Frankincense, Somalia - Organic EO

Our organic Frankincense from Somalia has smoky/lemony top notes balanced with sweet woody/resinous body notes; the drydown is clear, soft, balsamic. In 2005, our supplier helped create and continues to support three harvesting cooperatives in the Sanaag Region of Somalia where resin is sourced for distillation. These co-ops are a means of sustainability for both the communities and the ecology of the region. 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. This 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]

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),[4] 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. [5,6]

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.