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Frankincense Tears
Herbs & Spices
Frankincense resin (commonly called frankincense tears) are used whole in incense, and burned on a charcoal disc. Typically used along with myrrh. Ground frankincense tears are used as incense in burners. Great for toiletries when infused in oil or made into an extract. A must have during the holiday season.
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Many times, historical references to "incense" are really references to frankincense. Although historians still do not know how long frankincense has been in use, we know that in the 5th Century BC it was imported to Rome for use as incense. The caravans traveled more than 1,700 miles to bring the precious resin to the waiting citizens of Europe and Asia who were willing to pay as much as gold for the fragrant gift from the Earth.
Frankincense herb has been carried by traders, adventurers and religious figures to virtually every corner of the Earth. Although often carried by caravans on the "Spice Road", frankincense
herb is rarely used in food, so it certainly isn't a culinary spice. It has been used in virtually every Western culture and religion. Anyone who has visited a Catholic church has smelled that familiar scent. Frankincense is also a key part of Jewish incense traditions. India, China and Japan all fell in love with the intoxicating scent as well and it is often incorporated into their religious, as well as secular, practices.
Frankincense herb is perhaps most famous in the Western world as one of the three gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The inclusion of frankincense with gold and myrrh show the high value of frankincense to the ancient world. Frankincense certainly isn't limited to Christian or Jewish traditions. In modern Pagan writing, frankincense is associated with the sun and masculine influences and has numerous very positive associations. Frankincense can also be found in Buddhist incense from China and Japan. It is often a key aromatic for religious use and is seen as a great gift from Nature and a great offering to Gods and Goddesses.
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