Acacia nilotica / Arabic Gum / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Arabic Gum, Acacia, Acacia Gum, Acacia Syrup, Indian Gum, Turkey Gum.

Description

Derived from the sap of the African Acacia tree, Gum Arabic is one of the world's most common gums with the longest history. Also known as Gum Acacia, it was used in ancient times for purposes as varied as mummification and inks for hieroglyphics. Ancient inscriptions frequently refer to "Kami", a form of Gum Arabic used as a pigment binder and adhesive in painting. It is also used to produce a medium for applying essential oil, balsams, resins, Camphor, and Musk. Acacia gum forms strings when combined with Cherry extract.
Blends well with almost anything, and is used as a binder or fixative in all kinds of perfumery and incense preparations.

Scent

It has its own very light, typically resinous scent.

Contents

Chemically, Arabic Gum is a combination of complex polysaccharides and proteins. On the molecular level, this arabino-galactan-protein complex is a beautiful amalgamation of complex branches, trapping water inside, for the use of the plant. The gum contains 12-17% of moisture and a trace of sugar, and yields 2.7-4% of ash, consisting almost entirely of calcium, magnesium and potassium carbonates. Arabic Gum is colorless, tasteless, and soluble in cold water.

Historical

During the Middle Ages, Gum Arabic trade was carried on through ports controlled by the Turkish Empire, thus giving rise to the name "Turkey Gum". An export trade was also developed for a time around Bombay, thus, "East Indian" or "Indian Gum".
Gum Arabic is highly nutritious. During the time of the harvest, the Moors of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 200g is sufficient to support an adult for 24 hours. It is related that the Bushman Hottentots have been known in times of scarcity to support themselves on it for days.

Plant Description

A tree with a single central stem and a dense flat-topped crown, bark without any papery peel, rough, gray or brown, with pubescent, rarely glabrous inflorescence, and pods variable in size, rounded to somewhat pointed but not rostrate or acuminate at apex. Widespread in tropical Africa from Mozambique, Zambia to Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. Cultivated in India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Strangely, Gum Arabic is only produced by trees that are in an unhealthy condition. Gum yields are improved by natural factors that lessen the vitality of the trees: Hot weather, poor soil, lack of moisture, etc.
It is important to remember that a damaged tree will give a larger yield of gum. Thus, the natives will cut and strip the bark from a tree and return later to remove the tears of gum that form in the wounds or scars. Within 3-8 weeks, the gum will start to collect in the wound, but this depends on the weather conditions. Gum droplets are about 1-2cm in diameter, and they gradually dry and harden on exposure to the atmosphere. A young tree will yield 400-7000g annually.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. (Gum Arabic)
Acacia nilotica - Wikipedia

Pinus balsamea / Balsam Fir / Pinaceae (Pine family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Styrax benzoe / Benzoe / Styraceae (Storax family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Styrax benzoe / Benzoe / Styraceae (Storax family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Copaifera officinalis / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Copaiba, Copal, Balsam Copaiba, Copaiva, Jesuit's Balsam.

Description

Copal is a type of resin produced by plant or tree secretions, particularly identified with the forms of aromatic tree resins used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as a ceremonially burned incense, as well as for a number of other purposes. The word Copal is derived from the Nahuatl language word "Copalli", meaning "incense". To the pre-Columbian Maya and contemporary Maya peoples it is known in the various Mayan languages as "Pom", although the word itself has been demonstrated to be a loanword to Mayan from Mixe-Zoquean languages. It is sometimes likened to, or substituted for Amber and put in jewellery. Copal is still used by a number of indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America as an incense, used during ceremonies such as the sweat lodge ceremony.

Scent

Sweet, creamy-balsamic, spicy, slightly peppery.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Copal calms anxiety, is grounding, and helpful in stress-related conditions. Useful in mental and spiritual work, helps open the deeper levels of the soul, stimulates imagination, intuition and creativity.

Contents

Alloaromadendrene, alpha-bergamotene, alpha-cubebene, alpha-multijugenol, alpha-selinene, ar-curcumene, beta-bisabolene, beta-cubebene, beta-elemene, beta-farnesene, beta-humulene, beta-muurolene, beta-selinene, calamenene, calamesene, carioazulene, caryophyllenes, coipaiferic acid, copaene, copaiferolic acid, copalic acid, copaibic acids, cyperene, delta-cadinene, delta-elemene, enantio-agathic acid, gamma-cadinene, gamma-elemene, gamma-humulene, hardwickic acids, illurinic acid, kaurenoic acids, kaurenic acid, kolavenol 1, maracaibobalsam, methlyl copalate, paracopaibic acids, polyalthic acid, and trans-alpha-bergamotene.

Synergic Combinations

Copal blends well with Palo Santo, Pine, Juniper, White Sage.

