What Are Frankincense Resins And How To Use Them?
This is an educational site that explains what these resins are all about and how you can use them.
(all pictures and some of the information are used with permission by NWI Trading Company)
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What is Frankincense Resin?
Frankincense (also known as olibanum, Hebrew: לבונה [levona], Arabic: al-lubān) is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae, particularly Boswellia sacra (syn: B. bhaw-dajiana), B. carterii, B. frereana, B. serrata (B. thurifera, Indian frankincense), and B. papyrifera. The English word is derived from Old French "franc encens" (i.e., high quality incense).
Frankincense resin begins as a milky-white sticky liquid that flows from the trunk of the tree when it's injured, healing the wound. Frankincense resin is in essence a defense mechanism , it is the trees own healing fluid, that is why it is said the resins are found to have anti- fungal and antimicrobial properties. It is also thought that the antiseptic qualities of the resins help to prevent decay. It hardens over time due to exposure to oxygen, sealing the tree from the outside environment, harmful insects, infection, bacteria and mold.
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.
There are a variety of species that grow throughout Arabia, Africa, and India.
Frankincense has been used as incense, perfume, and medicinally for thousands of years.
Frankincense is used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in many local folk remedies throughout Africa and the Middle East.
Frankincense resin is said to have mystical powers. It is is good for aches and pains and for uses in anxiety or depression issues. It can help with arthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss, improving brain function, addressing aging skin and fatigued libido.
What are Boswellic Acids?
Boswellic acids are resin acids and make up between 30% to 60% of the resin portion of Frankincense. There are studies that have indicated that the boswellic acids in Frankincense possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The Essential Oil that is distilled from the resin does not contain boswellic acid. The molecules are too heavy to come through the distillation.
4 of the resins have boswellic acid in it. They are:
Boswellia carterii-Somalia
Boswellia sacra-Oman
Boswellia serrata-India
Boswellia papyrifera-Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya
I will give you a short explanation of each one of them.
Boswellia carterii-Somalia
Latin Name - Boswellia carterii
Common Name - Beyo Frankincense, Mohorl Frankincense
This resin grows in Somalia in Africa. Some traditional uses of Boswellia carterii is to burn it as an incense for fragrance especially after cooking something non pleasant smelling such as fish. In Somalia beyo is also burnt for the warding away of mosquitoes, and insects such as sand flies. It is believed that burning boswellia carterii frankincense after an illness in the house will cleanse the space of sickness. It is also believed it can drive away evil spirits. It is said that up to 90% of Boswellia carterii resins are sold for the perfume industry with France being one of the major purchasers of Boswellia carterii. Boswellia carterii is used in many popular perfumes. France has an incredible history of distillation and perfumery with boswellia carterii, especially in Grasse region of France. It is also reported that China is a large purchaser of Boswellia carterii, for use in Chinese medicine. Boswellia carterii is a source of boswellic acid, and has been recently shown to fight inflammatory diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, Crohn’s disease and a variety of cancers.
Frankincense (also known as olibanum, Hebrew: לבונה [levona], Arabic: al-lubān) is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae, particularly Boswellia sacra (syn: B. bhaw-dajiana), B. carterii, B. frereana, B. serrata (B. thurifera, Indian frankincense), and B. papyrifera. The English word is derived from Old French "franc encens" (i.e., high quality incense).
Frankincense resin begins as a milky-white sticky liquid that flows from the trunk of the tree when it's injured, healing the wound. Frankincense resin is in essence a defense mechanism , it is the trees own healing fluid, that is why it is said the resins are found to have anti- fungal and antimicrobial properties. It is also thought that the antiseptic qualities of the resins help to prevent decay. It hardens over time due to exposure to oxygen, sealing the tree from the outside environment, harmful insects, infection, bacteria and mold.
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.
There are a variety of species that grow throughout Arabia, Africa, and India.
Frankincense has been used as incense, perfume, and medicinally for thousands of years.
Frankincense is used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in many local folk remedies throughout Africa and the Middle East.
Frankincense resin is said to have mystical powers. It is is good for aches and pains and for uses in anxiety or depression issues. It can help with arthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss, improving brain function, addressing aging skin and fatigued libido.
