Frankincense is the resin from the Frankincense tree, and is a fragrance that date back to the early days of Egypt. It has been said that frankincense was given to Moses as a gift on Mount Sinai, because it reminded him of the Burning Bush. The Egyptians were the first people to use Frankincense in aromatherapy and as an essential oil; however, this was probably around the 7th century. During the Middle Ages, when the Crusaders returned from their campaigns, Frankincense was carried back with them as a spice, along with the aromatic oil that came with them.

Frankincense was also used as a sweetener during the Middle Ages and was often used for baths, although the best sources of frankincense were being sought in the Mediterranean rather than Egypt. In those times, the Frankincense oil was also considered highly effective in treating skin disorders and infections, as well as being a cure for the common cold and fever. In fact, the Egyptians were not the only ancient civilization to use the benefits of frankincense; Greeks, and Romans used frankincense in aromatherapy, as well. In fact, the Frankincense tradition carried on throughout Europe, and even into the New World, where the most significant specimen of frankincense comes from the Bahamas.

Frankincense is not only found in Frankincense essential oil today, but it is actually a major constituent of many perfumes today. Some of these perfumes include: Arabian Nights Omen, Egyptian Musk, Frankincense Eau De Cartier Cologne, Frankincense by Jean Paul Gaultier, Moroccan Blue and many others. Interestingly enough, there is another tree that is sometimes called Frankincense, but which is native to the middle east, and which does bear Frankincense oil – the Barbizon tree. The Barbizon tree is native to the middle east, though it is growing nowadays in Morocco and North Africa.