Historical

Copaifera resin has been used topically by healers in the Amazon. The incense was regarded as a seeing instrument for the Mayans and considered a form of protection against sorcery, illness, and misfortune. The incense still burns in many Mexican churches today for the purpose of making the body ritually clean. Copaifera resin is known to European medicine since 1625. Jesuits brought it back from the New World and it was called "Jesuit's Balsam" where it was used medicinally. Between 1820 and 1910, it was an official drug in the United States. Nowadays, although mainly used as fragrance, copaiba resin is also approved in the United States as a food additive and small quantities are used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages.(1)(2)(3)

Plant Description

Copaifera officinalis is a well branched tropical tree that grows up to 100 feet tall. It has pinnate leathery leaves and blossoms are borne in whitish racemes. The flowers are small and aromatic. The fruit is a coriaceous legume containing a single seed.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland

References

(1) Copaiba, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Copaifera officinalis, John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(3) Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors., U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

Dacryoides peruviana / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

This copal (Dacryoides peruviana), is traditionally used in Peru and Mexico as an incense to repel bad spirits. Copal is used after dying to protect and guide the departed soul to the light.

Copaifera officinalis / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Copaiba, Copal, Balsam Copaiba, Copaiva, Jesuit's Balsam.

Description

Copal is a type of resin produced by plant or tree secretions, particularly identified with the forms of aromatic tree resins used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as a ceremonially burned incense, as well as for a number of other purposes. The word Copal is derived from the Nahuatl language word "Copalli", meaning "incense". To the pre-Columbian Maya and contemporary Maya peoples it is known in the various Mayan languages as "Pom", although the word itself has been demonstrated to be a loanword to Mayan from Mixe-Zoquean languages. It is sometimes likened to, or substituted for Amber and put in jewellery. Copal is still used by a number of indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America as an incense, used during ceremonies such as the sweat lodge ceremony.

Scent

Sweet, creamy-balsamic, spicy, slightly peppery.

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Copal calms anxiety, is grounding, and helpful in stress-related conditions. Useful in mental and spiritual work, helps open the deeper levels of the soul, stimulates imagination, intuition and creativity.

Contents

Alloaromadendrene, alpha-bergamotene, alpha-cubebene, alpha-multijugenol, alpha-selinene, ar-curcumene, beta-bisabolene, beta-cubebene, beta-elemene, beta-farnesene, beta-humulene, beta-muurolene, beta-selinene, calamenene, calamesene, carioazulene, caryophyllenes, coipaiferic acid, copaene, copaiferolic acid, copalic acid, copaibic acids, cyperene, delta-cadinene, delta-elemene, enantio-agathic acid, gamma-cadinene, gamma-elemene, gamma-humulene, hardwickic acids, illurinic acid, kaurenoic acids, kaurenic acid, kolavenol 1, maracaibobalsam, methlyl copalate, paracopaibic acids, polyalthic acid, and trans-alpha-bergamotene.

Synergic Combinations

Copal blends well with Palo Santo, Pine, Juniper, White Sage.

Historical

Copaifera resin has been used topically by healers in the Amazon. The incense was regarded as a seeing instrument for the Mayans and considered a form of protection against sorcery, illness, and misfortune. The incense still burns in many Mexican churches today for the purpose of making the body ritually clean. Copaifera resin is known to European medicine since 1625. Jesuits brought it back from the New World and it was called "Jesuit's Balsam" where it was used medicinally. Between 1820 and 1910, it was an official drug in the United States. Nowadays, although mainly used as fragrance, copaiba resin is also approved in the United States as a food additive and small quantities are used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages.(1)(2)(3)

Plant Description

Copaifera officinalis is a well branched tropical tree that grows up to 100 feet tall. It has pinnate leathery leaves and blossoms are borne in whitish racemes. The flowers are small and aromatic. The fruit is a coriaceous legume containing a single seed.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland

References

(1) Copaiba, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Copaifera officinalis, John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(3) Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors., U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

Dacryoides peruviana / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

This copal (Dacryoides peruviana), is traditionally used in Peru and Mexico as an incense to repel bad spirits. Copal is used after dying to protect and guide the departed soul to the light.

Dacryoides peruviana / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

This copal (Dacryoides peruviana), is traditionally used in Peru and Mexico as an incense to repel bad spirits. Copal is used after dying to protect and guide the departed soul to the light.

Dacryoides peruviana / Copal / Burseraceae (Copal family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

This copal (Dacryoides peruviana), is traditionally used in Peru and Mexico as an incense to repel bad spirits. Copal is used after dying to protect and guide the departed soul to the light.

Boswelia carteri / Frankincense / Burseraceae (Copal family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Bible Frankincense, Olibanum, Olibano, Boswellia carteri, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia, Encens, Frankincense, Gum Thus, Incienso, Weihrauch, Wierook.

Description

The word "incense", meaning originally "the aroma given off with the smoke of any odoriferous substance when burnt", has been gradually restricted almost exclusively to Frankincense, also known as Olibanum. Frankincense has always been obtainable in Europe in greater quantity than any other of the aromatics imported from the East. The botanical origin of Frankincense is Boswelia carteri, although other Boswelia species are used as a source of Frankincense. In use for over 5000 years, this fragrant desert resin has been prized by many cultures around the world for its therapeutic and spiritual properties. Frankincense has become the most important ingredient of incense used in the catholic church.

