Most frankincense comes from about
five species of Boswellia trees
, found in North Africa and India, but also in Oman, Yemen, and western Africa. The trees look gnarled and knotty, like a desert bonsai.
Why is frankincense so valuable?
The sacred trees that produce Frankincense and Myrrh are almost impossible to grow outside of the Arabian Peninsula, which meant they were constantly in short supply and high demand. According to a famous Roman historian, the sap made
the Arabians the richest people on earth by Jesus’s time
, more valuable than gold.
How is frankincense made?
Frankincense resin is
obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia
(family Burseraceae). Incisions are made in the trunks of the trees to produce exuded gum, which appears as milk like resin. The resin hardens into orange-brown gum resin known as frankincense.
What was frankincense originally used for?
Frankincense was often
burned as an incense
, while myrrh made its way into medicine and perfume. In antiquity, writes Cotton, these saps were worth just as much as gold. But as modern science has shown, these Magi (or wise men or kings, as they’ve come to be known) may have been onto something with their gifts.
Where from the best quality frankincense came?
Most of the world’s supply comes from Somalia, Eritrea and Yemen – countries plagued by conflict in recent years, which has negatively affected their frankincense production. But
peaceful Oman
produces the world’s finest – and most expensive – frankincense, a substance ancient Egyptians called the ‘Sweat of the Gods’.
Why did Jesus get frankincense?
The gift of frankincense is said to have
been an acknowledgement of Jesus’ priesthood
, setting him apart from a typical king. Frankincense was used in the temple routines, burned ceremonially by the priests.
Is frankincense worth the money?
Frankincense and myrrh have been prized across the world for over 6,000 year. The Roman Catholic Church uses an estimated 50 metric tons of frankincense a year. Frankincense essential oil
can be sold for as much as $6,000 per liter
.
Is frankincense poisonous?
Frankincense is natural, but like many other natural substances,
it can be poisonous
. Some people who have used frankincense extract have experienced: stomach pain. nausea.
Which type of frankincense is best?
Even though all Frankincense is good for relieving aches and swollen joints,
Frankincense Serrata
is also the best choice for this issue. It can also be used to ease pain caused by menstruation.
What is the difference between frankincense and myrrh?
Both Frankincense and Myrrh are resins derived from the sap of trees. Both scents are on the bolder, stronger side. Frankincense is sweet, warm, and woodsy, while Myrrh is
more earthy with slight licorice notes
.
Why is frankincense the king of oils?
Frankincense has earned its title as “The King of Oils”
because of its versatility
. When used topically, frankincense touts powerful anti-aging properties. It promotes cellular function and the appearance of healthy-looking skin, evening out skin tone and minimizing blemishes.
What is the symbolic meaning of frankincense?
Used in religious and spiritual rituals for thousands of years, frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness. Because it is so fragrant when burnt, it was used by ancient people as a religious offering. In Christian symbolism, frankincense can
represent Christ’s sacrifice
.
Which is more expensive frankincense or myrrh?
Solid frankincense resin can be sold at up to £37.33 per kilo, according to the International Centre for Research in Dry Areas.
Myrrh is roughly twice as expensive
, but prices are volatile – something that can also be said for the Wise Men’s third gift. … About 2,000 tons of frankincense is produced each year.
What is the most expensive frankincense in the world?
The most expensive frankincense in the world in fact comes from
B. frereana
. Widely considered to be the “King of Frankincense”, it is found only in a narrow geographical belt in Somaliland and the Puntland region of northern Somalia.
What is frankincense in the Bible?
Frankincense was
a perfume and spiritual incense
, burned in temples throughout the East. Myrrh was a sacred anointing oil. Frankincense and Myrrh are both mentioned in the biblical book of Exodus as sacred articles in the early Jewish and Christian faiths.
Is frankincense still used?
Frankincense trees—of biblical lore—are being tapped out for essential oils. The fragrant resin gifted to the newborn Jesus may be at risk of disappearing. … Frankincense is
used in incense, natural medicines, perfumes, and essential oils
that can be inhaled or applied to the skin for their purported health benefits.
