortunately, there is much conflicting information about frankincense and olibanum. Despite the fact that it is confusing, I felt it better to present all the issues and leave it to the reader to do his or her best with it. The many varieties of incense exist in a fascinating world of fragrance and history. It is my hope that this discussion will encourage people to try the many resins available and offer them to the Gods and share the great beauty that they embody. Frankincense is one of the most splendid gifts our world offers, and a magnificent present to the Divine Gods who bless our lives.
For assistance in using frankincense as well as sources of where to purchase frankincense, visit this page:
References: The information in the above essay came from a variety of sources, including my own personal experience. The books that proved most useful follow:
Frankincense: Oman’s Gift to the World by Juliet Highet. This is a large, coffee-table book with much hard-to-find information and a wealth of beautiful color pictures mostly taken in Oman. I see this book as the best single book available on the subject.
Frankincense & Myrrh by Martin Watt and Wanda Sellar. An informative book which you can get for a couple dollars used.
Vegetable Gums and Resins by F.N. Howes. An old scientific book with a bulk of information about many different resins.
Food for the Gods – New Light on the Ancient Incense Trade edited by David Peacock and David Williams. This is a scholarly collection of essays dealing primarily with archeology and the ancient incense routes.
More information about frankincense:
The ancient text of The Orphic Hymns specifically suggest an offering of frankincense thirty-two times, more than any other incense. Aromatic herbs are requested twenty-three times, storax thirteen, Myrrh five. Firebrands, crocus, and opium (for Sleep) are requested but once each. So, you can see that frankincense is used quite frequently. It is suggested for the following hymns:
4) Ouranos
8) to the Sun (pounded)
12) Herakles
20) Astrapaios Zeus (powdered)
22) to the Sea (pounded)
28) Hermes
33) Nike (powdered)
34) Apollo (powdered)
36) Artemis (powdered)
37) the Titans
38) the Kouretes
39) Korybas
46) Liknites (powdered)
54) Silenos, Satyros, and the Bacchal (powdered)
62) Dike
63) Justice
65) Ares
66) Hephaistos (powdered)
67) Asklepios
68) Hygeia
69) the Erinyes (powdered, and storax)
72) Tyche
73) the Daimon
75) Palaimon (powdered)
76) the Muses
77) Mnemosyne
78) Dawn (powdered)
79) Themis
80) Boreas
81) Zephyros
82) Notos
87) Death (powdered)
Violins and fine furniture: Frankincense (as well as other incense resins) is used as a varnish for high quality furniture. This varnish is used in the production of the finest violins and other symphonic instruments. Here are some recipes using various resins including frankincense: http://www.jubilatores.com/varnish.html
Herodotus and the flying serpents
In the history of Diodorus of Sicily, we find a description of flying, dark red serpents which protected the frankincense trees. Herodotus, who is called “the father of history,” also describes these creatures. But Herodotus has also been called “the father of lies” because some of his history is fantastic and scholars have found inconsistencies of dating etc. His description of the flying serpents is an unforgettable narrative and indeed the details do not sound credible. Amazingly, this story is based on fact. Carpet vipers (echis) infest the mountains of Dhofar into the present time. These snakes coil up and strike high, almost as though they were flying. They are also said to leap onto victims from samur trees. The bite is quite toxic and there is no known antidote. Herodotus claimed that the local people burned Storax incense resin to drive away the snakes.
Alexander and frankincense
When Alexander the Great was a boy, his tutor Leonidas scolded Alexander for excessive offerings of frankincense: “When you conquer the lands where these sweet things grow, then be extravagant with this perfume.” After conquering Gaza, the epicenter of the incense trade, Alexander sent five hundred talents of frankincense and a hundred of myrrh to Leonidas, writing “We send you plenty frankincense and myrrh so that you no longer need be stingy with the Gods!” …..story summarized from Plutarch.
Alexander’s father, Philip of Macedon, held a banquet of which one of the guests was the physician, Menecrates, who committed the hubris of comparing himself to Zeus. While all the other guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal, Philip served Menecrates a dinner fit for the God: a censor of burning incense.
