Incense

Frankincense (Olibanum) serves both ritualistic and medicinal purposes. It is obtained from the granular resin of certain Boswellia species – a genus of plants in the balsam family. Because of their valuable resin, frankincense trees are among the most precious plants on our planet. About 25 species belong to Boswellia, but the sought-after resin comes almost exclusively from the following four types:

• Boswellia sacra
• Boswellia serrata
• Boswellia papyrifera
• Boswellia frereana

Boswellia thrives where other life struggles: in the dry regions of Africa, Arabia, and India. Harsh desert areas are home to these inconspicuous-looking trees. Between rocks and cliffs, at altitudes up to 1200 meters, the frankincense tree grows and withstands wind gusts and even prolonged dry periods.

 

For medicinal use, the resin of Boswellia serrata is particularly important, the Indian frankincense. Its effects are mainly due to the contained triterpenic acids, primarily boswellic acids, the essential oil, and incensol.

 

Frankincense has always had a magical reputation. It was already used in many religious ceremonies in ancient times. Its value was then compared to that of gold. The milky resin was considered white gold. As incense, frankincense emits its aromatic heavenly scent. In the Catholic Church, the smoke rising from frankincense symbolizes prayer directed toward heaven.

Almost as old is the knowledge of its medicinal effects. In the past, many doctors and scholars highlighted the positive effects of frankincense. The ancient Egyptians made ointments from the resin and valued it for its pleasant smell. Traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) has also always assigned a firm place to frankincense. The Greek physician Hippocrates recommended its use, among other things, for wound treatment. Hildegard of Bingen also knew and valued frankincense in the Middle Ages.

Today, numerous studies have proven the medical benefits of frankincense, especially Boswellia serrata. Great hopes rest particularly on its anti-inflammatory effects. Indian frankincense seems suitable for treating rheumatism and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Frankincense is also credited with pain-relieving, decongestant, and antibiotic effects. It is still debated whether the contained incensol can relieve anxiety and contribute to relaxation.

 

Boswellia trees reach heights of up to 8 meters and thus remain relatively small. The crown spreads wide and maintains a flat shape. To harvest the precious resin, branches and the trunk are cut. It is located in the excretion spaces of the bark.