Omani Frankincense

Frankincense is considered one of the most important medicinal plants with its origins in the Arabian Peninsula. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In this blog post, we will discuss the methods of extracting Omani frankincense, its types, and its benefits.

Types of Omani Frankincense:

There are several types of Omani frankincense, which differ in their shape, color, scent, and taste. One of the finest types is Dhofari frankincense (named after the Dhofar region in Oman), which is further divided into several subtypes, including Hawjari, Haski, Najdi, and Shazri.

The Hawjari type is considered the finest and comes in white resin with a greenish tinge, which is used for medicinal purposes. The second type is Haski, which grows in the northern region of Hask (Saddah province in Dhofar).

The third type, Najdi, grows in the Najd region between mountains and deserts, while the fourth type, Shazri, is highly aromatic and is used for incense. There are specialized factories in Oman that produce this type of frankincense.

There is also a fifth type called Shabi, which is of lower quality as it grows in plains and is exposed to rainwater. The quality of frankincense decreases the more the frankincense tree is exposed to rain.

Methods of extracting Omani Frankincense:

Omani frankincense is extracted from the Boswellia tree found in the region of Oman and its surrounding areas. This is done through the following steps:

1. Tree cutting: The Boswellia tree is cut when it is around five to seven years old, and a part of the outer bark of the tree is removed.
2. Resin collection: The resin that flows from the cut part of the tree is collected and left to solidify.
3. Frankincense cleaning: Omani frankincense is cleaned from impurities and dirt using water and towels.
4. Frankincense shaping: Omani frankincense is shaped into small pieces and then packed into ready-to-use containers.

This natural type of frankincense is used in various fields such as alternative medicine, traditional medical treatments, and the perfume industry. It is used to improve overall health, alleviate pain, and enhance the respiratory and digestive systems.

Benefits of Omani Frankincense:

Omani frankincense contains several active compounds that give it its health and therapeutic benefits. Some of the notable benefits include:

1. Oral health improvement: Omani frankincense contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve oral health, reduce oral infections, and gum inflammation.
2. Wound and burn healing: Omani frankincense can be used to accelerate the healing process of wounds and burns. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and substances that aid in tissue regeneration.
3. Respiratory health improvement: Omani frankincense can be used to treat sinus congestion, asthma, and cough. It contains substances that help reduce congestion and improve respiratory health.
4. Digestive health improvement: Omani frankincense can be used to improve digestive health and treat some digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation. It contains substances that stimulate the digestive system.
5. Overall health enhancement: Omani frankincense contains antioxidants and substances that strengthen the immune system and improve overall body health.

In general, Omani frankincense is a beneficial natural substance for health and can be used for various medical and health purposes. However, it is not recommended to use it in certain cases such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or by individuals who are allergic to any of its components.

Some of the important studies conducted.

Many studies have been conducted on the health benefits of Omani frankincense. Among these studies:

1- A study published in the Journal of Natural Medicines in 2018 showed that Omani frankincense contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help improve the body’s immune system.

2- A study published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences in 2019 indicated that Omani frankincense contains compounds that aid in improving digestion and reducing intestinal inflammation.

3- A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2020 demonstrated that regular consumption of Omani frankincense helps improve cholesterol levels in the body and enhances liver function.

4- A study published in the Journal of Health Sciences in 2021 pointed out that Omani frankincense contains compounds that assist in improving respiratory functions and reducing upper respiratory tract inflammations.