Boswellia resin (granules)

The frankincense shrub, from which incense is obtained, was once said to be more precious than gold. Along with spices and precious stones, it was among the most sought-after goods transported from the East to the West via the so-called Frankincense Route across the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Frankincense was already being purchased by the Romans, who burned this brittle resin before statues of their rulers.

Even then, incense was used as a medicine. The oldest evidence of its healing power can be found in ancient Egypt. A papyrus from approximately 1600 BC describes an ointment that was prepared from honey and incense. Hippocrates (460–377 BC) used incense to treat wounds. Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) used it against headaches. Sebastian Kneipp (1821–1897) also held incense in high regard for its healing effects.

With the development of modern pharmaceutical products, however, talk of incense ceased. Although its mild and intoxicating scent drifted from every church and cathedral, its healing properties fell into oblivion. Until the 20th century!

Source: http://www.hram-trezor.com/bozvelija_vec_test.htm