Louban Dakar - Oliban

Olibanum (Dakar louban) is a natural resin that comes from the incense tree, also known as the "sacred tree". This natural product is incredibly rich in benefits, and has the particularity of being able to be used in a variety of ways.

Your Castor Oil online shop has selected this exceptional product for you, which will take you on a journey in both smell and taste. Considered one of the best incenses in the world, it fully deserves its growing reputation.

About frankincense

Origin of frankincense

Frankincense is a natural incense known by various other names, such as loubane in Arabic.

This incense resin is collected from the Boswellia sacra, a small tree found mainly in Africa, in the countries of Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia, but also in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman, and even in India.

There are many different types of incense around the world. We know that their preparation varies from country to country, just as their use varies according to customs and beliefs.

Harvesting

Frankincense is one of those incenses obtained by making shallow incisions in the trunk and even the branches of the incense tree. A small area of the tree's bark is then removed to collect the flowing sap. This sap, which can be compared to milky tears, coagulates on contact with the air. The resin is then simply collected, retaining its raw form. This final material gives us a genuine incense, used for fumigation, but not only..

Characteristics of frankincense

Colour: The dried resin tears are ochre in colour, almost translucent, resembling small stones. Their colour varies slightly, making each piece of incense unique.

Odour: Used as a fumigant, raw frankincense gives off a woody, citrus fragrance. Its balsamic notes bring an atmosphere of well-being to your home. However, you should be aware that the fragrance of loubane may differ depending on where it comes from.

What are its properties?

Incense has been known for thousands of years; often associated with rituals, sacrifices and mysticism, it has long been part of alternative and traditional medicine. As in ancient Egypt, Greece and even China, where frankincense resin was reputed to promote healing and many other lung-related illnesses.

Olibanum is also known for creating a serene atmosphere and purifying the home of unpleasant odours. Here are just a few more of the sometimes unsuspected benefits of frankincense:

- When used as a fumigant, this natural incense creates a calmer, more soothing atmosphere, making it easier to fall asleep

- It is also used in aromatherapy as an anti-stress agent, to relieve anxiety, promote well-being and boost mood.

As you can see, the benefits of frankincense are many and varied. Numerous studies have been carried out, and the results are still astonishing!

How is frankincense used?

This natural incense is unique in that it can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some possible uses:

Tip: For those who want to add sweetness to their loubane, you can first soak it in a little honey. We recommend the excellent Jujube honey from Yemen, which is considered to be the best honey in the world!

Fumigation

You can use this incense resin in an incense burner to perfume your home. Simply light a few pieces of charcoal and place them in the incense burner. Once all the charcoal is hot, place a piece of frankincense on top (you can use more depending on the intensity of the scent you want, but be aware that loubane is very high quality and has a powerful scent). Finally, enjoy the woody fragrance with its pleasant citrus notes .

Other ways of using your natural incense

You can also use your frankincense in the following ways:

- With a tea-candle diffuser, by putting water in the dish and placing a few pieces of natural frankincense in it. Place your candle under the dish as usual.

- Place a sachet of this natural incense in a potpourri for a continuous but more subtle scent. This trick is very popular in homes where there is a newborn baby, for example, as the smell of fumigating incense can be too strong.

As you can see, frankincense is incredibly rich and has many virtues. So, will you let yourself be tempted by this journey to the sweet fragrance of the Orient?