Aromas of Resins are Mystical

The Aromas of Gums. Exudates. Resins. These substances elicit a certain response from us that we call mystical. Deep in our human history, we found the precious and rich material in trees, shrubs and herbs. At once adored and exalted, this sweet-smelling plant material became personal adornment, incense and medicine.

Although made by the plant to defend it against insects and predators, humans worship and meditate with the resin as incense.

To us, the aromas of resins are mystical.

Certain plants produce this viscous and pliable material that we call resin. When harvested and dried, the resins become densely concentrated nuggets of rich substance. Of all the resin-producing plants, a few are aromatic. These oleo-gum resins are so called because they also contain essential oils. Oleo-gum resins are steam-distilled to render essential oils.

Benzoin, Copaiba, Elemi, Frankincense, Galbanum, Labdanum, Myrrh, Opopanax, and Peru Balsam

are the best known resins. Click on the bold resin name (i.e., Frankincense) to read its profile.

A Plant’s Reputation

Because they were burned to release their scent, plant resin is a precious memory of earlier times in human history. Resins were burned for religious or spiritual expression. Perfumes containing resin were once the conceit of the rich, but later became more commonplace. And then resins were recognized as medicine for respiratory health and topical wounds and diseases. The healing potential of resins is documented by its use in Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, and Western medicinal systems. Thus, humans have known and sought refuge in the soothing therapy of plant resins over millennia.

A plant’s reputation for self-healing has always been attractive to us. It turns out they are much-studied and revered throughout as most cultures are aware of the rich healing they offer. As a modern woman, I relate to the idea that that resins provide healing from trees or the woody and herbaceous plants. I’m eager to know more about them and the history of their human use. One of the fascinating things we know in their history is that resins were incorporated in balms and salves as well as perfumes.

Boswellia_sacra_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-022

Frankincense

Frankincense – Boswellia species

Family: Burseraceae, the torchwood or incense tree family.

Origin and Biological status: Oman, Somaliland, African continent, India (Boswellia serrata); Known Species: Rhind lists 15 species in a table showing country grown in and how the plant is used.

Part distilled is the resin or viscous tears harvested from live tree bark, after being lacerated or cut to encourage resin exposure

Adulteration: can be adulterated by the addition of pine essences, or improper methods of preparation

Season: Harvested during the dry months of the year, likely early fall or September and October

Energetics: the essential oil is warming; it’s dry and has astringent actions on dampness or wounds

Frankincense in Rituals and Medicines: as incense material during worship or to access the divine from ancient cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean all the way to the present-day rituals of Judaism and Christianity.

Known in modern medicine as boswellic acid, Frankincense is important to the materia medica of Unani-Tibb, Ayurvedic, and Chinese philosophies of healing. Frankincense treats chronic conditions of the respiratory tract, psychological disturbances, and autoimmune disorders. Not the least of its gifts by any means, its gift of upliftment is why many people today choose frankincense to accompany their spiritual journey and for mediation.

Perfumes: in perfume formulations, Frankincense occupies the base note, providing a fixative quality to otherwise fleeting or light top notes. Example perfumes are Channel No. 5, with an “incense” theme. An accord combines Jasmine, Cardamom and Frankincense. Frankincense is less overpowering than heavier base notes.

Unusual characteristics: a tree held sacred in cultures of the Middle East and Mediterranean and as far as Asia. Gaining greater and greater use through trade, Frankincense was an ingredient in face creams for wrinkles and in perfumes from as long ago as 800 BC in Greece. Wasting nothing, the ash of burnt Frankincense was incorporated into a paste for eyeliner we know as kohl. Frankincense along with Myrrh were the resins in the famous Kyphi, an incense blend made in Egypt and recorded in various centuries up to the 1st century AD.

Olfactive features: inhalation supports defense against respiratory ailments; frankincense aroma helps to balance the psyche when depressed or congested feelings oppress the spirit.

Aromatic characteristics: has a terpenic (pine-like), spicy, woody odor which has depth and space. A lemony top note provides sweetness to its otherwise incense-like aroma.

Botanical illustration from wikipedia.

REFERENCES for this page include:

Arctander, Stephan. Perfumes and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Published 1960 in Elizabeth, NJ.

Holmes, Peter. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol 2. Published by Singing Dragon Press, London and Philadelphia, 2019.

Pointer, Sally. The Artifice of Beauty: A History and Practical Guide to Perfumes and Cosmetics. Published by Sutton Publishing, Gloucestershire, UK, 2005.

Rhind, Jennifer. Fragrance and Wellbeing: Plant Aromatics and Their Influence on the Psyche. Published by Singing Dragon Press, London and Philadelphia, 2014.

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