Frankincense

Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly B. sacra (B. carterii, Hojary or Beyo), B. frereana (Coptic resin or Maydi), B. papyrifera (Sudanese Frankincense) and B. serrata (B.thurifera, Indian Frankincense or Salai). Somalia accounts for most of the commercial production, but the resin is also harvested in other African countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan. The milky sap naturally exudes from the bark and hardens into clear yellow teardrop shaped lumps known as tears, but this can be forced by making incisions in the bark and tapping the resin. When used for burning as an incense, the resin emits a fragrant odour described as a balsamic-spicy, slightly lemon scent, with a pine undertone. It is used for religious rituals and for cultural reasons, such as removing negative energy in the environment. Frankincense is also used as an herbal extract and in ayurvedic medicine.