Scent

Frankincense its haunting fragrance has been characterized as fresh, sweet, woody, balsamic, slightly spicy and fruity. Perfume-note: Base.

Aromatic Properties

Frankincense preserves spiritual energy, is an enhancement for meditation, and can help to maintain a clear mind. It is still used ritually in the catholic church during religious ceremonies for devotional cleansing and purification of the soul. It was an important ingredient in the preservation of the bodies of the pharaohs. An important oil for anointing the dead and dying, for assisting in transition and keeping the soul connected to its divine essence. It is excellent for the sixth chakra, assisting in altering perception of truth and promoting clairvoyance. Due to its relaxing effect on the nervous system, the fragrance of Frankincense incense or oil can help against inner anxiety, improve concentration and help slow down and deepen the breath during meditation. It has also been known to promote a restful sleep. It is soothing and calming the mind. Recommended for meditation, prayer and increasing perception and consciousness. Frankincense helps to connect to the deepest, most divine, part of ourselves. It has been used in baths with intention to wash away unwanted feelings and energies.

Contents

Frankincense contains resins, a volatile oil, water-soluble gum, bassorin, and plant residues. The resins are composed of boswellic acid and alibanoresin. It contains monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. The major components are duva-3,9,13-trien-1,5alpha-diol-1-acetate, octyl acetate, o-methyl anisole, naphthalene decahydro-1,1,4a-trimethyl-6-methylene-5-(3-methyl-2-pentenyl), thunbergol, phenanthrene-7-ethenyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,10a-dodecahydro-1,1,4a,7-tetramethyl, alpha-pinene, sclarene, 9-cis-retinal, octyl formate, verticiol, decyl acetate, and n-octanol. Further limonene, borneol, farnesol, myrcene have been found.

Synergic Combinations

Frankincense blends well with Basil, Benzoin, Geranium, Myrrh, Orange, Bergamot, Lemon, Black Pepper, Grapefruit, Lavender, Melissa, Patchouli, Pine, and Sandalwood.

Historical

Frankincense was one of the most highly praised substances of the ancient world. It was traditionally produced in Yemen and Oman, and by 1000 BC, Frankincense was already a rare and important product. Babylon, Assyria, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and China, all made use of this resin. The oldest written record of incense was found in the tomb of queen Hathsepsut from the 15th century BC. Frankincense was an important trade product, and Plinius the Elder wrote that control of the Frankincense trade had made the south Arabians the richest people on earth. For this reason, the Romans later tried to conquer the Frankincense producing regions, but they did not succeed. In those days, Frankincense was more precious than gold. Frankincense is also named "Olibanum", derived from "Al Luban", the Arabic word for milk.
The kohl, or black powder with which the Egyptian women paint their eyelids, is made of charred Frankincense, or other odoriferous resins mixed with Frankincense. It is also melted to make a depilatory, and it is made into a paste with other ingredients to perfume the hands. A similar practice is described by Herodotus as having been practiced by the women of Scythia and is alluded to in Judith x. 3 and 4. In cold weather, the Egyptians warm their rooms with a brazier whereon incense is burnt, Frankincense, Benzoin and Aloe wood being chiefly used for the purpose.
The ceremonial incense of the Jews was compounded of four "sweet scents", of which pure Frankincense was one, pounded together in equal proportion. It is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch. Pure Frankincense formed part of the meet offering and was also presented with the shew-bread every Sabbath day. With other spices, it was stored in a great chamber of the House of God at Jerusalem. According to Herodotus, Frankincense to the amount of 1000 talents weight was offered every year, during the feast of Bel, on the great altar of his temple in Babylon. The religious use of incense was as common in ancient Persia as in Babylon and Assyria, and the modern Parsis of Western India still preserve the ritual of incense.
Frankincense became the most important incense burned in catholic churches around the world. Of course, Frankincense played an important role in catholic history. It is said that the three wise men who travelled to Bethlehem to worship the newborn child, Jezus, had with them three gifts: Gold, Myrrh and Frankincense.

Plant Description

Native to the Red Sea regions and growing wild throughout North East Africa, Frankincense is produced mainly in Somalia, China and South Arabia and to a lesser extent India. Boswellia is a small tree or shrub with abundant pinnate leaves and white or pale pink flowers. The plant has a distinctive woody, spicy aroma with a hint of lemon. From this leafy forest tree Frankincense, a natural oleo gum, is obtained by making deep incisions in the trunk and collecting the gum given off. This gum, the Frankincense, soon solidifies into tear-shaped amber to orange brown lumps about 1 to 4cm. The clear lumps are gathered first. The portion which has run down the side of the tree or has fallen to the ground, constitutes an inferior sort. The season for gathering lasts from May till the middle of September, when the first shower of rain puts a close to the gathering for that year.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Myrrh and Franckincense