Here's a comparison table of the four main types of frankincense:
Key differences:
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Boswellia sacra is considered the highest quality and is often called "sacred" frankincense
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Boswellia serrata is unique for its high α-thujene content and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine
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Boswellia carterii is the most studied and well-known species, with a balanced chemical profile
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Boswellia frereana lacks boswellic acids but is prized in perfumery and skincare for its unique aroma and anti-aging properties
Are Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii the same?
Many websites and older reference books treat Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carterii as if they were the same tree and use the names interchangeably for “frankincense.” This is because, for many years, botanists grouped the trees from Oman/Yemen (sacra) and from Somalia/Horn of Africa (carterii) under one species. Large databases and even Wikipedia still repeat this older view, which is why you will often see them listed as “synonyms.”
More recent scientific work has shown that the two are in fact closely related but distinct species, with reliably different chemical “fingerprints” in their essential oils. Boswellia sacra resin and oil typically come from the Arabian Peninsula, while Boswellia carterii is harvested mainly in the Horn of Africa, and each has its own balance of natural aromatic compounds and aroma nuances.
On our labels and website, we clearly state which species we are using (by Latin name and country of origin) so that you know exactly which frankincense you are working with and can choose the profile that best suits your needs.