Page 6 - Frankincense eGuide

Plant Description

Frankincense oil is derived from the Boswellia sacra tree and trees of a similar
species. The Boswellia sacra is characterized by its thin and peeling bark,
tangled branches, and clustered leaves at the end of the branches. The trunks
of these trees often have more than one stem; however, some have only one
trunk.

These trees can grow up to 8 meters and are commonly found growing on
rocky slopes and southern coastal mountains. The Boswellia sacra is native to
Ethiopia, northern Somalia, south-western Oman, and southern Yemen.2

Frankincense oil is produced from the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree. The
resin of a tree is a sap-like substance with a high viscosity. For centuries, the
resin of the tree has been obtained by slashing or making an incision into the
tree, which then emits large amounts of resin. After the resin secretes from the
tree, it is then scraped off or collected as it drips onto the ground. When
doTERRA obtains the resin from trees, the trees are carefully scored or “bled.”
From there, the resin is delicately distilled and essential oils are extracted.