The final article in my series on the differences between frankincense oil species was intended to bring clarity to any remaining Boswellia bafflement. This bewilderment is a common side effect that many experience when trying to decipher between various oil bottles of this sacred plant. This kind of stress is exactly what I’m trying to prevent in my series of tips for staying sane during hectic (holiday) times; therefore, it was necessary to take a trip down biochemistry lane to explain the variations. After all, essential oils, especially frankincense oils, are one of my favorite remedies for staying calm during trying times.

In this video, I summarize all the key points in my posts on the differences between frankincense species. You will learn:

  1. More information on chemotypes and about factors that determine them. Even among similar species, there will be differences in chemotypes, or levels of predominant constituents.
  2. The importance of trusting your supplier and correlating research to what is in your bottle.
  3. The differences in chemical makeup and the resulting general properties of the four most popular frankincense species: sacra, B. carterii, B. freeana, and B. serrata. ***
  4. How manufactures may alter chemotypes for aesthetic or therapeutic reasons.
  5. How your biochemistry and individual needs will ultimately determine your experience with frankincense species oils.
  6. My two favorite frankincense species and why.
  7. Why any quality frankincense oil is better than none at all.

***Note the difference between the monoterpene thujene in B. serrata and thujone, the ketone and monoterpene found in other essential oils, such as sage oil. I discuss the unnecessary thujone-sage oil safety concern here.

 

I hope this series was helpful in remedying the worry around selecting the wrong frankincense oil!

Please share your comments and questions below.

What is your favorite frankincense species and why?

 

Thank you for reading.

 

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay!