Frankincense

Frankincense aka olibanum is an aromatic gum resin extracted from trees native to Somalia and the southern Arabian peninsula. An incision is made into the trunk of the tree which releases a milky juice. When the milky juice is exposed to the air, it hardens into a semi opaque lump which can then be ground into a powder and burned as incense. In ancient times, frankincense was used for religious and medicinal purposes. Today, it is an ingredient used in perfumes and incense, giving off an odor similar to balsam. [See, Paul Maier, “First Christmas” (2001)]