Frankincense CO2, Somalia

Our exceptional Frankincense CO2 from Somalia is highly prized in perfume formulas as an outstanding fixative and for providing good tenacity. The CO2 extraction process captures a broader spectrum of the classic aromatic profile and offers greater stability to the oil compared to steam distilled Frankincense oil. Frankincense CO2 should age to perfection with its clear, rich, smooth, and outstanding aroma! Regarding Boswellia carteri and Boswellia sacra essential oils, recent research indicates that their chemical compositions are similar enough to be considered from the same species, however other attributes are sufficiently diverse as to support species differentiation.[1] 

Frankincense, along with other prized aromatics, spices, precious stones, rare woods, feathers, animal skins, and gold was transported by caravans on the Incense Route and enjoyed a flourishing trade from Yemen and Oman in the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean for nearly 500 years.[2] Egyptians used Frankincense extensively, and the pharaohs believed that burning it allowed them to commune with the gods. Its Arabic name, Olibanum, is derived from al Luban, which means milk, a reference to the milky sap that exudes from the wound in a tree after an incision is made in the bark. The sap serves a purpose for the tree as it seals the incision from the elements; this exudate forms resinified ‘tears’ from which Frankincense oils are extracted.[3]

The supplier of the raw resin for making this extract is FairWild® certified whose team performs a ‘gentle harvest’ in an area where commercial lumbering is not permitted. That means only a few collecting families are authorized, thus yields are extremely limited. Their precious groves of Frankincense trees are rotated and scratched for gum harvest only every third year; scratching between leafing periods is strictly forbidden. Once a tree has been harvested, it is left to rest, unlike those of some other suppliers who exhaust their trees by harvesting twice per year or more.[4]

Once a rare and precious commodity used for millennia by many religious, shamanistic and secular cultures, Frankincense oil, like Myrrh, offers many different beneficial possibilities. It is especially valued for use in skincare preparations (with Patchouli or Neroli), in diffusers (with Lemon or Pine), for massage (with Palmarosa or Lavender),[5] and in meditation blends (with Sandalwood or Orange). Frankincense is legendary in its traditional and sacred uses and its ability to calm and elevate the spirit. [6, 7]

Each Frankincense oil that we offer is of exceptional quality, possessing unique features and characteristics distinct from one another. From a traditional view, one might choose one of our hydrodistilled Frankincense essential oils, particularly for aromatherapy purposes. However, both of our Frankincense CO2 oils offer the natural botanical perfumer a more complete aromatic profile with higher, brighter top notes and deeper, more complex bottom notes than the steam distilled Frankincense oils.