Let's Compare Frankincense Species

While Frankincense is one of the most versatile essential oils in existence, no matter which you choose, there are differences between them. Each Frankincense is very similar in makeup because they encompass very similar properties, and are each made from the resin of a Boswellia tree species. Each species produces a slightly different iteration of frankincense essential oils.

It's these subtle differences that make one Frankincense shine over the other in different areas, and it's their similarities that make them all broadly useful in the same areas. 

Differences Between Frankincenses

Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil

• respiratory support
• menstrual pain
• nerve pain
• swollen joints

Frankincense Frereana 

• wrinkles and scars
• minor wounds and cuts
• dry skin
• eczema and psoriasis
• immune support
• relaxation
• mood support

Frankincense Carteri 

• pain relief
• anti-inflammatory
• bruising
• antibacterial
• antispasmodic
• emotional support

Frankincense Species Commonalities

Frankincense essential oil all share properties that are widely used for a number of benefits. No matter which Frankincense you choose, you will be able to use it for any number of things

• skincare
• household cleaning
• emotional support
• reduce pain
• reduce inflammation
• immune system support
• decreases bruising
• relieves muscle spasms
• relaxation
• stabilizes mood
• respiratory health
• oral health
• anti cancerous 

The fact is, it likely won't matter which essential oil you choose if you just want to enjoy the fragrance or any number of benefits that Frankincense Essential Oil has to offer.  It can only help, however; to choose the species of essential oil that most closely targets the areas you are concerned about. Most importantly, I hope that you enjoy the process of exploring the differences in benefits and subtle differences in aroma. Continued blessings on your herbal wellness journey.

Resources:

Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

In humans, frankincense extracts may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (6).

Research suggests that its compounds may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause your bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma (5Trusted Source).

The boswellic acids it provides appear to have strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent and treat oral infections (18Trusted Source).

High school students with gingivitis chewed a gum containing either 100 mg of frankincense extract or 200 mg of frankincense powder for two weeks. Both gums were more effective than a placebo at reducing gingivitis (20Trusted Source).

A review of test-tube studies notes that boswellic acids may also prevent the formation of DNA in cancerous cells, which could help limit cancer growth (1Trusted Source).

Some test-tube research shows that frankincense oil may be able to distinguish cancer cells from normal ones, killing only the cancerous ones (23Trusted Source).

So far, test-tube studies suggest that frankincense may fight breast, prostate, pancreatic, skin and colon cancer cells (22Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).