What are Boswellic Acids?
Boswellic acids are resin acids and make up between 30% to 60% of the resin portion of Frankincense. There are studies that have indicated that the boswellic acids in Frankincense possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The Essential Oil that is distilled from the resin does not contain boswellic acid. The molecules are too heavy to come through the distillation.
4 of the resins have boswellic acid in it. They are:
Boswellia carterii-Somalia
Boswellia sacra-Oman
Boswellia serrata-India
Boswellia papyrifera-Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya
I will give you a short explanation of each one of them.
Boswellia carterii-Somalia
Latin Name - Boswellia carterii
Common Name - Beyo Frankincense, Mohorl Frankincense
This resin grows in Somalia in Africa. Some traditional uses of Boswellia carterii is to burn it as an incense for fragrance especially after cooking something non pleasant smelling such as fish. In Somalia beyo is also burnt for the warding away of mosquitoes, and insects such as sand flies. It is believed that burning boswellia carterii frankincense after an illness in the house will cleanse the space of sickness. It is also believed it can drive away evil spirits. It is said that up to 90% of Boswellia carterii resins are sold for the perfume industry with France being one of the major purchasers of Boswellia carterii. Boswellia carterii is used in many popular perfumes. France has an incredible history of distillation and perfumery with boswellia carterii, especially in Grasse region of France. It is also reported that China is a large purchaser of Boswellia carterii, for use in Chinese medicine. Boswellia carterii is a source of boswellic acid, and has been recently shown to fight inflammatory diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, Crohn’s disease and a variety of cancers.
Boswellia carterii-Somalia
Boswellia sacra-Oman
Latin Name : Boswellia sacra
Common Name: Royal Hojari Frankincense
Superior Hojari Frankincense is considered one of the highest grades of frankincense in the world. The medium sized translucent tears are white, yellow, amber, and pale green in color. This type of frankincense is considered to be the best, with wonderful rich aroma.. This is the Frankincense of kings! This also highly likely the same frankincense brought to Jesus as an infant by the wise men! Boswellia sacra (commonly known as frankincense or olibanum-tree) is a tree in the Burseraceae family. It is the primary tree in the genus Boswellia from which frankincense, a resinous dried sap, is harvested. It is native to the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Yemen).
Hojari Superior can be used in drinking water to add aromatic fragrance to the water. It is also said to clean the air and kills bacteria that multiply in the throat and stomach. In Oman, this type of superior frankincense is burned in churches, temples and mosques to add aromatic fragrance and holy feel. Also wealthy people burn this frankincense in their homes to provide a feeling of luxury, especially when receiving guests.
Latin Name : Boswellia sacra
Common Name: Royal Hojari Frankincense
Superior Hojari Frankincense is considered one of the highest grades of frankincense in the world. The medium sized translucent tears are white, yellow, amber, and pale green in color. This type of frankincense is considered to be the best, with wonderful rich aroma.. This is the Frankincense of kings! This also highly likely the same frankincense brought to Jesus as an infant by the wise men! Boswellia sacra (commonly known as frankincense or olibanum-tree) is a tree in the Burseraceae family. It is the primary tree in the genus Boswellia from which frankincense, a resinous dried sap, is harvested. It is native to the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Yemen).
Hojari Superior can be used in drinking water to add aromatic fragrance to the water. It is also said to clean the air and kills bacteria that multiply in the throat and stomach. In Oman, this type of superior frankincense is burned in churches, temples and mosques to add aromatic fragrance and holy feel. Also wealthy people burn this frankincense in their homes to provide a feeling of luxury, especially when receiving guests.
Boswellia sacra-Oman
Boswellia serrata-India
The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul) (Family: Burseraceae; Genus: Boswellia) is a moderate to large sized branching tree that grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East.
The fresh gum obtained from the tree is hot with pleasant flavour and slightly bitter in taste. It had been the ‘frankincense’ of ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who used it as prized incense, fumigant as well as a multipurpose aromatic. It has been used for those who have headaches and migraines. It is know to have very good anti-inflammation properties. Some see Boswellia serrata as a promising alternative to NSAIDs, warranting further investigation in pharmacological studies and clinical trials.
