The east african origin refers mainly to somalian resin but some of it also comes out of kenya olibanum comes from the bark of the boswellia species which is prompted to exude resin when incisions are made in the bark this oil is distilled in france from top quality resin european distillation allows better control over production than oils distilled at source frankincense has a smoky woody aroma and is considered by many diverse cultures as the most spiritual and prized of all essential