Some Quick Introductory Explanations for Clarity:

When it comes to essential oils, you will often see them referred to by two Latin names, such as Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata. The Latin names stem from botanical taxonomy. Botanical refers to the plants, while taxonomy refers to the scientific categorization of the plant due to particular characteristics. Scientist use the Latin names as a way of ensuring that everyone is talking about the same thing. The Latin names are very specific, where a common name may be shared by multiple plants or essential oils.

Think of it like this:

• Genus is the plant’s family name

• Species is the plant’s specific identity within that family

I like to think of it all in terms of my family— we all share the same last name, but we have individual first names and personalities. My husband and I have 7 children. Every child is unique and is known by their own first name, personality, and individual characteristics. However, they are also identified with our shared last name. Similarly, all frankincense trees belong to the Boswellia genus, but each species (carterii, serrata, frereana, and others) is a different type of tree with its own characteristics.

This matters because different species can produce resins and essential oils with very different chemical profiles, aromas, and uses. When we label an oil only by its common name, we have no idea what the individual characteristics (the species) of that oil are. Knowing the species offers valuable insight into the wisest application and use of that particular oil.

Some helpful context:

What Is an Oleoresin?

Frankincense is not distilled from leaves or flowers. Instead, it comes from a substance called an oleoresin.

An oleoresin is a natural mixture of oils and resins produced by a plant, often as a protective response, such as when the bark is damaged. People have learned to collect and use this substance. When the bark of a frankincense tree is carefully cut, a milky sap slowly seeps out. This sap will harden, in time, with exposure to air, forming what are commonly called resin “tears.”

These resin tears are collected and used in different ways:

• Burned as incense

• Processed into extracts

• Steam-distilled to produce essential oil

The essential oil represents only the volatile (aromatic) portion of the oleoresin. The heavier resin components remain behind during distillation. The heavier a molecule is, the less likely it is to rise up (vaporize) during the distillation process—they are less volatile.

This means that not everything found in the raw resin will be found in the essential oil. For example, some well-known compounds associated with frankincense resin are not present in frankincense essential oils at all.

What Does “Aromatic” Mean in This Context?

In aromatherapy, aromatic compounds are those that easily evaporate and can be detected by our sense of smell. These compounds are why essential oils are so effective with inhalation.

Because only certain compounds are light enough to become aromatic, the essential oil captures specific constituents within the plant’s chemisty, not the whole plant or resin.

Why This Background Matters

Understanding basic plant classification and what oleoresins are helps explain why:

• Not all frankincense oils smell the same

• Not all frankincense oils behave the same

• Marketing claims can be confusing or misleading

• Botanical names and sourcing are so important in aromatherapy

Once you understand these foundations, the differences between types of frankincense become much easier to grasp.

Understanding the Different Types of Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is often spoken of as though it were a single substance, but in reality, “frankincense” refers to a group of aromatic oleoresins obtained from several species within the Boswellia genus. Each species produces a resin with a distinct chemical profile, aroma, and traditional use. In aromatherapy, the therapeutic actions of an essential oil are closely tied to its chemistry, not its common name.

Historically, frankincense has been valued for incense, perfumery, preservation, and religious or cultural rituals throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Today, it is widely used in aromatherapy for respiratory support, skin care, and emotional support. Unfortunately, when only the common name of “frankincense” is used, it leaves us unaware of which type of frankincense is being used and how we should use it.

This article explores the some of the most commonly encountered types of frankincense essential oil, focusing on their botanical source, general chemistry, and appropriate aromatherapy context.

What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?

Frankincense essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the hardened resin (rasin “tears”) that slowly seep from incisions made in the bark of Boswellia trees. While all true frankincense oils come from this genus, not all frankincense oils are chemically or therapeutically interchangeable. The dominant constituents vary significantly by species, which influences aroma, volatility, safety considerations, and practical use in aromatherapy—put simply, different species and have individual characteristics and therapeutic benefits.

