Many trees would secrete liquid grease from the scars to protect themselves once they were cut by knives, damaged by insects, or subjected to fungal infection. This concretionary exudation is usually called resin. Hence, the aromatic resin produced from trees of the genus Boswellia in family Burseraceae is given the name frankincense, which comes from Old French "franc encens", literally "high-quality incense", since it is a common raw material in producing perfume and incense. It can be obtained in several Boswellia trees, especially the species of Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia bhaw-dajiana (Burseraceae), Boswellia frereana, and Boswellia thurifera. Other names of it include Frankincense Carterii, Boswellia Resin, Resina Boswelliae Carterii, Resina Olibani, and more. They mainly grow, wild or cultivated, in Somalia, Ethiopia and other places in Africa. The frankincense olibanum resin is usually harvested in spring and summer. The steps are to upwards slash the bark of the trunk, let the resin ooze gently out of the cut, wait it to harden, and finally collect the hardened resins a few days later. Medicinally it is used broken and raw, but often fried when orally taken.

FRANKINCENSE RESIN BENEFITS 
As mentioned previously, this resin comes with a pleasant and soothing aroma. Just like its famous rival of nag champa incense, burning frankincense resin can emit smoke with a distinct scent too. So it is frequently used to make herbal incense for medical purpose since the smoke is quite versatile – drive away mosquitoes, treat respiratory diseases and joint pain, and reduce a depressed or irritable mood. And today some related studies show that it also helps several cancers, such as breast cancer, bladder cancer, brain tumor, skin cancer, etc.

But in different regions, the frankincense uses are different. In ancient time, the Egyptians and the Hebrews burned frankincense resin in the ritual in order to worship God in the temple. In fact, this traditional, ancient custom is still practiced today in some churches. In addition, viewed as the life energy focus of Boswellia tree, it could be used to fumigate and disinfect the patients in order to expel the "sickness demons" out of the body.

As everyone knows frankincense oil is distilled and extracted from its resin. It is colorless or pale yellow in color and deep, refreshing in odor that smells like camphor. As a matter of fact, as early as ancient Egypt, the Egyptians already knew how to extract its essence from wood and bark by distillation and exerted frankincense essential oil to make beauty products, for example skin rejuvenation lotion.

Frankincense Resin

It is generally acknowledged that aroma is where frankincense's real medical value is rooted in. And Chinese found its amazing healing properties in the treatment of scrofula and leprosy. However, it is not the end of its story.

FRANKINCENSE RECIPES ON HERBAL REMEDIES 
According to the record of the Chinese Materia Medica, it is bitter and pungent in flavor and slightly warm in nature. It acts on meridians of heart, liver, and spleen. Essential functions are activating vital energy and blood circulation, inducing menstruation to relieve menalgia, decrease swelling, and promoting granulation tissue. Main frankincense resin uses and indications include aching heart, abdominal pain, wind-damp causing arthralgia, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, traumatic injury, boils and carbuncles, appendicitis, and non-healing sore. Recommended dosage is from 3 to 10 grams in decoction, pills, or powder.

1) Chou Dao San from She Sheng Zhong Miao Fang (Marvelous Formulas for the Health of the Multitudes). It is coupled with Hu Jiao (Black Pepper) to treat acute heartache;

2) Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan from Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Heart-Felt Experiences in Medicine with Reference to the West). It is combined with Dang Gui (Dong Quai), Dan Shen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza), and Mo Yao (Myrrh) to cure stagnation of qi and blood, gynecological mass in abdomen, heartache, abdominal pain, soreness in arms and legs, etc.

3) Tuo Li Tang from Sheng Ji Zong Lu (Complete Record of Holy Benevolence). It is used together with Lu Dou Fen (Mung Bean Powder) to treat Carbuncle on the back or in nape, all noisome and grievous sores, etc.

4) Ru Xiang Ding Tong San from Wai Ke Fa Hui (An Elucidation of External Medicine). It is matched with Myrrh, Han Shui Shi (Calcite Stone), Hua Shi (Talcum Powder), and Bing Pian (borneol) to treat unbearably painful sores.