The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines since time immemorial. Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. Boswellia serrata (Salai/Salai guggul) (Family: Burseraceae; Genus: Boswellia) is a moderate to large sized branching tree that grows in dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East.
The fresh gum obtained from the tree is hot with pleasant flavour and slightly bitter in taste. It had been the ‘frankincense’ of ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who used it as prized incense, fumigant as well as a multipurpose aromatic. It has been used for those who have headaches and migraines. It is know to have very good anti-inflammation properties. Some see Boswellia serrata as a promising alternative to NSAIDs, warranting further investigation in pharmacological studies and clinical trials.
Boswellia serrata-India
Boswellia papyrifera-Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya
Boswellia papyrifera, also known as Sudanese frankincense is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. The tree is cultivated in Ethiopia because of its valuable resin. The incense smoke is characterized by a fresh lemon-pine scent, and is therefore highly esteemed. In Ethiopia where it is called itan zaf, it comes in semi-translucent yellow tears. The gum resin of Boswellia papyrifera coming from Ethiopia, Sudan and E. Africa is believed to be the main source of frankincense of antiquity.
Boswellia papyrifera is distinguished from other types of frankincense by the presence of large amounts of Octyl Acetate and Octanol and two other unusual and unique chemical markers, Incensole and Incensole Acetate. Studies have shown that Incensole Acetate affects our central nervous system and possesses psychoactive properties.
Boswellia papyrifera, also known as Sudanese frankincense is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. The tree is cultivated in Ethiopia because of its valuable resin. The incense smoke is characterized by a fresh lemon-pine scent, and is therefore highly esteemed. In Ethiopia where it is called itan zaf, it comes in semi-translucent yellow tears. The gum resin of Boswellia papyrifera coming from Ethiopia, Sudan and E. Africa is believed to be the main source of frankincense of antiquity.
Boswellia papyrifera is distinguished from other types of frankincense by the presence of large amounts of Octyl Acetate and Octanol and two other unusual and unique chemical markers, Incensole and Incensole Acetate. Studies have shown that Incensole Acetate affects our central nervous system and possesses psychoactive properties.
Boswellia papyrifera-Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya
Boswellia frereana- Somalia- no BA in it but a very interesting resin.
Boswellia frereana is native to northern Somalia where the locals call it "Maydi" or the king of all frankincense and their pride of joy. With a sweet and warm amber fragrance highlighted by spice, and floral notes, this resin differs from most other types of Frankincense with its pure oleo-resin content and lack of water-soluble gum. The west sees very little of this precious Frankincense. Averaging around 99% oleoresin with barely any water-soluble gum content, (as compared to 20% -35% in Boswellia Carterii/Sacra and other types), this Frankincense is all fragrance. Most of it is exported to Egypt. It can be chewed like gum and is excellent for a tooth ache or stomach issues and relaxation it is perfect for making , cremes, salves, tinctures and many other natural cosmetic, fragrant and healing products. B. Frereana is an excellent oleoresin for mature skin and signs of aging. It works well in salves for arthritis and also muscle and joint pain It is anti-inflammatory, has been shown to either reduce cartilage deterioration, or rebuild cartilage.. It kills the H. Pylori bacteria that causes ulcers and is used in skincare products as are the other types. It is easier to work with since it can be mixed or melted directly and quickly in oil based products. It has a lemony type smell. Frankincense resins are wonderful, there are many uses for them. You can make salves (see downloadable pdf further down on how to do this), tinctures, you can infuse them, you can drink them in tea, and you can put them in a capsule and ingest them. They are totally different than the essential oil. The contradictions are different because you are using the raw material instead of using the highly concentration essential oil. I have incorporated them into my aromatherapy practice.
