Incense is obtained from gum resinswhich are extracted by making an incision in the bark of the trunk, normally from the African and Asian tree of the Boswelia genus. They are white and They coagulate on contact with air, transforming into yellowish, brittle grains, which When burned they emanate a penetrating and very relaxing aroma.

Projecting aromatic smoke towards the sky has been one of the most repeated rituals in the history of humanity. What benefits does it have? How to choose incense?

Medicinal properties of incense

Frankincense is used in aromatherapy as a purifying, restorative and stimulating and balsamic tonic.

It is indicated in nervous disorders, nervous irritation, palpitations and, as has been noted, for promote meditation and concentration.

But Its most notable therapeutic use is as an expectorant. in respiratory conditions, such as mild asthma attacks, colds, flu, spring allergies, laryngitis and bronchitis.

Frankincense essential oil is also indicated to eliminate skin spots, combat dryness and wrinkles, on thrush and mouth sores, and for its power anti-inflammatory in arthritic pain, bursitis and neuralgia.

Its use internally should be monitored by a specialist doctor, although due to its potential toxicity not recommended.

Frankincense is applied in a standardized extractor, with a content of between 40 and 65% boswellic acidin inhalations for respiratory conditions and plasters for dermatological problems.

Types of incense and presentations

Incense, when burned directly, is lit in a receptacle or censer; then it turns off flame it so that it continues smoking and is consumed. It is marketed under different presentations:

• Wands: They are the most common. They are usually thin bamboo sticks covered with pressed incense. They are widely used in religious rituals in India and China.
• Swabs: They are formed with incense paste, without a stick. They are very fragile and very common in Japan.
• Cones: This is the pressed powdered resin, sometimes mixed with essences and medicinal plants. It burns quickly and is very aromatic.
• Spiral: Incense can burn for hours without extinguishing.
• Powder: sometimes combined with aromatic substances.
• Tears or drops: Poured into a censer with water.
• pure resin: The incense is placed on a bed of charcoal embers or a burning metal plate.
• aromatic woods: model used in Japan for the traditional Koh ceremony.

Today they are found incenses of very different kindsand many times it is mixed and complex formulations of resins and essential oils that would not always deserve to be considered as authentic incense.

Varieties of incense and what to use them for

The authentic incenseaccording to experts, is what is obtained from some African and Asian trees of the genus Boswellia. One is the Boswelio corterialso known as frankincenseoriginally from eastern Africa and southern Arabiaand another no less appreciated is the Boswelio serratus either Solai guggolcommon in India.

It is a medium-sized, deciduous tree. with compound leaves, and white or pink flowers. It grows naturally in ravines and gorges.

Along with frankincense, others widely used incenses, essences or resins are:

Myrrh: the aromatic resin

• therapeutic uses: toothache, oral infections, respiratory conditions, asthma, arthritic pain.
• Magical uses: ward off bad spirits and negative energies; in witchcraft, to undo spells.

Copaiba: Brazilian balsam, resin and essential oil

juniper and each: essential oil

• therapeutic uses: dermatological problems, toothache, osteoarticular inflammations, neuralgia, muscle contractures, edema.
• Magical uses: as a purifier and purifier.

Cedar: the essential oil obtained from the log

• Therapeutic uses: respiratory conditions, urinary infections, dermatological problems.
• Magical uses: to stimulate meditation and spirituality.

Benzoin: the rubbery resin

• therapeutic uses: nervous tension, stress, respiratory conditions and dermatological problems.
• Magical uses: to strengthen mental faculties and clairvoyance.

Copal: gum resin obtained from the trunk by incision

• Therapeutic uses: headaches, respiratory conditions.
• Magical uses: in healing rituals with shamans.

Laurel: the essential oil obtained from the leaves

• Therapeutic uses: indigestion, bad taste in the mouth, gas, respiratory conditions, stomatitis, joint inflammation, neuralgia.
• Magical uses: to enhance creative abilities, purify and purify.

Sandalwood: essential oil obtained by distillation of wood

• Therapeutic uses: urinary and respiratory conditions, poor blood circulation problems, high blood pressure, skin wounds, dental pain and canker sores.
• Magical uses: to enhance spirituality and as protection against the evil eye.

There is even more: pine resin, amber, sage, galbanum, gum arabic, jasmine, mastic, cinnamon, balsam of Peru, elemi, rosin, camphor, lotus, cocoa, cinnamon, etc.

Origin of the use of incense

Aware of death and in need of transcendence the human being has felt already since the dawn of civilization the urge to communicate with the supernatural and delve into yourself.

As the gods must reside in the heights, man directed his supplications to them with all types of ceremonies, which included animal or vegetable offerings to the heat of flames or candlelight.

Examples of such practice are known in symbolic representations found on tablets from ancient Babylon, which date back to 1,700 years before Christ.

In ancient Egypt, about 1,300 years before the Christian era, it was customary to burn myrrh and other resins as an offering to the gods in a highly ritualized ceremony known as kyphiwhich took place at sunset.

The incense appears in Greek and Roman mythology. in the bible There are very different passages that record the use of incense, as in the case of offering that the Magi of the East They make the Child Jesus, consisting, as is known, of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

And the same can be said of the Ayurvedic texts from classical Indiawhere the use of incense was widespread.

Even today its use continues as a firm tradition in many parts of the globe, from China, where it burns to drive away «bad spirits» and purify the atmosphere and soulto Tibet, Thailand, Japan or Mexico.

In the Middle Ages in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela the use of incense It made it possible to neutralize the bad odors given off by the crowds of pilgrims, but it was also a essential component of the liturgyas it still is in the monasteries of the Orthodox Christianity.

Burning incense remains one of the pillars of spiritual practicein order to foster the appropriate atmosphere for meditation or prayer.