The botanical name of this leafy forest tree is Boswellia Thurifera, and it hails from the Burseraceae family. The tree is most commonly known for the highly scented gum resin that it gives off. This resin is obtained by making a deep, longitudinal incision in the trunk of the tree. Just below this incision, a narrow strip of bark that measures approximately five inches long is peeled off allowing the milk-like juice to run out. Once air touches this juice, it hardens and the incision is deepened. It takes approximately three months for this substance to harden into the yellowish "tears" that we purchase. Sap from the Frankincense trees can be gathered from May until about the middle of September when rain showers end the harvest season.
Although young trees yield the best harvest, the older trees will also yield fluid which is more of a clear, glutinous fluid that resembles coral varnish.
Grown on the Somali coast line, without soil, these trees seem to grow out of polished marble secured by thick oval masses of substances that resemble lime and mortar. They produce white or pale rose flowers on short pedicels in single axillary racemenes that are shorter than the leaves.
Frankincense can also be found on the coast of Southern Arabia where the Somalis make yearly visits to collect the resin of the Frankincense.
Although Frankincense is a stimulant, it is seldom used internally anymore although at one time it was in great demand. It was thought to be an antidote to Hemlock, as well as during the tenth century it was used for tumors, vomiting, ulcers, fevers, as well as dysentery. The Chinese were also known to use it for leprosy. The most common use these days for the Francinsense resin is incense and pastilles. It is also commonly substituted for Balsam Of Peru or Balsam Of Tolu in the manufacturing of plasters. Another modern day use of Frankincense is steam inhalation which is supposed to aid in relieving bronchitis and laryngitis.
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