Frankincense Resin Sampler Sets - Standard and Exotic

I have put together two sampler sets, each containing three types of Frankincense. If you are new to these aromatic resins, the Standard set offers a lovely introduction, while Exotic offers a prized collection worth discovering. Both offer a lovely opportunity to get acquainted with their individual characters—and perhaps meet a new favourite along the way.

Frankincense is the aromatic resin produced by trees of the Boswellia genus. Although these resins share a name, their fragrances can be surprisingly different—from soft amber and honey to bright citrus, mint, spice and musk.

These sampler sets offer an opportunity to explore three different Frankincense types side by side, learn their individual characters and discover which ones appeal to you. Choose Standard or Exotic from the Sampler Set menu.

STANDARD: Frankincense Carterii, Papyrifera & Dalzielii

— Where Appreciation Begins

An introduction to three distinctive Frankincense types:

• Frankincense Carterii — A familiar Frankincense from Somalia, with soft amber notes and highlights of honey, vanilla and black pepper. Traditionally valued for easing inflammation, supporting digestion and respiratory health, soothing muscles and joints, and its use in skincare, incense and spiritual practices.

• Frankincense Papyrifera — Often called Church Frankincense. It has a distinguished, persistent fragrance with hints of orange peel that brings to mind ancient stone temples and churches, associated with emotional well-being, mental clarity and a deeper sense of spiritual connection.

• Frankincense Dalzielii — A beautiful West African Frankincense with bright citrus notes accompanied by mint and camphor. Quite a different aromatic direction from the other two. Locals use it as chewing gum and as incense

EXOTIC: Frankincense Frereana, Socotrana & Dioscoridis

— A Prized Collection Worth Discovering

Discover Frereana alongside two unique Frankincense types from the island of Socotra:

• Frankincense Frereana — Known as Maydi and often called the King of Frankincense. A prized Somali resin with warm amber, honey, spice and light musk notes. Frereana contains no boswellic acids and is traditionally valued for relieving arthritic discomfort, supporting joints and cartilage, promoting oral health as a prized chewing gum, and its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory traditional uses.

• Frankincense Socotrana — An unusual Frankincense from Socotra. Rarely seen outside of Yemen and usually not traded on the international market. Its fragrance reminds me of a combination of Frereana and Neglecta. An odd pairing, yet distinguished and pleasant, softly sweet and calming. On the island of Socotra, this frankincense is traditionally used as incense and in local medicine, and can be incorporated into medicated oils, perfumes, salves and creams.

• Frankincense Dioscoridis — Another of Socotra’s unusual Frankincense types, with small resin tears and a distinctive musky undertone. Don’t let the size of the tears keep you from enjoying its fragrance.

Frankincense has been a valuable commodity and an integral part of cultures, religions and trade around the world for thousands of years. Highly valued for its traditional medicinal, spiritual and aromatic uses, its different types have more recently attracted scientific study into their unique chemical compositions.

Traditionally associated with the Sun in astrology, Frankincense has long been valued for calming the mind and spirit and accompanying meditation and spiritual work.

For more information about the different Frankincense types, including instructions for preparing medicine and incense from them, please visit my blog at http://apothecarysgarden.com.