Boswellia rivae: Direct Impact Harvest
Boswellia rivae: Direct Impact Harvest
This is a single vile of a rare species sustainably harvested by a pastoral community of Ethiopia.
Boswellia rivae · Ogaden—Somali Region—Ethiopia
The vibrancy of this frankincense is what should be noticed. It's been described to have a “haunting” aroma that strikes a chord of familiarity if you have worked with palo santo. Warming and heart strengthening, this grounding resin has been used to cleanse homes, sanctify sacred spaces, and is traditionally used in Bakhoor incense. Local communities utilize it for anti-inflammatory properties, to expedite wound healing, aid scarring, and to reduce signs of aging. It is especially beautiful because it’s gently harvested by the goat and camel herders of the Somali region in Ethiopia that was once called Ogaden. This pastoral community sustainably harvests the resin to add financial security to their increasingly difficult way of life. Our source directly works with these folks to establish a cooperative that ensures fair trade for their work and product. By purchasing this species, you are not only experiencing a rare botanical but you are directly impacting the lives of those who harvest it.
Burn profile: smooth wood, spice, and complex sweetness.
Boswellia spp.
A brief overview of the frankincense family: There are approximately 20 species of this incense tree & around 12 are commercially valuable. The oleoresin is prized for high boswellic acids & aroma. Uses date back to 1500 BC. The classic species are sourced in the dry season after sections of bark are scarred to induce a gummy weep. Solidified drops, or tears, are often indigenously collected & harvests are regularly sorted by color, shape, & size. Sustainability concerns are at a heightened state due to the age of essential oils & a misunderstanding of the oleoresin properties. Boswellia essential oil is marketed for perfumery & therapeutic properties, but when the resins are distilled health benefits are lost as the boswellic acids are discarded. Often, sustainable resin is what is needed, not essential oil.
Medical Disclaimer: TGH expertise lies in incense making and fragrance. All information provided is solely for educational purposes. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Contraindications may exist. Consult expert medical advice before use. Use at your own risk. Keep away from children & pets.
Recommended Use: Burn these resin tears on top of charcoal that sits inside a dish or traditional burner. It is easiest if you use incense tongs to handle the charcoal. Uses and tools can be found here.
Amounts of resin in photographs have not been weighed & do not reflect amounts that will be received.
