Samburu women in Kenya collect the naturally oozing resin, never cutting the tree.
We are proud to add a unique new aroma to our collection, the essential oil of Black Frankincense, Boswellia neglecta. Its rich aroma and extensive health benefits make it a gem among essential oils. As with all of our oils, this one is harvested sustainably, without harming the trees, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from its wonders.
We partner with trusted ally FairSource Botanicals to bring you the best of the best aromatic botanical wonders. This resin is hand collected by Samburu women as supplementary livelihood and then small-batch distilled locally. The collection of the resin is completely sustainable due to the lack of tapping, and the trees are monitored to ensure they are not threatened or in decline. However, as with other frankincense supply chains, the harvesters are traditionally disempowered and exploited, with low prices and frequent failure to pay by traders. As a result, our focus is on paying truly fair prices for the resin and acting as a stable, reliable partner for the community.
Whether you're looking to enhance your skin health, boost your immune system, or find a natural way to relax, Boswellia neglecta essential oil will provide a one-of-a-kind experience.
Origin and Plant Profile
Hailing from the Horn of Africa, specifically countries like Ethiopia and Somalia, Boswellia neglecta is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. With its thin, peeling bark and a sparse, irregular crown, this tree is a sight to behold in its native habitat. The trifoliate leaves, small white fragrant flowers, and woody seed capsules add to its unique appearance.
Harvesting and Cultivation
The resin of Boswellia neglecta, which gives us the prized black frankincense essential oil, is harvested sustainably. Resin is not actively tapped like other frankincense species. Instead, the resin lumps are collected from natural exudations that occur when pressure builds up in the resin canals or a passing animal scratches the tree. This hardened sap, or resin, is then collected, cleaned, and processed to extract the essential oil. This harmonizing “tree’s blood” is harvested by a community of Samburu women in Kenya, making it a product of community effort and tradition.
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