Frequently Asked Questions

Frankincense is an aromatic resin harvested from Boswellia trees, particularly Boswellia sacra, which grows in the Dhofar region of Oman. When the tree bark is carefully scored, it produces a milky sap that hardens into golden "tears" of resin.

This sacred resin has been treasured for over 5,000 years for spiritual rituals, traditional wellness practices, and its distinctive woody, slightly sweet aroma.

Omani frankincense, specifically Boswellia sacra from the Dhofar region, is considered the finest grade in the world. The unique climate, soil, and traditional harvesting methods of this UNESCO World Heritage region produce resin with:

• Superior aroma—complex, woody, and slightly citrus notes
• Higher concentration of beneficial compounds
• Translucent, amber appearance in premium grades
• Longer burning time and cleaner smoke

This is the same frankincense that was once more valuable than gold along ancient trade routes.

Hodjari (also spelled Hojari or Howjari) is the highest grade of Omani frankincense, harvested from trees in the Dhofar mountains. It's characterized by:

• Pale green to golden amber color
• Translucent, glass-like appearance
• Superior fragrance profile

All Orilyan frankincense is authentic Hodjari grade—we never mix species or grades.

Both are the same Hodjari-grade frankincense from the same trees. The difference is in presentation:

Premium Collection: Hand-filtered to remove bark and small pieces. Translucent, bark-free tears in elegant glass jars. Perfect for gifting, first-time users, and those who want refined presentation. Available in 1oz, 2oz, 3oz.

Traditional Collection: Unfiltered, authentic form as harvested—includes some bark pieces. Larger format in eco-friendly pouches for better value. Ideal for regular users, bulk buyers, and those who appreciate traditional authenticity. Available in 500g and 1kg.

Quality is identical—choose based on your needs and preferences.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Place a charcoal disc in a heat-safe burner filled with sand or ash
2. Light the charcoal edge with a lighter—it will spark and crackle (this is normal)
3. Wait 2-3 minutes until the disc turns grey/white with ash
4. Place 1-2 small pieces of frankincense resin on the hot charcoal
5. Watch the aromatic smoke rise and fill your space

Tips: Use in a well-ventilated area. Each charcoal disc burns for 30-45 minutes. Add more resin as needed throughout your session.

Traditional Omani method:

1. Select 2-4 small, clean pieces of frankincense (bark-free)
2. Rinse pieces under clean water
3. Add to a cup of hot (not boiling) water
4. Let steep for 5-10 minutes
5. Drink the infused water (you can remove the resin pieces or leave them)

Note: For Traditional Collection, select cleaner pieces without bark. The taste is subtle—slightly piney and earthy.

Quick heat method:

1. Lightly crush 5-7 pieces of frankincense
2. Place in a small glass jar with 3oz carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or rosehip)
3. Gently heat in a double boiler for 2-3 hours on low heat
4. Strain through cheesecloth into a dark dropper bottle
5. Store in a cool, dark place—lasts 6-12 months

Use: Apply 3-5 drops to clean, damp skin morning or evening. Perfect for anti-aging skincare routines.

We ship directly from Oman, where our frankincense is sourced and packaged. This ensures you receive the freshest, most authentic product possible—no middlemen, no warehouses, straight from the source to your door.

Estimated delivery times:

• GCC countries: 2-4 business days
• Europe & UK: 3-6 business days
• USA & Canada: 5-10 business days
• Australia: 4-8 business days

All orders include tracking. Customs processing may add 1-3 days in some countries.

Yes! We offer free international shipping on orders over $59. For orders under $59, standard shipping rates apply based on your location.

For hygiene and safety reasons, we do not accept returns or exchanges once the product has been opened or used.

For quality concerns: If you believe your frankincense is not authentic or doesn't meet our quality standards, contact us immediately. We'll make it right—whether that's a replacement or full refund, even if opened.

Store your frankincense in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The glass jars (Premium Collection) and resealable pouches (Traditional Collection) are designed to keep your resin fresh.

Tips:

• Keep away from moisture and humidity
• Avoid storing near heat sources
• Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use
• Room temperature (60-75°F / 15-24°C) is ideal

Frankincense resin is incredibly stable and does not expire in the traditional sense. When stored properly, it can last for years—even decades—without losing its aromatic properties.

In fact, some practitioners believe frankincense improves with age, developing deeper, more complex notes over time.

Yes, frankincense resin is generally safe when used as intended. However:

For burning: Always use in a heat-safe burner on a stable surface. Never leave burning charcoal unattended. Use in well-ventilated areas. Keep away from children and pets.

For infusion/ingestion: Use only clean, bark-free pieces. Start with small amounts. If you have health conditions or are pregnant/nursing, consult a healthcare provider first.

For skincare: Always dilute in carrier oil. Patch test on inner wrist before facial use. Discontinue if irritation occurs.

Burning frankincense for aromatherapy is generally considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.

Infusing or ingesting frankincense should only be done after consulting with your healthcare provider, as there is limited research on internal use during pregnancy.

When in doubt, always consult your doctor or midwife before use.