Frankincense

Origin: Arabian Peninsula and north-eastern Africa

Family: Burseraceae
Scientific Name: Boswellia sacra

Folk Names: Olibanum, incense, olibans, olibanus

Ethical Issues: Due to the enormous demand for frankincense resin and resulting over-exploitation, Boswellia carteri and the few other species that produce the resin are currently listed as either ‘Near Threatened’ or ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Magical

Element: Fire
Day: Sunday
Planet: Sun
Zodiac: Leo
Associated Celebrations: WinSol
Deities: Ra, Ba’al

Magical Properties: Consecration, purification, spirituality, protection,

Substitutions: Copal, pine resin

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Resin
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 58°C

Scent Type: Resinous
Perfume Note: Base
Scent Description: Warm, woody, earthy scent

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Frankincense is calming and soothing, and has been used to help with depression.