Co-Impact Sourcing: dōTERRA Frankincense

Fact: Boswellia carterii trees grow very well in sandy soil and produce much smaller resin. It is also considered one of the most rounded and commonly harvested types of resin tear. Frereana is the largest resin out of the three species. Frereana trees do not like sandy soil; they grow best in rocky, dry regions, often along slopes and ravines. Sacra trees thrive in limestone soil and are often found on cliffs or large boulders.

The harvesting of frankincense resin requires great skill and years of practice to perform correctly. doTERRA works with artisans who have fine-tuned and perfected this delicate process. The harvesting process in most cases takes over five months to complete and is very difficult work. Harvesters leave their home, travel for days, and live in caves as they harvest and protect their trees only to return and not get paid enough to provide food for their families. Only 40 percent of the frankincense trees in Somalia are currently being harvested for this reason.

After farmers harvest the tears, the women go through and hand grade everything by color, size, and cleanliness of the resin. The quality of the oil has very much to do with the grade and the quality of the harvested resin. Recently, doTERRA developed more partnerships in this region, where they bypass the brokers and work directly with the harvesters—paying them a fair and substancial wage. In some rural areas where money has little or no value, doTERRA pays in food and commodities– literally feeding entire villages. Through the Co-Impact Sourcing program, you can be a part of improving the livelihood and economies in ancient lands where frankincense continues to grow today. This responsible approach is the key to ensuring the long-term supply of therapeutic grade essential oils in our modern day.