Kadilo bosvelija

Frankincense - Boswellia - Olibanum

Boswellia is a medium-sized plant, appearing as either a tree or a shrub, that grows in the arid, desert regions of the subtropical climate zones of Asia and Africa. It is renowned for its fragrant resin, which is most commonly used as incense. Different soil types and climates create a variety of resins, even within a single species. Trees begin to produce resin at the age of 8 to 10 years. The resin is obtained by making a small, shallow incision in the trunk and removing a portion of the bark. A milk-like substance then begins to exude from the cut, which coagulates upon exposure to air. The resin is harvested by hand.

This aromatic resin is highly valued for its medicinal and spiritual properties. It was used in religious ceremonies as early as the ancient Egyptians. True Frankincense incense is derived from all species of Boswellia, with each available in various qualities depending on the harvest period.

Five main species of Boswellia incense:

1. Boswellia sacra
2. Boswellia frereana
3. Boswellia papyrifera
4. Boswellia serrata
5. Boswellia carteri

Boswellia sacra - Hojari - Sacred Incense

Origin: Arabian countries (Oman, Yemen, also Somalia)
Scent: Fresh, resinous, with a wonderfully light note. Highly prized!
Properties: It is one of the oldest known incenses. The resin of the Boswellia sacra tree is considered the biblical sacred incense, as scriptural history records it as one of the three gifts presented to the newborn Jesus.
Boswellia Sacra purifies the mind, mediates between the material and spiritual worlds, inspires, awakens spirituality, and aids in the manifestation of ideas. It is a precious meditation incense. Used for space clearing, it cleanses a room of negative energies or forces, bringing peace and contentment.
The teardrop-shaped resin pieces are very large and make excellent incense. Due to historical over-exploitation of Boswellia trees in Oman, the government has taken control of the process, strictly limiting international trade of this Frankincense.

You can order Boswellia Sacra incense in various qualities: Green or Royal Hojari or Yellow-White Hojari.

Boswellia papyrifera or Sudanese Frankincense

Origin: Central and Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan)
Scent: Fresh, lemon-pine note, sweeter than other species
Properties: Since ancient times, it has been used to enhance mental perception, for spiritual purposes, and during meditation and prayer. This incense calms the spirit by slowing and deepening the breath.

Boswellia serrata - Indian Frankincense

Origin: India
Scent: Fine balsamic, woody aroma
Properties: This incense has long been used for spiritual purposes, meditation, prayer, and awakening consciousness. It clarifies the mind, acts as an anti-stress agent, calms, relaxes, and balances, making it an ideal incense for evening hours. It helps us feel lighter, more present, conscious, and in touch with our true nature.
It produces less smoke than white sage, making it a great alternative for clearing negative vibrations. It can be used to cleanse spaces, objects, and the aura. It fills the room with a sweet, balsamic aroma and positive energy. It has always been valued for its ability to simultaneously cleanse and raise vibrations. In summer, it is useful as a natural insecticide. In India, Grade 1 (1st Choice) is most commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Research has shown that boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory effects. The resin is also used in the manufacture of ointments.

You can order Boswellia Serrata at this link.

Boswellia carteri

Origin: East Africa and China
Scent: Softer but equally strong, warm woody aroma with sweet, floral undertones.
Properties: Used for millennia for beauty and purification purposes. It raises the vibration in a space and brings a deep sense of comfort and well-being. It is used for relaxation and meditation. Regular use is said to improve memory, reduce inflammation, and promote better sleep. It is said that the spirit of the plant can awaken the divine within us.

You can order Boswellia Carteri at this link.

The Use of Boswellia in Medicine:
Boswellia carteri and Boswellia serrata resins are used to alleviate RA (rheumatoid arthritis), OA (osteoarthritis), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory diseases. The active components (boswellic acids) have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The anti-cancer effects of boswellic acids are also being studied...
(Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2664784/)

This article is not intended for medical advice but only for information on the possible uses of Boswellia resin. For medical purposes, consult a professional.