The Main Types of Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oils – Comparison

Frankincense Essential Oil

B. carterii / B. sacra

What it Ssmells like

Fresh, clean, slightly pine-like, light resin

Areas of aromatic support

• Respiratory comfort (aromatic)
• Emotional steadiness and calm
• Skin support (diluted in blends)

Diving deeper

Typically rich in alpha-pinene, which contributes to fresh scent and quick evaporation

Good to know

Frequently mislabeled or blended; source and botanical name are important; often used as a baseline for comparison

Frankincense Oil

B. serrata

What it smells like

Warm, earthy, slightly spicy

Areas of aromatic support

• Physical comfort (diluted in blends)
• Support for muscle or joint areas
• General relaxation

Diving deeper

Different balance of aromatic compounds than Middle Eastern species, creating heavier, less sharp scent

Good to know

Research often focuses on resin extracts, not the oil; boswellic acids are absent in the essential oil

Frankincense Essential Oil

B. frereana

What it smells like

Soft, warm, slightly sweet, smooth

Areas of aromatic support

• Emotional comfort (aromatic)
• Aromatic enjoyment
• Suitable for sensitive noses

Areas of aromatic support

Lower in alpha-pinene, higher in heavier compounds, resulting in slower evaporation and softer scent

Good to know

Behaves differently from other frankincense oils; traditionally, resin was chewed; mainly valued for aroma

Frankincense Essential Oil

B. papyrifera

What it smells like

Dry, resin-forward, strong

Areas of aromatic support

• Respiratory support (aromatic)
• Helps maintain focus or concentration
• Environmental purification (aromatic)

Diving deeper

Higher in octyl acetate, contributing to sharper, greener aroma

Good to know

Stronger aroma than other oils; sustainability and ethical sourcing are important

Important context for readers

When we talk about “support” in aromatherapy, we are referring to non-medical, complementary use through aroma or properly diluted topical application. Essential oils are not medications, do not diagnose or treat conditions, and should not replace professional medical care.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

There are many open source and online resources that have not been listed below as well.

Important Clarification for Readers

Much of the research surrounding Boswellia focuses on resin extracts, not essential oils. While essential oils have their own valuable aromatic and topical applications, they do not contain all the same compounds found in whole resins or extracts. Understanding this distinction is key to interpreting research responsibly.

Additional Reading & Research-Informed Sources

As of the posting of this article, the following resources have not yet been fully vetted. However, they have been expressed to me as sources focused on plant chemistry, traditional use supported by research, and responsible application, rather than exaggerated claims or spiritual interpretations. I will be continuing to look into these and other sources so that I can make the most informed recommendations possible. I asked AI to compose some simple explanations for the books and sites below for your convenience.

Books & Textbooks on the Topic

Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare.
A foundational text used in clinical and academic settings that emphasizes safety, chemistry, and evidence-informed use of essential oils.

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
Considered one of the most authoritative resources on essential oil safety, contraindications, and proper use. Especially helpful for understanding species differences and chemical considerations.

Lawless, J. (2013). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.
Provides clear explanations of essential oil sources, extraction, and traditional uses, with an emphasis on plant identification and composition.

Baser, K. H. C., & Buchbauer, G. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications.
A more technical reference that explores essential oil chemistry, production methods, and biological activity from a research perspective.

Scientific & Botanical References

PubChem (National Center for Biotechnology Information – NCBI)
A publicly accessible database that provides peer-reviewed chemical information on individual constituents found in frankincense essential oils.

Phytochemistry Reviews & Journal Articles (Elsevier, Springer, Wiley)
Peer-reviewed journals that publish research on plant resins, oleoresins, and volatile compounds, including Boswelliaspecies.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Publishes standards related to essential oil identity and composition, helping ensure botanical accuracy and quality control.

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.
(Explains how essential oil chemistry affects safety, dilution, and appropriate use; includes species-specific considerations and helps clarify what essential oils do not contain.)

Baser, K. H. C., & Buchbauer, G. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications.
(A comprehensive scientific reference covering essential oil chemistry, extraction methods, and biological activity, including research on Boswellia species.)

PubChem – National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
(A publicly accessible database showing verified chemical constituents such as α-pinene or octyl acetate, helping readers understand what gives different frankincense oils their properties.)

ISO Standards for Essential Oils (International Organization for Standardization)
(Provides benchmarks for essential oil identity and composition, reinforcing why botanical naming and sourcing matter.)

Frankincense-Specific & Botanical References:

Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) – Phytochemistry & Ethnobotany Reviews
(Peer-reviewed journal articles examining traditional use, resin composition, and volatile compounds; helpful for understanding regional and species differences.)

Lawless, J. (2013). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils.
(An accessible reference explaining where oils come from, how they’re produced, and how different species vary.)

Coppen, J. J. W. (2005). Non-Wood Forest Products: Flavours and Fragrances of Plant Origin. FAO.
(Discusses frankincense harvesting, sustainability, and traditional uses from an agricultural and economic perspective.)