A small, spiny desert tree native to Arabia and the horn of Africa. Its valuable, aromatic gum resin was harvested and burnt as an incense in ancient religious shrines.
A yellow-brown resin with a balsamic smell. It is a natural antiseptic, astringent and disinfectant. As an antibacterial, it might help acne prone skin and greasy hair. As a strong fragrant gum, it is also a potential skin irritant.
Like frankincense, Smyrna has a long history of use as incense in religious. Its ancient use as a holy incense continues today in some Christian traditions, and by those who simply like to employ incense.