Frankincense Resins can be hydro-distilled, (which means they are distilled in water), or steam distilled . The best way is hydro-distilled. I recently followed Dan's design and Instructions and made his still. I made a pdf on my experience on how I did it which is below on this site. I will be updating this site from time to time so keep checking back. If you would like to be notified when I update this site please go to my Contact" page and I will add you to my email list. I also do an Aromatherapy newsletter which you would be added to also. All email addresses are kept in strict confidence and no one will see your email address. You can click the Contact Tab on the "More Tab" or click here http://www.rbkaromatherapy.com/contact.html I also made a video on how I did it below for resins: |
There are many other species, actually around 18, but if you want more info on all frankincense resins, please join the Facebook page i created at https://www.facebook.com/groups/frankincenseresins/
Sustainability The Frankincense populations of the world are greatly threatened at this time due to their ever-growing popularity, over-harvesting, and natural destructive forces. The rise in popularity of essential oils has had the most devastating effect on the natural populations of these trees. Local harvesters try to meet large-scale corporate demand of essential oil companies by harvesting much more than the trees can handle, jeopardizing the tree’s well-being. Once weakened in this way, their immune systems are compromised, allowing disease and insects to finish them off. Frankincense trees are becoming highly endangered .though the demand and trade of this precious commodity has not slowed. Studies show that if we continue down the road over-harvesting, Frankincense trees could be extinct in 50 years! Times of crisis always generate good in the world however. In light of this critical reality, local leaders and wild-harvesting co-operatives in North Africa have begun to address this issue, spreading knowledge and best practices for healthy harvesting methods as quickly as possible. Be sure to ask your Frankincense resin/oil supplier to look into these co-operatives, and demand ethical and sustainable sourcing of their Frankincense from them. Make sure you purchase from companies that do Fair Trade and you purchase from Reputable Sources. Those who purchase through Fair trade, teach the farmers how to grow more trees and strip them correctly. It also makes sure the people who harvest the trees are given fair wages to feed their families. Many of these trees grow in hard to reach places and harsh conditions with poison snakes around the trees they try to harvest. So you want to make sure these harvesters are treated fairly. I purchase my resins from 2 legitimate sources: NWI Trading Company which is owned by Ryan Bambrick and Apothacary's Garden owned by Dan Riegler. |
How to infuse resins:
This is a pdf which teaches you an easy method for infusing resins. This was created by Ryan Bambrick and with his help I put it into a pdf to make it downloadable.
This is a pdf which teaches you an easy method for infusing resins. This was created by Ryan Bambrick and with his help I put it into a pdf to make it downloadable.
| 15_easy_steps_for_infusing_frankincense_in.pdf |
My Experience with the "The Magical Couscousierre". (How to make Dan Rigeler's "Still"). This is a step by step with pictures , it is my experience on how i made his still. Enjoy the journey.
| my_experince_making_dan_still.pdf |
My Experience with the "The Magical Couscousierre". (How to make Dan Rigeler's "Still"). This is a step by step with pictures , this is Part 2: How to distill plant material like Lavender using Steam Distillation.
| my_experience_distilling_plants_in_dans_still.pdf |
This is another video on how I did it for steam distillation using Lavender and Rose Geranium , with a few Butterfly Bush Plants
Recipes:
This PDF has recipes in it using Frankincense and Myrrh Resins. The advantage of using resins is they can be ingested as long as used in moderation. Some people use them as tea or put them in coffee. Some make "Waters" and some make Lemonade. The possibilities are endless. I will be updating this PDF monthly so either check back or email me to put you on my newsletter list.
This PDF has recipes in it using Frankincense and Myrrh Resins. The advantage of using resins is they can be ingested as long as used in moderation. Some people use them as tea or put them in coffee. Some make "Waters" and some make Lemonade. The possibilities are endless. I will be updating this PDF monthly so either check back or email me to put you on my newsletter list.
| frankincense_resin_recipes.pdf |
How to make Resin Water or Lemonade:
This PDF shows you step by step how to infuse Frankincense Resins into Water and add Fresh Lemons for Lemonade. You can use the water in any "water recipe".
This PDF shows you step by step how to infuse Frankincense Resins into Water and add Fresh Lemons for Lemonade. You can use the water in any "water recipe".
| how_to_make_frankinscense_water_and_lemonade.pdf |
How to make Frankincense Cough Drops:
| how_to_make_frankincense_cough_drops.pdf |
Frankincense Resins Info PDF:
| frankincense_resins_only.pdf |
