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Organic Frankincense Resin
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Frankincense is the gummy resin of the Boswellia, a tall and scrubby family of trees native to Oman, Yemen and Northern Africa. Once one of the most precious commodities of the world, comparable in value to fine silks and pure gold, the trade of these aromatic tear-shaped droplets has been dated to the beginning of written time.
Relatively odorless in its solid state, this resin releases its fragrance when burned, usually on hot coals. The thick white smoke produced is sweet, ethereal and resinous with gentle citrus undertones and hints of lemon and warm crushed pine. Frankincense is the purest and most potent form of incense.
Long used in aromatherapy as a mood enhancer, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the burning of frankincense resin activates ion channels in the brain that help to alleviate anxiety and stress. It was also found to stimulate the release of TRPV3 - a protein that drastically reduces the symptoms of depression.
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Harvesting |
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The harvesting of frankincense takes place twice a year, once in early Spring and again at the end of Autumn. This labour intensive process can be very dangerous as the trees have an odd love for rocky slopes and open cliff faces.
The process starts with the tapping of the tree. This is where many small holes are chiseled into the trees trunk and branches. This starts a gentle flow of thick white sap. This is left to set and harden for a few weeks before it's carefully chipped off and collected. The grade of this resin is generally considered to be greater the more times this process is carried out on a single tree in the season. This resin can also be distilled for the precious essential oil, a key ingredient in a wide range of skin care beauty products as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. This oil is most commonly distilled with steam and is used extensively in aromatherapy.
The over-harvesting of wild Boswellia trees has led to several species joining the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) vulnerable list. Don't let another species fade away, buy organic cultivated frankincense and help support the future of these trees.
Our frankincense is traditionally harvested from the Dhofar region of Oman, a place where the quality of the resin is so high that it was once set aside especially for royalty. Our trees are all cultivated organic and of the species Boswellia sacra, the widely accepted best producer of high grade resin.
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Burning Frankincense |
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The gentle burning of this ancient resin is perfect for meditation, yoga and stress relieving activities. It has long been used to purify the space it's burned in and is often used to perfume the home.
Charcoal Burning
01 - Carefully light the edge of your charcoal and place it in the burning bowl. It's not recommended to hold your charcoal as you light it. Although it's best that you use a specially bought bowl for burning frankincense, any dish or bowl can be used. Metal bowls and trays should be avoided as they conduct a dangerous amount of heat. Although ash will build up fairly quickly, further heat proofing the bowl, be careful with where you initially place it as some cheaper burners can get hot enough to scorch wood.
02 - After a few moments, once the coal begins to give off a some heat, place some resin into the centre. It should instantly begin to bubble and melt, giving off powerful white smoke. Add as much as you want, but a little goes a long way. We've found that as little as 5 grams of our frankincense can fill an average-sized house fairly quickly.
Oil Burning
Frankincense powder and oil are best burned on an oil burner. This method has little to no smoke and is ideal for aromatherapy.
01 - Light a tea light candle and place it under your oil burner. If you're burning oil, place some water on the top and add a few drops of frankincense.
02 - If you're burning frankincense powder, carefully cover the top of your burner with a little tin foil. Once hot, sprinkle some frankincense powder.
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