Nature is home to thousands of unique scents that draw us in, and olibanum is one of the many blessings that you’ll find in nature. The olibanum scent is a type of resin that gives off an earthy scent with a hint of spice. Some people also report that olibanum smells fruity at times. That said, getting the right fragrance that you want for your resin isn’t always easy, especially when everyone is claiming to have the best resin or olibanum essential oil.
The good news is that we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about olibanum, where you can find it, and whether or not olibanum essential oils are worth it.
What Is Olibanum?
Olibanum, also known as frankincense, is a type of resin that can be used for incense, perfumes, and even some spiritual applications. You can get olibanum as resin, or you can opt for a more refined essential oil variation. It comes from the Boswellia tree and the process to obtain it is challenging and labor-intensive. This makes it one of the harder essential oils to find when you’re looking for quality.
It’s also important to note that olibanum has been used in incense for hundreds of years, dating back to the early days of the Catholic Church. Now, it’s mixed in with skincare products, or it can be found as incense or even an essential oil. In fact, some essential oils can cost several thousand.
What Are the Benefits of Olibanum?
Olibanum is one of the most popular essential oils because it’s loaded with benefits that can improve your health. People have been using it for years to help with inflammation, pain, and some skin problems. We list some of the most notable benefits of olibanum below.
Reducing swelling
Treating inflammation
Helping with arthritis
Fighting bacterial infections
Helping with fungal infections
Improving digestion and immune function
Aiding with hair growth
Reducing acne
Removing scars and blemishes
Cleaning up wrinkles
These are only some of the benefits of olibanum, and you can find even more when you mix it with the right carrier oil like coconut oil or sweet almond oil.
What Does Olibanum Smell Like?
Olibanum, or frankincense, has a unique aroma. As part of the amber fragrance family, it gives off a strong aroma when burned that has earthy, woody, deep, and even spicy aromas. It’s that smell you think of when you’re burning incense.
While it has a more earthy smell when it’s used as incense, that’s not what it always smells like. For example, it won’t smell like you’re burning incense if you have olibanum in a candle. Therefore, it may be mixed with other oils, resin, or flowers that bring out its citrus aromas more than burning it the traditional way would.
It’s also important to note that the scent of olibanum will differ depending on the type of resin that you have. A low-quality resin will give off more earthy aromas that overpower some of the other fragrances. On the other hand, you might experience a more diverse fragrance with better resin.
Some other descriptions of what olibanum smells like include:
- Coniferous
- Damp cellar
- Pepper
- Dark chocolate
- Smoky
- Notes of citrus
- An old building
Everyone’s senses can be different, so you’ll never know what it smells like until you give it a try!
What Does Olibanum Essential Oil Smell Like?
When burning incense or a candle you’ll get a different scent compared to using olibanum essential oil in an aroma diffuser. For this reason, it’s important to know the difference between the fragrances. Otherwise, you can end up with an odor you hate lingering in your home.
When it comes to olibanum essential oils, you have more choices when it comes to the scent, and you’ll notice that more hints of citrus and spice are noticeable. Plus, you can choose different options until you reach a good fragrance that you like.
Still, make sure you choose an essential oil that’s based on a high-quality resin, like this one from Wholesale Botanics, for the best fragrances.
What Does an Olibanum Candle Smell Like?
One of the most common ways to enjoy the fragrance of olibanum is with a candle. These candles have oils from the Boswellia tree infused in them, which gives them an earthy smell. However, candles burn differently than incense, so you’ll get more of the fruity and spicy notes when you burn an olibanum candle. You may also find different fragrances because the way it smells depends on the specific candle.
What Smells Similar to Olibanum?
Olibanum comes from the Boswellia tree, which has musty pine notes and a hint of spicy and citrus undertones. One of the best smells to compare it to is rosemary. It’s a scent that many people are familiar with, so it’s a good starting point if you’re unsure about what you’re getting. This makes it a great scent to use around the holidays or as incense.
It may smell different depending on the type of olibanum you have and how you burn it.
Embrace the Scent of Olibanum Today
Overall, olibanum has a refreshing scent that’s hard to get from other essential oils. While it still has an earthy smell, it has hints of citrus and even a subtle spiciness. This makes it one of the more unique essential oils around, and it’s great to throw in a diffuser or combine with skincare products like coconut oil.
Regardless of why you’re using olibanum, make sure you choose high-quality essential oils to prevent any health issues and to get the most bang for your buck.
