Gum Olibanum is aromatic, medicinal, and cultural value has made it a versatile and cherished substance in various industries and practices.
Gum Olibanum
Gum Olibanum or Frankincense is produced from the tree (Acacia senegal), which is a type of gum arabic with slight differences in characteristics and advantages that distinguish it from traditional gum arabic. Sudan is considered one of the largest producers of this gum. Tapping begins between September and October, and production starts in mid-December and early January.
Gum Olibanum production requires skill in tapping and expertise in maintaining cleanliness and grading to meet international standards.
Latin Name: Boswellia carterii.
Family: Burseraceae.
Uses of Gum Olibanum :
- Medicinal Use: The medicinal part includes the bark and the macerated resin. The active essence is a resinous gum with a fragrant aroma and a slightly bitter taste. It consists of 60-70% resin, about 30% gum, 3-8% volatile oils. The main compound found in chewing gum is hydrocarbon, known as lupeol (C30H50O).
- Medicinal Effects: This resin has stimulating and beneficial properties for throat and bronchial inflammations. It is used in the production of many dressings, plasters, inhalation powders, and aromatic solutions."
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Gum Olibanum, or Frankincense, is utilized in various traditional crafts. It is used in jewelry making, where the resin is incorporated into beads or decorative elements. The resin's pliability allows for carving and sculpting, creating intricate designs and figurines. Gum Olibanum is also used to craft decorative objects like incense burners and candle holders. It can be used as embellishments or inlays in woodworking. The resin holds cultural and symbolic significance and is incorporated into ritual and ceremonial items. Additionally, Gum Olibanum serves as a medium for artistic expression in paintings and traditional crafts. Overall, Gum Olibanum plays a significant role in traditional crafts, adding a touch of cultural heritage and natural fragrance to various artistic creations.
Gum Olibanum is primarily sourced from regions in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. Oman and Yemen are renowned for their high-quality frankincense, with Oman's Dhofar region and Yemen's Wadi Hadramawt being significant production areas. Somalia, particularly Puntland and Somaliland, is also known for its valued frankincense. Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, are additional regions where Gum Olibanum is harvested. These regions possess favorable conditions for the cultivation and extraction of Gum Olibanum, resulting in unique and sought-after varieties of frankincense.
Sudan is a prominent region for the production of Gum Olibanum (Frankincense). The country's eastern regions, including Kordofan, Darfur, and the Red Sea, are known for their gum production, particularly from the Boswellia papyrifera tree species. The resin is carefully collected, dried, sorted, and prepared for sale and export. Sudan's gum industry is vital to its economy and supports local communities involved in gum collection and processing.