Frankincense Aden

Species: Boswellia carteri

Family: Burseraceae

Related Genera: Bursera, Canarium, Commiphora, Protium

Names: Olibanum, Maydi, Coptic Frankincense, Aden-Frankincense

History & Folklore: Olibanum is the golden to bright yellow resin obtained from the small, drought-hardy Boswellia trees, native to Arabia and Somalia, where the locals call it Maydi or the ‘King of all Frankincense’. It is also known as the Yigaar (or Yegaar) tree and by the common name for all Frankincense, Luban, from al-lubān, "that which results from milking", in reference to the milky sap tapped from the Boswellia tree. The Frankincense of the Jews, as well as of the Greeks and Romans, is also known as Olibanum, from the Arabic al-lubbān. The resin is tapped by slashing the bark, which is called striping, and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden. These hardened resins are called tears.

Frankincense has been traded for over 5000 years. A 12th dynasty mural in the temple of ancient Egyptian queen Hatshepsut, depicts sacks of Frankincense which was traded from the Land of Punt. Arabians helt it sacred to their sun god Sabis and stored it in their sun temple. Frankincense was part of the consecrated incenses, HaKetoret, described in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud and was used in Ketoret ceremonies. Later Roman Catholic church forbade the use of incense in services resulting in a fast decline in the incense trade. Frankincense was reintroduced to Europe by Frankish Crusaders. The English word is derived from old French franc encens ("high quality incense") and is not linked to the Franks.

Medicinal & Toxicological: In Ayurvedic medicine Frankincense is commonly referred to as dhoop and has been used for hundreds of years for treating arthritis, healing wounds, strengthening the female hormone system and purifying the air. In traditional medicines in Asia it has also been used for digestion and healthy skin. Frankincense contains different essential oils, the main ingredients being the Boswellic acids, and it is used particularly for its anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and cleansing properties.

There are four main species of Boswellia which produce true Frankincense and each type of resin is available in different grades. The frankincense used in this incense is a high grade, light yellow resin from the B. carteri tree, native to Somalia, which is valued for its unique balmy, fresh and lemonlike scent. It is mostly burnt as incense for cleansing the room and for meditation, but can also be chewn. It is said to lift depression due to its stimulating effects on the mind and body as well as enhance concentration. Thus it can be particularly helpful to pupils and students.

Sources: "Räucherstoffe, Der Atem des Drachen" by Christian Rätsch (ISBN-13 978-3038003021), Wikipedia English, Wikipedia German, www.kirchen-weihrauch.de, Alchemy Works