Frankincense, Somalia EO

Our hydrodistilled Frankincense from Somalia has an ethereal, dry, diffusive aroma with bright citrus top notes over a deep, resinous/coniferous, slightly peppery and balsamic undertone without any harsh notes. Beautiful! 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] 

Our supplier trains the local Somalian people in collecting the resin from Frankincense trees. The harvesters are paid in advance, supplied with equipment and resources, medical support as needed, and in times of drought their basic needs are provided. In addition, the company helps to resolve diverse issues within the community; for example, providing support for the excavation of water wells, building a school for orphans and the needy, and for building a hospital – all with the view to help provide a secure and decent life for the harvesters, their children and their families – a worthy endeavor we are proud to support.

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 both 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 distilled Frankincense oils.