Latin Name: Boswellia serrata
Common Names: Frankincense
Probably best known because of the Nativity story, Frankincense – derived from the resin of a tree called Boswellia serrata and other species of the same – has an interesting history. In Hebrew, its name is levonah, meaning “white;” in Arabic, a closely-related language, it is ‘al-luban, a term referring to milk; the name of the modern country of Lebanon is derived from both. However, it came to be known as “frankincense” when crusaders – many of whom were French or “Frankish” – introduced it to Europe during the Middle Ages.
Dried Frankincense is used in numerous ways, including the manufacture of perfume and aromatherapy; ancient Egyptians used burnt powdered frankincense as eyeliner. The burning of the dried c/s boswellia serrata resin has also played a part in the religious rites of all three Abrahamic traditions.
Frankincense is thought to be non-toxic, but when using natural herbs for therapeutic purposes – even organic herbs – prudence and caution is called for. The Starwest name on a package containing bulk herbs is your assurance of quality and purity when you buy herbs in bulk. That said, you should always seek out the counsel of a licensed herbalist or other healthcare professional if you are planning to use dried herbs for medicinal purposes.
Warning: Not to be used during pregnancy.
