We get this question a lot. When it comes to which frankincense species to choose, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself:
- What are you going to use it for?
- Which scent do you prefer?
What are you going to use it for?
Whether it’s using your frankincense essential oil for therapeutic purposes applied topically, aromatherapy, as an ingredient, or all of the above, you’ll want to first have these questions answered. Different species may work better for certain ailments, and there is a fair amount of information available on the healing properties of both carteri and frereana. However, since carteri seems to be the more widely available to essential oil users, it is easier to find this kind of information for carteri than it is for frereana. Know what you’re looking to treat, fix, beautify, etc., and do some research.
If you’re somebody who uses essential oils primarily based on scent, then it’s all about preference. They may both be frankincense, but their scents are actually quite different.
Which scent do you prefer?
Boswellia frereana is a much less commonly found essential oil than Boswellia carteri. Many people have never smelled the frereana oil and are surprised by its distinct difference from the scent of Boswellia carteri. Earthen and slightly musky, the frereana wakes up your senses as soon as it hits your nose. It is a deeper, stronger scent than its lighter cousin, Boswellia carteri.
Slightly sweet and woody, the Boswellia carteri is a beautifully light scent that appeals to a larger audience. The carteri is a very relaxing scent. I like to have a bottle with me pretty much all the time to just deeply inhale if I feel stressed. It completely calms and centers me.
So, if you have to choose between the two, we hope this helps in making your decision. Both of these frankincense species are pretty magnificent in their own way and we use them both for so many things. We would love to know what all of you are using your carteri and frereana for? Please leave a comment and let us know.