Incense Carterii – noble resin with ancestral uses

Considered one of the most precious resins of the ancient world, Frankincense carterii is known for its sweet, resinous, and lemony fragrance. Its tears can be burned on charcoal to purify the atmosphere, incorporated into oily macerates, or blended into balms and ointments.

Description

Irregular tears of yellow to amber resin, sometimes whitish, brittle texture. Intense, balsamic, lemony and woody odor. Melts at low temperature.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Frankincense, Olibanum, Tears of incense
• Latin name: Boswellia carterii
• Family: Burseraceae
• Part used: Resin (tears)
• Form: Loose (whole tears)
• Origin: Horn of Africa (Somalia), South Arabia
• English name: Frankincense tears
• Name in German: Weihrauchtränen
• Name in Spanish: Lágrimas de incienso
• Name in Italian: Lacrime di incenso
• Name in Arabic: اللبان الذكر (Lubān dhakar)

Main virtues

Traditionally used to purify the air, create a sacred or calming atmosphere, and relieve tension. Its use is also common in the artisanal production of incense, natural perfumes, and spiritual cosmetic treatments (balms, oils).

Main constituents

Boswellic acids, terpenes (α-pinene, limonene), sesquiterpenes, volatile oils, resins and natural gums.

Use and dosage

• Fumigation: place a tear on burning coal or a diffuser with gentle heat.
• Oil maceration: 10 to 30 g in 100 ml of warm vegetable oil, infuse for several days.
• Homemade incense: grind into powder, mix with other resins, herbs or gums.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• External use only – do not ingest without professional supervision.
• May cause irritation if used excessively or for prolonged periods in fumigation.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets when burning.

History and origin

A symbol of sacred offerings in ancient times, incense was used in Egyptian temples, Hebrew rituals, and Indian purification ceremonies. Cited in biblical texts and Greco-Roman pharmacopoeias, it remains central to many spiritual and natural wellness traditions today.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag or airtight jar.
• Storage: dry, away from light and heat.
• Appearance: Irregular, translucent to opaque tears.
• Smell: balsamic, lemony, sacred.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Encyclopedia of Medicinal Resins
• Ancient texts of aromatherapy and Arabic pharmacopoeia
• Ethnobotanical works on purification rituals

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