Frankincense Carterii

Frankincense carterii

Description: Frankincense carterii has been used for thousands of years in spiritual rituals and as incense. It is derived from African and Middle Eastern tree gum resin. It can be used to soothe and revitalize the spirit. It's often used to ease areas of soreness.
Scientific Name: Frankincense carterii
Extraction Method: steam-distilled

Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil

Resinous • Warm • Sacred

Frankincense Carterii essential oil comes from the gum resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, native to the Horn of Africa. The resin is harvested by carefully scoring the bark, allowing the fragrant sap to harden. When steam-distilled, the resulting oil has a rich, complex aroma that combines resinous depth, woody tones, and subtle citrusy and balsamic highlights. A study comparing commercial and lab-distilled samples of Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oils” authenticity and composition helps illustrate how geography, processing, and species purity influence its fragrance profile.

Historical and Cultural Significance

For thousands of years, frankincense resin from Boswellia trees has held spiritual, ceremonial, and traditional value. In many cultures, Carterii resin is used in incense, ritual cleansing, and symbolic offerings. Its use in ancient trade routes and traditional healing texts highlights its longstanding importance. A comprehensive review of its germplasm, chemical composition, and traditional uses can be found in the study “Taxonomical Investigation, Chemical Composition, Traditional Use …” which specifically includes Boswellia carterii in its scope. Wiley study on Boswellia carterii

Chemical Composition

Chemical analyses of Carterii resin and its essential oil show that major volatile components include α-thujene, sabinene, limonene, and α-pinene. For example, a 2023 MDPI paper reports Carterii gum resin from Somalia to contain approximately 19.2% α-thujene, ~9.4% sabinene, ~7.8% limonene, and ~7.2% α-pinene among its primary volatile constituents. Effects of Frankincense Compounds on Infection, Inflammation and Composition gives a deeper breakdown of how growing region, extraction method, and resin quality affect the final composition.

Uses in Aromatherapy and Perfumery

Frankincense Carterii oil is valued for grounding and sacred-space qualities. Its deep resinous aroma anchors blends of woods, spices, and resins, and it is often used in meditation, ritual, and spiritual aromatherapy. Perfumers use it as a fixative and base note, pairing it with citrus, floral, or green top notes to add depth and longevity. Its aroma is generally considered warming and centering.

Sustainability & Quality Notes

Because Carterii resin is harvested from wild Boswellia trees, sustainable practices are crucial. Factors like over-tapping, climate stress, and habitat loss can impact resin yield and quality. The MDPI study on authenticating Carterii essential oils also highlights concerns about adulteration in commercial samples—finding that many oils sold as “pure B. carterii” show traces of other species or synthetic additives. Plants 2022 Carterii authenticity study suggests looking for GC-MS reports, source provenance, and purity testing when selecting oils.

Safety and Precautions

Frankincense Carterii essential oil is generally well tolerated when properly diluted. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and patch test especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoid contact with eyes. If pregnant, nursing, or managing health issues, consult a qualified professional before use. Ingestion of the essential oil is not advised unless supervised by a licensed expert.

References

Disclaimer: The above information relates to studies of specific individual essential oil ingredients, some of which are used in the essential oil blends for various MONQ diffusers. Please note, however, that while individual ingredients may have been shown to exhibit certain independent effects when used alone, the specific blends of ingredients contained in MONQ diffusers have not been tested. No specific claims are being made that use of any MONQ diffusers will lead to any of the effects discussed above. Additionally, please note that MONQ diffusers have not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MONQ diffusers are not intended to be used in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, prevention, or treatment of any disease or medical condition. If you have a health condition or concern, please consult a physician or your alternative health care provider prior to using MONQ diffusers. MONQ blends should not be inhaled into the lungs.Why? It works better that way