Obtained by steam distillation of oleo gum resin. B. carteri (also known as B. sacra or Birdwood) is mainly from Somalia, B. frereana from Oman and B. serrata from India. B. sacra is available from Oman. The essential oils are pale yellow or greenish with sweet balsamic scent. Frankincense/Olibanum oil, Oman (The Best!) Olibanum is distilled from incense tears, the hard little droplets from the small African trees. When steam distilled the oil produced is "strongly diffusive, fresh-terpeney, almost green-lemon-like or reminiscent of green unripe apple peel." The low notes tend to be sweet, woody and slightly balsamic.

Main Components: alpha-thujene, alpha-pinene, octyl acetate, and other monoterpene hydrocarbons.
Actions*: antiseptic, antiinflammatory, astringent, diuretic, tonic, expectorant, stimulating to the limbic system of the brain.
Applications*: relieves stress, for meditation, colds, asthma, bronchitis, blemishes, wounds.
Safety data: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.