Frankincense trees are native to the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and Yemen) and North-eastern Africa (Somalia). The resin is extracted by making small incisions either in tree trunk or branches. The resinous tree sap flows out and hardens on contact with air forming so called ‘tears’ which are then collected by hand.
In many areas of the world frankincense resin was considered sacred and used as part of the religious ceremonies by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Israelites. In the 5th century BC, a Greek historian Herodotus wrote about frankincense being used by Egyptians in preparation of animal sacrifices and mummification. Frankincense is mentioned in various texts including the Bible.
Christian and Orthodox churches are well known for burning frankincense during their services. It is still used in many parts of the Arab world where many believe it is most protective helping to dispel evil spirits.
From our distillation of Frankincense essential oil distilled in Halkidiki, Macedonia. The origins of the Frankincense is Somalia.