A small deciduous tree, 2-5 m (6-16 ft.) in height, with papery bark, pinnate leaves and racemes of small greenish-white flowers. The gum is secreted in the wood.
History and traditions
Since ancient times, frankincense has been an ingredient of incense, used in the religious ceremonies of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Hebrews, Greeks and Romans, and is still used in religious ritual to this day. It was highly valued by-early civilizations as an item of trade, considered as precious as gold, and was one of the gifts said to have been given to Jesus Christ at his birth by the wise men from the east (Matt. 2:11). It is also thought to have been used by Cleopatra as a cosmetic for smoothing skin. In charred form it made kohl, the black eyeliner worn by eastern women. Ancient medicinal uses include Pliny’s claim that it provided an antidote to hemlock poisoning and Avicenna’s recommendations that it should be prescribed for tumours, ulcers, vomiting, dysentery and fevers. There is also some evidence that at one time it was used in China for leprosy.
Related species
Several species of Boswellia produce frankincense formerly it was mostly derived from B. sacra and B. papyrifera. Today, B. carteri and B. frereana are usual sources. B. serrata (from India) is grown for timber.
Parts used
Gum resin obtained by incising the trunk to produce a milky sap, which hardens into yellowish globules. Available in the form of grains or powder.
Uses
Medicinal
The resin has antiseptic properties and has many uses in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to counteract anxiety (often by heating the essential oil in a vaporizer).
Aromatic
Its chief use is as an ingredient of incenses and fragrant preparations. Also added to commercial cosmetics and is a constituent of an anti-wrinkle face cream.
