Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is used in the production of incense as a binder, stabilizer, and combustion facilitator.

It unites the incense ingredients, stabilizes the mixture, contributes to the aroma and allows for slow and safe burning.

It is a natural, biodegradable and non-toxic substance.

Gum Arabic, also called acacia gum, is a natural resin extracted from two species of Acacia, Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal, native to the sub-Saharan region, a region of the African continent below the Sahara Desert.

Gum Arabic has been used for more than 5,000 years, being known since ancient Egypt. It is the best known and oldest of the natural gums, in the time of the pharaohs it was used in the mummification process, helping to embalm mummies. It was also used as a binder for cosmetics and perfumes.

Ancient Egyptian writings mention a product called kami, a form of gum that was used as a binder and adhesive for pigments used to paint hieroglyphic inscriptions. There are inscriptions of this gum in paintings dating from the reign of Ramesses III and in later inscriptions.

In the Middle Ages, the gum arabic trade was controlled by the Turkish Empire and was called Turkish gum. At the same time, the rubber business resumed in Bombay, India and was also called Indian rubber, although it did not last long as it came from another tree native to India.

Starting in the 15th century, Europeans began to acquire gum arabic and sell it in Europe, and in the 17th century it gave rise to the Chewing Gum War, with opposition between the French, Dutch, Portuguese and British who sought a monopoly on gum arabic in the European market.

Gum Arabic is harvested every 10 days only during the dry season, between October and June, since it does not form during the rainy season.

Gum Arabic is usually used in the manufacture of incense, as a binder in the manufacture of natural incense.

Origin: Saudi Arabia.