The Pharaoh, Tutankhamun
When Howard Carter opened the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922, incense was found. The chemist who examined the resin, A. Lucas, believed it to possibly be powdered frankincense rolled into balls. When burned, Lucas found it still fragrant after 3,500 years, giving off a ‘pleasant aromatic odour.’ (Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries by A. Lucas, 1926)
A Rose by any other name….the various names of frankincense:
Al-luba’n - Arabian
encens - modern French
dup-salai - Indian
franc encens, ‘true’ or ‘pure’- Old French
gum thus
khondros libanou, ‘grain of frankincense’ – Greek pharmaceutical term
kundur – the Arabic scientific name for frankincense
lbny - Arabian
lebona - Hebrew, the word means ‘milk-white’
libanos or libanoton - Greek: λἰβᾰνος
libanus - Latin
luban ‘milky’ or ‘white’- Arabian
morbat - Arabian frankincense
neter-sent, or ‘nty w sntr , or s-ntr (see below), or ntyw- ancient Egyptian. Some modern scholars believe that ntyw was an inferior grade of frankincense, or not even frankincense at all, but myrrh
olibanum (oleum libani) – another general term for frankincense, but for some it only refers to B. serrata
salai gugal - local Indian name for B. serrata
shaharree luban - Arabian frankincense
s-ntr - Egyptian, meaning ‘that which makes God known’
tus -Latin
Greek Words Associated With Frankincense
The following list begins with the Greek word in Greek script, immediately followed by an English transliteration in parenthesis. [5] For convenience, following this list, is a listing of same words, now beginning with the English transliterations in alphabetical order.
The Greek word libanos (λἰβᾰνος) seems to be the principle word used to represent the resin; libanotos(λῐβᾰνωτὀς) is the term given in S.C. Woodhouse’s English-Greek Dictionary. [6]
λἰβᾰνος (libanos) [ῐ], ὁ, frankincense-tree, Boswellia Carterii, Hdt.4.75, Thphr.HP9.4.2, Dsc.1.68, etc.;ἱερὀδακρυς λ. Melanipp.I.5. II. = λιβανωτὀς, frankincense in which sense it is feminine in Pi.Fr.I 22.3, E.Ba.I 44 (lyr.); but masculine in PCair.Zen.69.13 iii B.C., AP6.23I (Phil.), 9.93 (Antip. Thess.), Edict. Diocl.(‘Αθηνα 18.6, Tegea); indeterminate in Sapph. Supp.20C.2, S.Fr.1064, Anaxandr.41.37, SIG 247ii 19 (Delph., iv B.C.).
λῐβᾰν-ᾶς (libanas), ὁ, = λιβανοπὠλης. PLond.3.604.281 (i A.D.), Sammelb. 410.1 (i/ii A.D.).
λῐβᾰνἰδιον (libanidion), τὀ Dim. of λἰβανος, Men.260 (ἴδιον cod.; corr. Bentl.).
λῐβᾰνἰζω (libanizdo), smell like frankincense, Dsc.1.71, Gal.13.475.
λῐβᾰνινος (libaninos) η, ον, made of frankincense, Gloss. II. frankincense-coloured, POxy.114.5 (ii A.D.).
Λῐβᾰνῖτις (Libanitis), ιδος, ἡ, title of Aphrodite, Luc. Ind. 3 codd.
λῐβᾰνοθἠκη (libanotheke), ἡ, incense-box
λῐβᾰνοκᾰια (libanokaia), ἡ, burning of incense
λῐβᾰνομαντις (libanomantis), εως, ὁ, also ἡ, one that divines from the smoke of frankincense
λῐβᾰνοϕὀρος (libanophoros), ον, bearing frankincense
λῐβᾰνοϰρους (libanochrus), ουν, frankincense-colored
λῐβᾰνὠδης, ες, frankincense-like
λῐβᾰνωτἰδιον (libanotidion), τὀ, Dim. of λιβανωτἰς, small censer
λῐβᾰνωτἰζω (libanotisdo), fumigate with frankincense, II. to be like frankincense
λῐβᾰνωτὀς (libanotos), ὁ, also ἡ Men.Sam.Fr.I : –frankincense, the gum of the tree λἰβανος, used to burn at sacrifices
λῐβᾰνωτοϕὀρος (libanotophoros), ον, bearing frankincense
λῐβᾰνωτρἰς (libanotris) ἰδος, ἡ, censer
libaninos - (Greek: λῐβᾰνινος, η, ον) made of frankincense, Gloss. II. frankincense-coloured,POxy.114.5 (ii A.D.).
Libanitis - (Greek: Λῐβᾰνῖτις, ιδος, ἡ) title of Aphrodite, Luc. Ind. 3 codd.
libanizdo - (Greek: λῐβᾰνἰζω) smell like frankincense, Dsc.1.71, Gal.13.475.
libanochrus - (Greek: λῐβᾰνοϰρους, ουν) frankincense-colored
libanodis - (Greek: λῐβᾰνὠδης, – ες) frankincense-like
libanokaia - (Greek: λῐβᾰνοκᾰια ἡ) burning of incense
libanomantis - (Greek: λῐβᾰνομαντις, εως, ὁ, also ἡ) one that divines from the smoke of frankincense [1]
libanophoros - (Greek: λῐβᾰνοϕὀρος, ον) bearing frankincense
libanos or libanoton (Latin: libanus or tus) Libanos is the Greek word for frankincense. Lexicon Entry: λἰβᾰνος [ῐ], ὁ, frankincense-tree, Boswellia Carterii, Hdt.4.75, Thphr.HP9.4.2, Dsc.1.68, etc.;ἱερὀδακρυς λ. Melanipp.I.5. II. = λιβανωτὀς, frankincense in which sense it is feminine in Pi.Fr.I 22.3, E.Ba.I 44 (lyr.); but masculine in PCair.Zen.69.13 iii B.C., AP6.23I (Phil.), 9.93 (Antip. Thess.), Edict. Diocl.(‘Αθηνα 18.6, Tegea); indeterminate in Sapph. Supp.20C.2, S.Fr.1064, Anaxandr.41.37, SIG 247ii 19 (Delph., iv B.C.).
