Frankincense Tears

Frankincense "tears" are clumps of sap from the Boswellia tree, a small, thorny desert plant that is native to India, Arabia and northern Africa. The resin is collected by cutting into the tree bark and collecting the milky substance after it has hardened.

Frankincense is used as an aid in digestion. It can be chewed like gum or steam distilled. It clears stagnation and ushers out excess gas, relieving the pain of colic. Dipping the tears in honey can help allay the bitter taste of the resin. It can also be made into a tincture and taken as needed. Frankincense has also been used for arthritis. The tears can be infused in oil and made into a salve.