Frankincense sacra vs serrata vs carterii vs frereana | characteristics and differences

Here's a comparison table of the four main types of frankincense:
Characteristic Boswellia sacra Boswellia serrata Boswellia carterii Boswellia frereana
Origin Oman, Yemen India Somalia, East Africa Somalia
Aroma Sweet, light, almost floral
Spicy, complex, with herbal notes
Bold, deep, slightly citrusy
Bright, clean, not fruity or piney
Main Chemical Components High α-pinene (up to 80%)
High α-thujene
High α-pinene (30-60%)
Variable α-pinene and α-thujene
Oil Yield 9-10%
Around 10%
5-6%
About 2%
Main Uses Skincare, meditation, respiratory support
Ayurvedic medicine, anti-inflammatory
Skincare, aromatherapy, respiratory support
Perfumery, skincare (anti-aging)
Unique Properties Considered "sacred" frankincense
Contains boswellic acids
Most studied and well-known species
Lacks boswellic acids
Therapeutic Benefits Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immune support
Anti-arthritic, anti-asthmatic
Antimicrobial, expectorant
Skin rejuvenation, calming
Key differences:
  1. Boswellia sacra is considered the highest quality and is often called "sacred" frankincense
  2. Boswellia serrata is unique for its high α-thujene content and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine
     
  3. Boswellia carterii is the most studied and well-known species, with a balanced chemical profile
  4. Boswellia frereana lacks boswellic acids but is prized in perfumery and skincare for its unique aroma and anti-aging properties
It's worth noting that there's some debate in the scientific community about the distinction between B. sacra and B. carterii, with some researchers considering them the same species growing in different habitat