Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)

Other names: Bursera sacra, Boswellia carterii, Frankincense, Frankincense

The frankincense tree (Boswellia sacra), also known as Bursera sacra or Boswellia carterii, is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 2 to 8 metres tall, native to northeast Africa and southwest Asia. This plant is the original source of frankincense, a resin prepared into a fragrant blend used primarily for religious purposes. It is the incense that begins to form when the plant is wounded and begins to produce a pale yellow oil, which later solidifies to form golden globules. These balls are then harvested and used to make combustible incense sticks or to extract essential oil.

Guiac wood, another product extracted from the frankincense tree, is highly prized for its distinctive flavour and aroma and is used in the production of certain types of chocolate, seven-spice candies and liqueurs. Frankincense essential oil is popular in aromatherapy and cosmetics for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This oil is also often used in incense sticks, candles and perfumes. In medicine, frankincense is mainly used in the form of a resin. It is particularly celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to which it is widely used to treat respiratory and joint diseases. In some cultures, the resin from frankincense is traditionally added to food as part of a spice. Because of its antiseptic properties, frankincense is also used to make mouthwashes, as it helps to treat aphthae and sores in the mouth.