Frankincense Carteri Essential Oil
Frankincense Caterii description
- Emotionally grounding
- Soothes skin blemishes & irritations
- Helps relax worked muscles & joints
- Botanical Name:
- Boswellia carterii
- Aromatic Scent:
- Resinous and earthy, with lemony-balsamic spices
- Shelf Life:
- 2-3 Years
- Country of Origin:
- Somalia
- Cautions:
- Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. External use only.
You have options when it comes to this particular essential oil, which can make it a bit tricky to find the right product. What are the different effects each option offers, and which one is right for you?
Does it really matter which one you get, or are they more or less the same?
We’ll answer these questions and more in the following paragraphs. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything there is to know about frankincense essential oils!
What Exactly is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense is derived from the Boswellia trees which are native to certain Middle Eastern and African countries, and India.
A deep cut is made on the tree bark from which resin flows out. This frankincense resin is allowed to dry out before it is harvested. It can then be burned to produce fragrant smoke.
Most religious ceremonies use frankincense as incense. If you’re familiar with the Christmas story, then you probably remember that the wise men brought frankincense as a gift. It has also been used in many traditional medicinal systems for thousands of years.
We’ll cover the specific benefits frankincense oil has in a moment – let’s first cover how each of the three varieties differs from the others.
What Are The Differences Between The Three Types Of Frankincense Essential Oil?
As it turns out, the three different types of frankincense really only vary in terms of aroma – the benefits and effects they offer are all incredibly similar!
Each has a distinct chemical profile. While the overall chemical makeup may seem similar, there are slight variations that make one variety more effective for specific applications over the others.
Each variety can also be distinguished by its scent which ranges from soft and sweet to bold and resinous.
That’s why for the most part, finding the right type of frankincense essential oil for you will be a matter of personal preference – which one smells best? You’ll have to try them all to truly find out!
The Different Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil
It doesn’t matter which variety you pick; overall, frankincense offers a range of benefits that can help alleviate painful conditions, maintain skin health, promote calm and relaxation, and much more.
- Supports the immune system
- Reduce acne scarring on the skin, and fade out stretch marks and blemishes
- Smooths out the appearance of wrinkles, adding elasticity to the skin
- Supports cartilage and joint function
- Relief from digestive issues
- Improve brain functions
- Promote sleep quality
Which to use frankincense Carterii or Serrata?
- Aroma: Lighter, spicier, and more herbaceous than carterii.
- Primary Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, particularly effective for joint and muscle pain (arthritis). Also used for menstrual pain relief.
- Common Uses: Blending with other oils for therapeutic benefits, especially those related to inflammation.
- Cost: Often more cost-effective due to higher resin yields.
- Aroma: Softer, more balanced, and with a slightly citrusy-balsamic scent.
- Primary Benefits: Calming, stress-relieving, and good for skin health.
- Common Uses: Aromatherapy, meditation, skincare products (lotions, facial oils), and perfumery. It is also used for respiratory support.
- Availability: Considered the most studied and best-known frankincense in the West.
For joint and muscle pain relief:
Choose serrata due to its high levels of boswellic acids and other anti-inflammatory compounds.
For emotional and aromatic support:
Choose carterii for its gentle aroma that is ideal for meditation, relaxation, and creating a calming atmosphere.
For skin applications:
Both have skin benefits, but carterii is frequently used in cosmetic formulations due to its milder scent and compatibility with other ingredients.
Carterii
For perfumery: is a popular choice for its rounded, clean scent, while serrata offers a spicier, more complex note.
