Ultimate Guide to Frankincense: Royal Hojari, Olibanum, and Luban Explained

Have you ever wondered where frankincense comes from? Or why it’s called frankincense? Our ultimate guide to frankincense aims to answer all your main questions, and link to other articles on the Kohzen website for a deeper dive into each variety. Frankincense – also called olibanum or luban – is the aromatic resin of Boswellia trees. This fragrant gum has been prized for thousands of years as sacred incense and traditional medicine. Boswellia trees are native to arid regions of Oman, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia and India, yielding golden resin tears used in perfumes, aromatherapy and ritual ceremonies.

At Kohzen we are proud to feature authentic West Asian frankincense; learn more about our mission on the About page. Our premium frankincense products are also available on our Etsy shop, KohzenOfficial. This ultimate guide explores frankincense’s history, names (Olibanum, Luban), and the world’s key frankincense varieties.

Frankincense (olibanum/luban) is harvested by making small cuts in the bark of Boswellia trees; the milky resin hardens into lumps. Its English name derives from Anglo-Norman franc encens (meaning “noble” or “pure incense”). In antiquity the Greek word for frankincense was lίbanos (λίβανος), which is cognate with “Lebanon” – itself from the Semitic root lbn meaning “white” (a reference to the resin’s milky color). In fact, the Arabic term lubān literally means “that which yields milk”, alluding to the milky sap). Thus the fragrant resin is linked by name to Lebanon’s white mountains (Mt. Sannine) and to ancient Levantine trade: Phoenician merchants in Tyre (Ṣūr) and Sidon (Saida) carried Arabian frankincense through Mediterranean ports.

History and Origins of Frankincense

Frankincense was a luxury commodity along the ancient Incense Routes. Boswellia resin was burned as sacred smoke in Egyptian temples, Babylonian ziggurats and Greek and Roman sanctuaries. It is famously mentioned in the Bible – the Magi presented the infant Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh – highlighting its value.

Trade in frankincense flourished for millennia: UNESCO notes that the caravan oasis of Wadi Dawkah (in Oman) and affiliated ports vividly illustrate “the trade in frankincense that flourished in this region for many centuries” as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world. By the first millennium BC, Arabian and African incense flowed overland by camel to Red Sea ports (like Omani Khor Rori) and by ship to Mediterranean markets.

The etymology of frankincense reflects this story: the Hebrew word labonah and Arabic lubān (لبان) derive from the same root lbn (“white”) as Lebanon. After passing through Mount Lebanon (whence the Greeks called the land “Libanos”), the resin reached Phoenician ports. (Isaiah 23:2 even alludes to Sidon’s overseas trade.) The English name “frankincense” evolved from French franc encens (“noble incense”) – literally “pure incense” in medieval use. Regardless of name, this milky resin cemented cultural links between Arabia, Africa and the Levant for thousands of years, serving as a bridge between earth and heaven.

Frankincense Varieties Around the World

Frankincense resin varies by species and origin. The main sources are Boswellia sacra (Oman/Yemen), B. carterii (Somalia/East Africa), B. frereana (Somalia) and B. serrata (India). The chart below summarises global Boswellia species:

Boswellia Species Table

Boswellia Species	Description
Boswellia sacra	Native to Oman and Yemen (Dhofar region), the source of “Arabian frankincense.” Many premium grades (Hojari, White, Black) come from this species. UNESCO calls Wadi Dawkah (Oman) an “outstanding example of the growth of Boswellia sacra” where resin is collected today.
Boswellia carterii	Grows in Somalia, Ethiopia, parts of East Africa, and even southern Arabia. Produces the common “Somali frankincense” with lemony-citrus notes.
Boswellia frereana	A distinctive Somalian species (sometimes called Maydi frankincense). Its resin is pale, lighter, and often sweeter/smoky; prized in the Arabian Peninsula as well.
Boswellia serrata	Found in India; known as Salai or Indian frankincense. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, it has a more earthy, muskier aroma and high resin content.
Boswellia papyrifera	Native to Ethiopia/Eritrea, yields hard dark resin (often called “black frankincense”), stronger aroma, used locally.
Other species	Other species (e.g. Boswellia dalzielii in West Africa, Boswellia neglecta in Sudan) exist, but the above are the main commercial sources.

