What is Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil?

Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree. This tree grows naturally in the dry, rocky landscape of the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia and parts of Oman and Yemen. Frankincense Carterii is known for the classic frankincense scent associated with churches, temples and spiritual rituals.

The scent is warm, balsamic and gently sweet, with woody and light citrus notes. Carterii has a rounder, fuller scent than its Indian sister Serrata. The oil itself is clear to light yellow and has a somewhat thicker consistency. In cold temperatures the oil can become slightly syrupy, just warm it between your hands and it becomes fluid again.

The main components are alpha-pinene and limonene, together with sabinene, myrcene and smaller amounts of boswellic acids. The high alpha-pinene content gives Carterii its gentle, clear-fresh character that is so beloved in meditation and spiritual practices.

How is Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil made?

Small incisions are made in the bark of the Boswellia carterii tree from which the resin flows out. The resin solidifies in the air into tears, amber-colored drops that are hand-harvested. This is traditionally done by local communities in Somalia and surrounding regions, often in a process that has been passed down through families for generations.

The resin drops then go through the distillation process, where they are heated in steam. The volatile aromatic compounds come along with the steam and condense into a liquid. The essential oil floats on top, that's what you find in this bottle. For the extraction of just a few drops of oil, a considerable amount of resin is needed. This explains the preciousness of frankincense and the age-old association with gold.

What is the difference between Frankincense Carterii and Serrata?

Both oils come from the Boswellia genus but from different tree species and from different parts of the world.

Carterii comes from Somalia and surrounding regions in the Horn of Africa, with a high content of alpha-pinene and limonene. Gives the classic, warm frankincense scent we know from churches and temples. An excellent choice for meditation, contemplation and spiritual practices.

Serrata comes from India, with a higher concentration of boswellic acids and a drier, sharper scent. Is traditionally used in Ayurveda and is a more accessible choice in terms of price and availability.

For those who want the classic, round frankincense scent and primarily use the oil for meditation and rest, Carterii is the favorite. For those looking for the sharper, more herbal Ayurvedic frankincense, Serrata is an excellent choice.

Benefits of Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil

Provides comfort in difficult times
The warm, balsamic scent of Carterii has a comforting, calming effect. The oil has been used since ancient times in times of grief and sorrow and can help create a safe atmosphere where feelings are allowed to be.

For deep meditation
Carterii is the classic meditation oil. The gentle, resinous scent helps calm the mind and turn attention inward. An excellent choice for the diffuser during yoga, meditation or an evening ritual.

For mature skin
Frankincense has been valued in skincare for mature skin for thousands of years. An excellent addition to face oils, serums and balms for smooth, vital skin.

For a grounding atmosphere
The scent of Carterii evokes associations with temples and sacred places and gives a sense of peace and connection at home.

How do you use Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade care products we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). Suitable carriers are for example jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or a richer oil like rosehip oil.

In a diffuser
Put 4 to 6 drops in an aroma diffuser for a warm, contemplative atmosphere. Beautiful to combine with sandalwood and cedarwood for deep relaxation, or with lavender for an evening ritual.

In a meditation blend
Combine Frankincense Carterii with myrrh for a classic frankincense blend in the diffuser. Or mix with a carrier oil to a 1 percent roll-on for the wrists before and during meditation.

In a face oil for mature skin
Add 1 percent Frankincense Carterii to a carrier oil like rosehip oil or jojoba oil. Use in the evening as the last step in the skincare routine.

In a ritual body balm
Add to a DIY balm with shea butter and coconut oil for a grounding, comforting body balm that you use in times of rest or change.

What is so special about Frankincense Carterii?

Frankincense belongs to the oldest used aromatic resins in the world. In ancient Egypt it was burned as an offering to the gods and used in ointments for embalming. Frankincense is mentioned in the Papyrus Ebers, one of the most important medical papyrus scrolls from Ancient Egypt. The Babylonians burned the resin in spiritual ceremonies. According to the Old Testament, frankincense was one of the gifts that the three kings brought to the baby Jesus, along with gold and myrrh.

Today Carterii is still associated with spirituality and ritual. The oil is used in churches, temples, yoga studios and meditation spaces worldwide. For those who want to experience the classic frankincense scent, Carterii is the most authentic choice.

Tips when using Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat.
• Always close the bottle properly after use. Through contact with air the oil can lose its scent and effectiveness faster.
• The oil can become somewhat syrupy in cold temperatures. Just warm the bottle between your hands and it flows easily again.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Points of attention

Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil naturally contains limonene and linalool, which can cause an allergic reaction for some people.

According to IFRA guidelines, the legal maximum in leave-on products on the skin in most categories is around 6 percent. Our practical working dosage for homemade care products is 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams of product). This gives room to combine multiple essential oils in one recipe without exceeding the legal allergen limits.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using on larger surfaces. Always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.