Botanica Gaia Wild Crafted Frankincense Papyrifera Resin | Boswellia Papyrifera | For Perfume, Incense and Skincare

Botanical Name: Boswellia Papyrifera. 
Family Name: Burseraceae
Common Name: Frankincense, Frankincense Papyrifera, Ethiopia Frankincense.
INCI: Boswellia Papyrifera Resin. 
Parts Used: Resin.
Country of Origin: Ethiopia. 

History and Tradition:

Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst is a deciduous tree in the Burseraceae family, widespread in Ethiopia (especially northern Ethiopia), Eritrea, Sudan, and other parts of northeastern Africa.

It grows in dry, rocky, marginal lands: shallow soils, steep slopes, lava flows, sand river valleys. Altitude ranges in Ethiopia from about 950 to 1,800 meters above sea level.

It is well-adapted to harsh climates (drought-resistant), and often the only tree of substantial size in otherwise difficult environments. Its presence helps to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and grow in places where many other tree species cannot.

The resin (frankincense) from Boswellia papyrifera has been used for many centuries in Ethiopia (and beyond) in various domains: ritual, medicinal, economic, and social.

Boswellia papyrifera frankincense has been traded for millennia. Its use is attested as far back as 15th century BCE in Egypt (in tombs) as incense and in rituals.

In biblical literature, frankincense is mentioned many times. Some scholars believe that much of the frankincense referred to in old texts came from B. papyrifera in East Africa.

The “frankincense trade routes” (sometimes called the “Frankincense Trail”) linked areas of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan with Arabian Peninsula and beyond; camels were used to transport resin across deserts.

Ritual, Religious, and Ceremonial

• Frankincense (locally known, in some areas, as “itan zaf”) has a long tradition in religious and spiritual practices. It is used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, burned in churches, and included in liturgical ceremonies.
• It has also been used in traditional rituals, possibly for purification or as an offering. The aromatic smoke of the resin when burned is considered sacred in many settings.

 Ethnomedical Uses

• The resin is used traditionally as a febrifuge (i.e. to reduce fever).
• Other parts of the plant are employed: leaves and roots for lymphadenopathy (swollen glands), bark chewed to soothe stomach disturbances.
• The resin is also burned to repel mosquitoes.
• In hot, dry climates, resin is sometimes chewed to relieve thirst.

Economic & Social Uses

• Harvesting frankincense is (traditionally) a source of livelihood in many rural areas. Tappers (those who make incisions in the bark to extract resin) collect the resin; sorting and grading are often done by women.
• Honey production: the tree blossoms, and bees collect pollen & nectar. Because the flowering period is long (October to February in some parts), Boswellia woodlands are known for quality honey.
• Fodder: Leaves, seeds, sometimes stems are used as fodder for livestock—goats, camels, etc., especially in dry seasons.

The resin can be distilled by hydrodistillation to obtain essential oil, although this is not common in the global commercial industry due to its limited availability.

Typical Chemical Composition (resin and essential oil): These compounds are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. Components have been identified such as:

-α-pinene
-β-pinene
-Limonene
-Incensol and derivatives

Boswellic acids are not present in the essential oil, but in the raw resin.

Properties and benefits:

-Expectorant: Traditionally used to treat colds and coughs.
-Relaxing and meditative: When burned, its earthy, amber, and slightly sweet aroma helps induce states of calm and concentration.
-Wound healing: Applied in topical preparations for minor wounds or burns.
-Antioxidant: Its cellular protective effects are being investigated.

Perfumery Uses:

-Top and heart notes in oriental, amber, mystical, and meditative compositions.
-Makes an excellent combination with myrrh, labdanum, cedar, mysore, benzoin, rose, vetiver, and citrus fruits.
-Ideal for natural and mystical perfumery.

General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications.