Ten Fast Facts About Frankincense
During the last five years, the worldwide demand for frankincense (Boswellia spp., Burseraceae) resin as a source of incense, medicine, cosmetics, and essential oil has grown substantially. Scientific interest in these materials also has expanded rapidly as more uses for these ingredients are being discovered or rediscovered. The growing gap between supply and demand in most areas of production is causing widespread concern among scientists, environmentalists, and the business community. Can more sustainable ways to produce and process this ancient and highly prized material be found?