Frankincense - Boswellia carteri

• Inhalation – Apply 1–2 drops to a cotton pad or tissue and inhale deeply. Ideal for moments of stillness, spiritual connection, or emotional overwhelm. Avoid direct contact with skin or mucous membranes.

• Bath – Dilute 5 drops in a carrier oil, full-fat milk, or unscented bath base before adding to warm water. Do not add essential oils directly to bathwater without a dispersing agent, as this may irritate the skin.

• Massage Oil – Dilute 1–3% in a carrier oil to support calm, ease, and reflection in bodywork. Up to 10% may be used for small, localised areas.

• Facial Oil – Blend at 0.5–1% dilution with a nourishing carrier oil. Particularly suited to dry, mature, or environmentally stressed skin.

• Perfume – Use as a spiritual heart or base note in natural perfumery. Frankincense’s scent evolves beautifully on the skin, offering both freshness and depth.

• Diffusion – Add 4–6 drops to a diffuser to create a space that feels sacred, peaceful, and emotionally clear.

• Ritual / Anointing – Dilute appropriately and apply to pulse points, the third eye, or heart space during intention setting, meditative practice, or moments of spiritual care, or apply to a cotton pad and breath deeply

• Adults (general use): 1–3%

• Adults (short-term/local use): up to 10%

• Facial care: 0.5–1%

• Children 0–2 years: 0.1–0.3%

• Children 2–7 years: 0.5–1.5%

• Children 7–12 years: 0.75–2.25%

Boswellia carterii, commonly known as frankincense, has been used for millennia in spiritual and ceremonial practices across many cultures. From ancient Egypt, where it was offered to the gods and used in sacred embalming rites, to India, where it has long played a role in devotional rituals and meditative practices, frankincense has earned a place as a sacred resin of deep reverence.

Its name, from the Old French franc encens, means “pure incense” and is often interpreted as “that which makes divine.”

• Frankincense is both grounding and expansive—its resinous aroma stills the mind, deepens the breath, and creates a sense of spacious clarity. It is often used to:Create sacred space before meditation, breathwork, or prayer

• Support energetic clearing and transitions, such as during grief, reflection, or renewal

• Anchor intention during ritual or anointing

• Restore a sense of connection to the inner self or to the unseen

When working with this oil, take a conscious breath and pause to acknowledge the land, the resin-bearing tree, the hands that harvest it, and the ancestral lineages, past, present, and future, that have honoured this sacred gift. Let the scent become an offering, to yourself, to the moment, and to the mystery.

Boswellia carterii (frankincense) has long been revered for its ability to create a sense of inner spaciousness and stillness. Its gentle, resinous aroma helps settle the breath, soothe emotional agitation, and encourage a return to calm presence.

It is especially supportive in times of:

• Stress and mental overwhelm – bringing clarity, composure, and calm

• Grief, sadness, or emotional processing – offering quiet comfort and emotional grounding

• Disconnection from the body – helping restore a sense of centred awareness and breath-based embodiment

• Spiritual fatigue or emotional burnout – acting as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and realign

This oil is often chosen for moments that require deep introspection, sacred transition, or simply a return to self. Whether diffused in the air, inhaled from a cloth, or used in ritual, frankincense encourages the nervous system to soften and the mind to settle—making space for clarity, peace, and inner restoration.

Boswellia carterii is a valued addition to cosmetic formulations, especially in products designed to promote skin clarity, softness, and overall condition. It is also commonly included in body oils and creams intended to support ease and comfort in muscles and joints, particularly as part of post-activity or self-care massage routines.

Commonly used to support the appearance of smooth, even-toned skin, particularly in mature or environmentally stressed complexions

Popular in cosmetic preparations aimed at enhancing the skin’s natural renewal process

A supportive ingredient in body care and massage blends, often chosen for use around the shoulders, neck, and jaw

Frequently included in respiratory-themed skincare or body products, where its aroma contributes to a feeling of openness and ease

Well suited for use in formulations designed for sensitive skin or more delicate age groups

Fresh, citrusy top notes with hints of green and camphoraceous brightness.

Middle notes reveal soft pine, light florals, and resinous clarity.

Base notes are warm, balsamic, and slightly woody with a subtle sweetness.

Generally considered non-toxic and non-sensitising. Boswellia carterii is gentle on the skin when properly diluted but may cause irritation if the oil has oxidised. Store well to maintain its integrity, and always dilute before topical use.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please seek guidance from a qualified clinical aromatherapist before topical use. Keep out of reach of children and avoid the eye area.

Although our founder is extensively trained in clinical aromatherapy and aromatic medicine, we do not recommend internal use of essential oils without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Internal use requires professional knowledge, individual assessment, and careful dosage control.

Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.

Shelf life: 2 years when stored correctly. Older oils may oxidise and should be evaluated before topical use.