Olibanum
Frankincense (known as OLIBANUM (Boswellia sacra) is a semi-deciduous, drought loving tree growing in the Middle East. By cutting the bark, a resin is obtained, which hardens into small lumps, called true frankincense, and this is released into the air.
Occurrence: Most incense comes from Africa and India, but also from Oman, Yemen.
Frankincense (also known as olibanum) is an aromatic resin that is used in incense and perfumes.
History: The oil is also commonly used in Abrahamic religions to cleanse a house or building of bad or evil energy, including use in exorcisms and to bless one's being (like bakhoor, commonly found in Persian Gulf cultures by diffusing vapours towards the body). incense occupied a prominent place in the sacrificial legislation of the ancient Hebrews.
The book of Exodus (30:34–38) prescribes frankincense mixed with equal amounts of three aromatic spices to be ground and burned on the sacred altar before the ark of the covenant in the desert Tabernacle where it was to be a holy offering, "not for its smell." Scholars have identified the incense as what the Book of Jeremiah (6:20) says was imported from Sheba during the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BC. Frankincense is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts (along with gold and myrrh) that the wise men "from the east" gave to Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:11).
Frankincense essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the resin of the tree.
USE:
✅Thousands of tons of frankincense are sold every year to be used in religious ceremonies as incense in rituals, and in the production of perfumes, natural remedies and essential oils.
✅It can be inhaled or applied to the skin for its supposed health benefits.
✅ The use of Boswellia resin for spiritual and medicinal purposes dates back to ancient civilizations, when the Egyptians used this incense and natron to cleanse body cavities in the process of mummification.
✅In Persian medicine, it is used for diabetes, gastritis and stomach ulcers.