Frankincense
Frankincense is the most highly traded resin in the world.
Frankincense resin is acquired through "tapping" which is a process that involves making a repeated incision to the tree over a series of months. The resin then seeps from the incision and hardens upon exposure to air. Harvest is typically seasonal, including times during the year where trees are left untouched.
Boswellia trees commonly grow in the "gum belt" in Africa and the Middle East (Ethiopia, Somalia, Oman and Sudan), Pakistan and India. They are incredibly draught resistant, grow flowers, and small leaves, even in unpredictable and harsh conditions. These trees are a valuable source or income for people living in these marginal arid regions. Bowellia trees have been harvested for centuries, and often the trees, and harvesting practices, are passed down through generations of local families.
With increased international demand however, Boswellia trees are being "over-tapped" some trees seen with far too many incisions, making them more vulnerable to disease and insects, and lessening their ability to reproduce.
The future of these trees, and the communities that rely on selling their resins for income, depend on global and local trade regulation, but also the high demand for Frankincense at a low cost.
Boswellia papyrifera (Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea), Boswellia serrata (India, Pakistan), Boswellia sacra/carterii (Somalia, Yemen, Oman), are the most desirable and most traded Frankincense species on the international market. There is evidence that the populations of these species have been declining in recent decades.
Some of the big international suppliers are capitalizing on regions in crisis, or political unrest, in order to get the cheapest prices for these resins. This is why transparency and regulation are so important. The trees, and communities who look after them, the are paying the ultimate cost.
Please, please, please be careful buying Frankincense. If you wish to learn more, or to get more involved, Global Frankincense Alliance is a great place to start.
The Boswellia Dalzielii used in Solace incense is from a local supplier in Nigeria, and is a newer, lesser traded Frankincense species. It is an extremely special and rare ingredient, and we're lucky to have such a great supplier, and to be able to share it with you.
Sources/More Information:
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) - Trade in Boswellia SPP.