Olibanum is a resin that comes from the Boswellia genus of trees. You may also know of olibanum as frankincense, which is another popular name for the resin. Today, olibanum is popular when it’s used as an essential oil because it can produce calming emotions, treat inflammation, and even help with skincare.
That said, it’s important to know what olibanum smells like before you start grabbing the essential oil and running it through your diffuser.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. Learn more about what olibanum smells like and how you can use it to improve your day.
What Is Olibanum?
Olibanum is a gum-like resin that comes from trees that belong to the Boswellia genus. The word olibanum comes from the Arabic phrase luban, which is why it’s known as olibanum oil in the Middle East and some Asian parts of the world. That said, you may know of it as frankincense if you live in the West and sometimes it’s sold online under that name.
To harvest olibanum, the gum-like resin forms when someone cuts into the tree. Therefore, many precise cuts are necessary to generate a decent amount of olibanum. Ever since its discovery, olibanum has been useful in fragrance, medicine, and aromatherapy.
What Is Olibanum Used For?
Olibanum is a popular resin and it’s also useful as an essential oil. There are many uses for this substance and it continues to be one of the most popular options. In the past, olibanum was typically used for religious ceremonies and this dates back nearly 4,000 years. However, it’s usually used as a fragrance or perfume today because of its spicy scent.
Olibanum also has some medical benefits. You may see it used as a:
- Immunity booster
- Oral health improvements
- Cancer prevention tool
- Pain reliever
- Anti-aging creams
- Cognitive enhancer
- Anxiety and stress reliever
These are only some of the uses of olibanum essential oil.
What Does Olibanum Smell Like?
Olibanum is part of the amber family when it comes to fragrances. Typically, it gives off an incense smell that resembles something on the woody side.
When you smell the tree or burn it as something like incense, these woody and pine smells become even more noticeable. However, sometimes you may get subtle notes of spicy or peppery undertones. In fact, some people even report citrus notes when smelling olibanum.
While olibanum has a woody scent, it’s not creamy or close to vanilla like many other woody and earthy smells. Instead, it has some more spice.
What Does Olibanum Smell Like in a Candle?
Olibanum has a standard scent that you can expect, even if it’s not being burned. However, this can change when it comes to what olibanum smells like when used in something like a candle.
The candle will usually give off more of an uplifting scent that’s closer to something like vanilla and much less harsh compared to what it smells like when burned or still on the tree. That said, you’ll still get the earthy scent of olibanum regardless of how you use it.
What Does Olibanum Essential Oil Smell Like?
When used as an essential oil, olibanum can have a wider range of scents. This is because you can add other fragrances or scents to it to make a more powerful fragrance. That said, you’ll still smell woody and spicy notes because the olibanum resin is powerful enough to seep through most fragrances.
Make sure you get a high-quality olibanum essential oil, like this one, for the best results. When used as an essential oil, olibanum is the most beneficial. When used as an essential oil, olibanum is the most beneficial. In this form, you can use it to relieve stress, calm anxiety, and treat physical ailments like pain.
Enjoy the Aroma of Olibanum Today
Olibanum is one of the best-smelling substances if you want your home to give off a woody and natural aroma. You’ll find that it can even lighten your mood and reduce stress or anxiety when used as an essential oil.
Plus, if you’re on the spiritual side it’s a great option to use for incense because it does a great job setting the mood and helping people feel more calm and relaxed throughout the process. While olibanum is a great choice for incense, candles, or essential oil, always get your products from reliable sources for the best results.