libanotheke - (Greek: λῐβᾰνοθἠκη, ἡ) incense-box
libanotidion - (Greek: λῐβᾰνωτἰδιον, τὀ, Dim. of λιβανωτἰς) small censer
libanotisdo - (Greek: λῐβᾰνωτἰζω) fumigate with frankincense, II. to be like frankincense
libanotophoros - (Greek: λῐβᾰνωτοϕὀρος, ον) bearing frankincense
libanotos - (Greek: λῐβᾰνωτὀς, ὁ, also ἡ Men.Sam.Fr.I ) frankincense, the gum of the tree λἰβανος, used to burn at sacrifices
libanotris - (Greek: λῐβᾰνωτρἰς, ἰδος, ἡ) censer
Medicinal Uses of Frankincense
Not only is frankincense a holy gift to the Gods, but it is a great boon to mankind. The following is a list of medicinal qualities.
Disclaimer: this information has been copied from various lists and I cannot vouch for the ability to produce a cure. If you do wish to experiment, I suggest doing further research and possibly consult your physician. Frankincense for internal use must be sold as such. Boswellic acids are said to have a very low toxicity.
1. the resin, applied as a salve, is used for rheumatism, wounds, and athletic injuries, said to be unsurpassed at healing skin abrasions, acne, dry skin, wounds and scars, and in general having a rejuvenating effect on skin. It is antiseptic.
2. the soot from burning the resin can also be used to treat wounds and cancerous lesions
3. the smoke from the resin is said to be beneficial in general, said to be useful for a sick-room
4. the smoke is said to cure some types of headaches
5. it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic (B-boswellic acid)
6. useful for various nervous disorders including aid in dispelling forgetfulness, lethargy, emotional fatigue, nervousness, and stress.
7. as an oil in diffusers or as a chest rub, it is decongestant and helpful for colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, night coughing, asthma, emphysema, and laryngitis. Inhaling frankincense is said to slow and deepen the breath and generally relax the patient.
8. dissolved in milk it is useful for cough
9. B. serrata is used extensively in Aryuvedic medicine.
10. internally for joints and mobility
11. internally for arthritis
12. useful internally for gastro-intestinal problems, stimulates appetite and digestion, stops diarrhea and vomiting
13. internally for menstrual pains and urinary tract infections
14. chewed to strengthen the teeth and gums
15. a solution can be made into an eyewash, said to sooth the eyes and aid in eye infections
16. Pliny claimed that it is an antidote to hemlock
Frankincense, incense and health: “It is curious to note that there is a prevailing belief that liturgical incense is bad for those with chest complaints, when in fact frankincense was traditionally used to treat exactly those conditions.” Myra Shackley from Food for the Gods: New Light on the Ancient Incense Trade
Perfumery: Frankincense has a long history of use in perfumes, with the most illustrious enthusiast being Cleopatra. “Frankincense and myrrh produce the heaviest and longest lasting fragrances of any essential oil.” (Myra Shackley from Food for the Gods: New Light on the Ancient Incense Trade) Therefore, they are used as fixatives in perfumery, making fragrance last longer. Approximately half of contemporary frankincense production is used in perfumes, aromatics and medicine.
A Noble Plea for Frankincense
If you pay attention to the availability of hojary frankincense, you likely have noticed that it is often out of stock. It has become unprofitable to harvest frankincense in our modern world, particularly for the highest quality which comes from Oman. The work is grueling and the market has diminished. The ready accessibility of very inexpensive varieties of frankincense from other countries has put the Omani trader in a dilemma: few people are aware that there is any difference from one resin to another. The danger is recognized by the government in Oman and they have been working in concert with UNESCO with a program planting nurseries of frankincense trees. It is thought locally that production of the resin could be increased ten-fold were there a market and willing workers. If you believe that frankincense is pleasing to the Gods, make a point of purchasing a quantity. Increased demand will help to assure there will always be resin available, and if you can afford it, buy the hojary or negdi which comes from Oman.
A NOTE ABOUT OIL LAMPS, CANDLES, AND INCENSE: In Hellenic religion, candles are symbolic of the light of the Gods, the fire of Hestia, the fire of Hephaestos. Incense is an offering to the Gods. Although both candles and incense are enjoyable to us, please keep in mind their actual purpose; they are not merely “atmosphere.” The pleasure we derive from them is simply serendipitous.[7]
