There are few essential oils with a longer, more distinguished history than that of frankincense. Known around the world simply as incense, boswellia carteri has been in use since antiquity. Frankincense is an aromatic gum that comes from certain species of trees that are found only in southern Oman, Yemen and Somalia. The resin and essential oil are also known as African elemi. Today, almost all of the commercial frankincense comes from Somalia. Frankincense trees originated in the Dhofar valley and carried great economic importance to figures such as the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Recent evidence has indicated that frankincense was exported to China during the Ming Dynasty.

The earliest recorded use of the substance is found in an inscription on the tomb of a 15th century BC Egyptian queen named Hathsepsut. Ancient Egyptians would burn the substance as incense and ground the charred resin into a powder called kohl. Kohl was used to make the distinctive black eyeliner seen on so many Egyptian art figures. The frankincense trade peaked at the time of the Roman Empire, in the first century BC. The emperor Nero was said to have burned it by the ton at religious ceremonies. Traces of frankincense were also found in King Tut's tomb. The trade lasted for over 1,000 years and declined with the drop in demand after the fall of the Roman Empire, and because of extremely high taxes. The frankincense trade route, one of the most ancient international trade routes, led from Southern Arabia to Ghaza in Palestine, running inland roughly parallel to the Red Sea and covering the total distance of almost 2,100 miles. There was not a temple or wealthy home in Babylon, Egypt, Greece, Jerusalem or Rome which did not require the precious resin and was prepared to pay for their weight in gold.

The resin is soluble in chemical solvents and the essential oil can be steam distilled. The solvent extraction process produces a viscous, almost solid substance called a resinoid. Oil of frankincense is slightly viscous, yellow to green with a deeply balsamic, fresh-resinous aroma. Sweet-lemony or green apple-like notes add complexity to the overall aroma profile of good quality oil. Thin, short-lived aromas are indicative of poor quality or adulterated oil. It blends well with sandalwood, pine, vetiver, bergamot, cinnamon and others. Frankincense oil isused primarily as a base note in oriental, spicy and men's fragrances. Frankincense essential oil contains primarily monoterpene compounds, which makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. It is useful for wounds, acne and dry, chapped, mature skin. Frankincense supports the respiratory system and immune system weakened by colds, flu, bronchitis, coughs and laryngitis. It also supports the nervous system during times of anxiety, stress and nervous tension. Frankincense has the ability to slow and deepen respiration, thereby allowing feelings of calm, comfort and serenity that helps a person to feel centered, introspective and meditative. Frankincense also benefits the digestive and urinary systems as well.