Frankincense trees thrive in arid, rocky terrain. (They famously “rain” fresh leaves during Oman’s summer monsoon, creating the Dhofar’s green landscapes.) The species and harvest method largely determine quality. For example, Oman’s B. sacra yields prized Hojari frankincense (see below) in grades from delicate pale-yellow to rare emerald-green. As one reference notes, today “the most traded frankincense is produced in Oman, Yemen, and Somalia”, reflecting these region’s historical role as its heartland.

Oman and Southern Arabia (Boswellia sacra)

Oman’s Dhofar region is synonymous with top-grade frankincense. Here Boswellia sacra trees line the wadis of the Hajar Mountains. UNESCO’s “Land of Frankincense” (Oman) world heritage site includes Wadi Dawkah, where Boswellia forests have been continuously tapped and harvested. “Wadi Dawkah is a major place where the frankincense tree (Boswellia sacra) can still be found and frankincense is harvested to this day”. Oman produces special grades like White Hojari (silvery resin) and the even rarer “Royal Green” Hojari, named for its translucent emerald-green tears. Historically these top grades were reserved for sultans; today they are still considered the crown of frankincense.

East Africa (Boswellia carterii & frereana)

Across the Gulf of Aden in Somalia and Ethiopia, other Boswellia species flourish. B. carterii (often called B. sacra by traders) and B. frereana grow in Somalia’s semi-deserts. Their resin differs slightly: Somali frankincense tends to be lighter and more citrus-like. In antiquity these shipments went to Yemen and Arabia by dhow, then overland; today they are exported worldwide. Frankincense from this region is also labelled “luban” in the Middle East. Scientific sources note that B. frereana and B. carterii supply much of today’s incense demand.

Indian Subcontinent (Boswellia serrata)

India and Nepal produce salai guggal or Indian frankincense from Boswellia serrata. This species is short (1–3 m), with a weaker yield; resin is harder and darker. Indian frankincense has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries (often in paste form), valued for anti-inflammatory properties. It is less common as incense in the West, but used in Indian rituals and Ayurvedic remedies.

Olibanum Incense

“Olibanum” is another term for frankincense, used since Roman and medieval times. The word comes from Latin libanum, itself from Greek lίbanos. Olibanum is essentially Boswellia resin burned as incense. In the Bible (Vulgate) frankincense is called thus or tus, a generic term for incense. Historical texts use “libanon” or “olibanum” interchangeably with “frankincense”. As one source confirms, frankincense “is popularly known as Indian olibanum, salai guggal, loban, or kundur”. In practice, olibanum incense has been used by Egyptians (in kyphi blends), by Romans (in temples), and in various “fumigations” for religious and ceremonial purposes. It burns into a dense, sweet-smelling smoke.

Today, the term olibanum is often used in perfumery and scholarly works. Scientifically, high-quality olibanum (particularly from B. sacra Oman) contains terpenes and boswellic acids thought to have therapeutic effects. For example, Boswellia resins have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and even cognitive benefits. In short, olibanum incense refers simply to burned frankincense resin, valued throughout history for its fragrance and ritual use.

Luban (Arabian Frankincense)

In the Arab world, frankincense is universally called lubān (لبان). This word appears in classical Arabic texts and modern usage alike. It literally means “that which causes milk” (from milky sap), reflecting the resin’s appearance. In Yemen, Oman and the Gulf, words like luban dakar and luban uttan denote specific grades. Luban is an everyday term for the resin used as bakhoor (incense chips) in homes and mosques. For instance, Yemenis traditionally burn Bakhoor Luban during Ramadan and social gatherings. The burning of luban in charcoal burners perfumes the air with its characteristic citrus-pine aroma.

