Somalia is the world’s biggest producer of frankincense.
History has it that frankincense has been used for 5,000 years in Somaliland and almost all of the process is reportedly done by hand. Men scale the cliff sides while women spend hours in storerooms cleaning and grading the resins.
According to the Hebrew Bible, frankincense and myrrh were components of the holy incense ritually burned in Jerusalem’s sacred temples during ancient times.
“Frankincense is one of our most important natural resources,” said Somaliland’s environment minister, Shukri Ismail.
According to Ismail, as the global demand is on the rise, the resin represents one of the territory’s largest export.
Frankincense is historically known to be used for incense and ancient rituals, and it is said to have proven antiseptic and inflammatory properties that were once considered effective remedies for illnesses such as toothaches and leprosy.
Frankincense is derived from the gummy sap that oozes out of the Boswellia tree whose barks are cut to allow the gum to seep out and harden over days. It is extremely fragrant, particularly when burned, and it gives off a sweet, citrusy scent.
