What is Somali Uunsi?
Uunsi, the Somali word for frankincense, is largely sourced from Boswellia trees across East Africa, and for Somaliland, where I am from, it is one of their most important natural resources. Uunsi is often burned in a dabqaad, a burner pot that is usually made of white clay.
Why do I love the smell of frankincense?
Frankincense Essential Oil is distilled from the aromatic resin of frankincense trees. The essential oil tends to smell sweeter, cleaner and fresher than the resin, and more people prefer the aroma of the essential oil to that of the resin when it is burned as incense.
Is bakhoor allowed in Islam?
The burning of bakhoor and oud chips and other resins by Muslims is in no way solely something which Muslims do. Arab Christians, Jews and even the Chinese and Japanese use agarwood and burn bakhoor and frankincense too. It’s not a tradition linked to any one nationality, culture or religion.
Is bakhoor bad for health?
Heavy exposure and for long durations can cause permanent damage. Our studies in the UAE found that bakhoor and other scents are irritants for asthmatic people.” “The fumes can cause respiratory symptoms, including asthma, headaches and worsen symptoms for those who suffer from allergies.”
Which is better frankincense or myrrh?
It’s impossible to talk about Myrrh without talking about its sister fragrance, Frankincense. Both Frankincense and Myrrh are resins derived from the sap of trees. Both scents are on the bolder, stronger side. Frankincense is sweet, warm, and woodsy, while Myrrh is more earthy with slight licorice notes.
Where does the word uunsi come from in Somaliland?
Uunsi, the Somali word for frankincense, is largely sourced from Boswellia trees across East Africa, and for Somaliland, where I am from, it is one of their most important natural resources. Uunsi is often burned in a dabqaad, a burner pot that is usually made of white clay.
Why do Somalis use uunsi as a house smell?
According to the elder Somali community, uunsi is used to lift your spirits and make the house smell clean with its powerful scent that lingers for hours. Uunsi is commonly used in Somali households across the globe and is one of the connecting daily routines for the wider Somali diaspora.
When do you use uunsi in Your House?
Traditionally, uunsi is used after meals, in the evening, or during special occasions, with different types of bukhoor being used. According to the elder Somali community, uunsi is used to lift your spirits and make the house smell clean with its powerful scent that lingers for hours.