Conceptually, Luban incense is identical to frankincense, but the cultural context is Arab. Luban has been traded in souks from ancient times: caravans of frankincense were known to cross Arabia, carrying resins to ports like Aden or Yemeni port of Soqotra. From there, wealthy cities like Tyre (Soor) and Sidon (Saida) shipped luban alongside other spices. Today, luban is popular in Gulf aromatherapy and even chewed as a natural gum. (Notably, chewing natural frankincense tears – a practice in the Middle East – is praised for being pure and resinous, unlike processed commercial gums.)

Hojari Frankincense

Hojari frankincense specifically refers to the top-grade resin from Oman’s Hajar (Hijaz/Hajjar) Mountains. The name Hojari comes from the mountain range where it grows. Oman classifies Hojari into grades (Royal Green, White, Black) based on colour and clarity. The finest is translucent “Royal Green” Hojari – small, green-tinted droplets from the first cuts on a well-rested tree. Just below it is “Silver” or White Hojari, with creamy-white/pearlescent tears. These Hojari grades burn with a rich, complex bouquet of citrus, pine, and spice notes. Lower grades (brown or “Black” Hojari) still smell good but are harsher. Importantly, all Hojari is a form of frankincense; the distinctions are grading not separate species.

(Hojari frankincense is often equated with “Royal Frankincense”, especially the green variety. In fact, some call the top green grade Royal Hojari.) Compared to generic dhòka frankincense, Hojari resin is exceptionally clean and aromatic. Its history goes back to the Sultanate’s tradition of gifting green Hojari as royal tribute. At Kohzen we highlight Royal Green Hojari and Premium White Hojari in our product line.

Royal Frankincense

“Royal frankincense” is a marketing term for the rarest, most exquisite grades of Hojari. It usually denotes the green, translucent resin droplets reserved historically for sultans. In practice, royal frankincense and green Hojari are one and the same. Some traders also use “Royal frankincense” more loosely for any premium-grade Boswellia resin. Either way, think of it as the “cream of the crop.” Royal frankincense pearls are prized in high-end incense: they burn slowly and emit the lightest, sweetest fragrance. Over centuries, such royal grade incense formed lavish offerings and expensive perfumes. Today, it remains a luxury item.

Uses and Benefits

Across cultures, frankincense (olibanum, luban) has both religious and therapeutic uses. It is burned during prayers and meditation, often thought to purify the air and mind. In traditional medicine (Ayurveda, TCM, Unani), Boswellia resin is used internally and externally. Modern research indicates boswellic acids in frankincense have anti-inflammatory properties. For example, clinical studies suggest frankincense extract can benefit asthma, arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. In aromatherapy, frankincense oil (steam-distilled from resin) is used for stress relief and skin health.

Cultures around the world celebrate frankincense. In the Middle East it’s burned to welcome guests or cleanse a home. In African rituals, it purifies sacred spaces. In Europe and Asia it’s part of religious ceremonies (from churches to Buddhist temples). This enduring legacy—from ancient altars to modern mindfulness—is why we dedicate ourselves at Kohzen to honour frankincense’s heritage and bring the finest grades to you.

Guide to Frankincense: Key Takeaways

Frankincense, known across cultures as olibanum, luban, or Royal Hojari, remains one of the world’s most treasured natural resins. Its deep history, from ancient trade routes across Lebanon and Oman to its sacred use in rituals and healing, highlights its timeless value. Understanding the different types — from the citrusy Somali varieties to the rare green Hojari of Oman — helps in choosing the right frankincense for personal, ceremonial, or therapeutic use. Whether burned for meditation, infused into water, or used in perfumery, frankincense continues to bridge the ancient and modern worlds, offering a connection to nature’s profound wisdom. At Kohzen, we are honoured to share this legacy with you, one resin tear at a time.

Quick Summary:

• Frankincense is also known as olibanum and luban across different cultures.
• The finest varieties, like Royal Hojari, come from Oman’s Boswellia sacra trees.
• Frankincense has been traded for thousands of years across Arabia, Africa, and the Levant.
• Burning frankincense resin releases a sweet, citrus-pine fragrance ideal for meditation.
• Quality varies by species, harvest method, and resin grade — know what you’re buying.

For more on Kohzen’s values and story, visit our About page. To experience premium frankincense yourself, see our collection on our Etsy shop, KohzenOfficial.