What are frankincense trees used for?
Frankincense (乳香 Rǔ Xiāng; Boswellia Species), the resinous extract from the trees of the genus Boswellia, has been used for centuries in cultural ceremonies, as a cosmetic agent, and as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, especially inflammatory diseases including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, . Boswellia trees, found throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa and Asia, are the source of frankincense oil. Since antiquity, frankincense has been traded as a precious commodity, but it has also been used for the treatment of chronic disease, inflammation, oral health, and microbial infection.Frankincense comes from the dried sap of Boswellia trees, while myrrh comes from the lifeblood of the Commiphora. Extracting the sap is a tenuous dance—you must injure the tree without killing it.Today, resins and oils from frankincense and myrrh trees are used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy and medicines. The demand for frankincense oil remains high, especially in China, making it a $7 billion industry.Frankincense trees in the genus Boswellia grow in the coastal areas of the Arabian Peninsula and are the most famous members of the Burseraceae, or torchwood, family.
Why is frankincense so expensive?
Several plants, such as frankincense and myrrh, are very difficult to grow outside of their native environment; the limited growing ability for these plants makes them more rare and therefore intensive. If you want to grow frankincense, you are better off purchasing a plant. The seeds are notoriously difficult to germinate. The germination rate of seeds purchased here in the US is 10% or less. In their native countries where fresh seed can be obtained, germination depends on how the trees are exploited.
What did God use frankincense for?
Frankincense which is an incense is a symbol of deity while myrrh as an embalming oil is used as a symbol of death. Both gifts, along with gold were gifts presented to kings at that time. In the Bible, myrrh was used as an anointing or embalming oil, and frankincense was used as perfume or incense. Islam. In Islamic tradition, frankincense is known as luban and is highly valued for its spiritual and medicinal properties. It is mentioned in the Quran and is used in various religious practices. Muslims often burn frankincense during prayer and in mosques to create a peaceful and sacred environment.In Islam, burning Frankincense is a tradition that signifies purification. It also represents the presence of the divine during prayer and is a symbol of protection against negative energies. The use of Frankincense isn’t limited to just these two major religions.