Frankincense

   Frankincense; a resin obtained from the Boswellia tree is rich in history, and comes in a great variety of species. Though there are 4 main sources for what we know as frankincense, other species do exist but are less sought after. Even some though are nearly identical in composition, though are cultivated from different regions and of different grades of resin. My aim is to help sort through the options one has! As these are all Frankincense, they shall share various uses, though some varieties seem better suited for certain applications.
   Each Frankincense has a specific compound profile giving them their unique characteristics. I will NOT be doing justice(currently) to every constituent of each variety. Though I have in my pouring over of various resources, found some generalizations to their predominant features, mainly the monoterpenes. I will at very least, note which each Frankincense is notorious for containing. 

   ANOTHER interesting thing to consider in Frankincense for therapeutic qualities is Co2 extraction, which contain a more complex profile of the frankincense itself. Though, these are not TRUE essential oils, they are extracts. Buying a high grade essential oil is going to be more likely to yield therapeutic effects, where as an oil that is merely for fragrance isn't going to be beneficial whatsoever.

Boswellia Carteri/Sacra

   Easily the most common of the frankincense, I list Carteri/Sacra together because they are near identical with only minor differences. The largest is, location. Carteri is a product of Somalia, Sacra of the middle east(Typically Oman), and often of a grade of resin dubbed Houjari. Scent/profile wise they are also very similar. Though from my experiences(and these are subjective, opinions on oils tend to vary among individuals), Carteri has a "spicer" note to it, Sacra seems "cleaner" in scent with a vague ghost of licorice. Both are fantastic oils, I have 1 of each I am in love with. 

   Therapeutically both offer similar levels of constituents. Both are excellent for meditation, bronchodilation, and an excellent enhancer for muscle rubs. Though frankincense carries a world of other claims of applications, one will have to further research for themselves for the sake of space and length of this article. Carteri and Sacra usually display higher levels of a-pinine.

          Uses

• Improve/deepen breathing (great accompanied with Eucalyptus)
• Immune support
• Muscle rub
• Depression
• Inflammation(skin)
• Meditation

Boswellia Frereana 

   A truly stand out variant of the species and a personal favorite. Often referred to as the "King of Frankincese", it is extremely fragrant and a little bolder than its cousins. The location of Frereana has been a topic of interest lately, but my findings are it is a product of Somalia, though distillation is likely to occur elsewhere. It's scent is more broad than the others, very pronounced, carrying a boldly spicy, musky, balsamic, slightly woody scent. This species of Frankincense is less studied than its cousin Carteri, but findings are indicating it is equally if not exceeding beneficial in therapeutic qualities. Feedback and experiences with this oil have been QUITE positive, and is absolutely my personal favorite.  A truly magnificent oil. Frereana seems to be the only species yielding a-phellandrenes.

          Uses

• Skincare
• Cuts & scar prevention
• Improve breathing
• Immune support
• Muscle rub
• Depression
• Meditation

Boswellia Serrata

   Often referred to as Indian Frankincense, this is also a fantastic variety and holds a strong place in Ayurvedic medicine, and rightfully so. Like other varieties of Boswellia, it is fantastically anti-inflammatory. Probably even better suited for muscle/joint rubs than the others. It's use in the treatment of arthritis reaches back in history. Though the resin of Serrata is one of the highest containing resins of Boswellic Acid in boswellia species, it is not present in the oil. Laws of chemistry prevent this, claims of any essential oil containing BA(boswellic acid) have not been confirmed, and if in fact it does it is a strong indication of EO adulteration. Serrata is typical of containing higher levels of a-thujene. 

          

          Uses

• Joint pain. (Particularly osteo-arthritis)
• Stomach ulcers. 
• Depression
• Meditation