Frankincense (Somalian) Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil – Somalian (Boswellia carterii)

Origin: Native to the Horn of Africa, primarily Somalia, which is the largest producer, also found across Djibouti, Ethiopia, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The oil is steam-distilled from the dried resin (oleogum resin) of the frankincense tree, which belongs to the Burseraceae (frankincense/myrrh) family. The resin is harvested by making careful incisions in the bark of the tree, from which the milky sap exudes and hardens into the distinctive tear-shaped resin "tears." Boswellia carterii is one of several frankincense species – others include Boswellia sacra (Omani), Boswellia serrata (Indian), Boswellia frereana (Coptic), and Boswellia papyrifera (Ethiopian) – each producing oils with distinctly different scent profiles and chemical compositions. Frankincense is one of the most ancient and revered aromatic substances in human history, traded along the great incense routes for thousands of years and referenced in historical and sacred texts across many cultures.

Scent: Warm, resinous, and richly balsamic with a fresh, bright, slightly citrusy top quality. Complex and multilayered – there's a distinctive, clean, turpentine-like freshness that opens into a deep, warm, woody, amber-like warmth. Subtly spicy and peppery with a faint, sweet, honeyed depth. Somalian frankincense tends to be brighter, more citrusy, and more resinous than other species, with a classic, clean, incense-like quality. Elegant, grounding, and remarkably long-lasting – one of the most iconic, timeless, and universally appreciated scents in perfumery and aromatic traditions.

Uses:

• A cornerstone of natural perfumery – one of the most iconic and versatile resinous materials, adding warm, balsamic depth, brightness, and elegant structure to blends
• A classic addition to diffuser blends, bringing a warm, rich, contemplative atmosphere to any space
• Widely used in candle making and soap crafting for its rich, resinous, timeless character
• Blends beautifully with myrrh, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, lavender, rose, bergamot, orange, ylang ylang, and patchouli oils
• Popular in artisan fragrance work for resinous, woody, oriental, incense, and luxury compositions
• Historically associated with sacred, spiritual, and ceremonial traditions across many cultures, valued for its deep, revered aroma
• An excellent fixative in blending – helps to anchor and extend the longevity of lighter, more volatile oils in a composition

Important Information:

• For External Use Only
• There are several species of Boswellia, each producing a different oil 
  
• Always dilute with a suitable carrier oil before applying to skin
• Perform a patch test before use
• Consult a qualified professional before use if pregnant or nursing
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Store in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness

Available in 5ml, 10ml, 30ml and 50ml sizes

Supplied in glass amber bottles with an inbuilt dropper and tamper evident cap

COA available on request.

Due to the low flashpoint, we are unable to send this item outside the UK

Images are for display purposes only

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