The Wisdom of Frankincense: Comparing Sacra, Serrata & Carterii

There’s a reason frankincense has been called the “king of essential oils.” Used for thousands of years in spiritual ceremonies, healing rituals, and daily wellness practices, this ancient resin continues to bring calm, clarity, and support to mind and body.

At Jade Bloom, we carry three distinct varieties of 100% pure frankincense essential oil:

• Frankincense Carterii

• Frankincense Serrata

• Frankincense Sacra

While all three offer incredible benefits, each comes from a different tree species, region, and distillation process. This leads to subtle but important differences in scent, viscosity, cost, and ideal uses.

Let’s explore how they compare, and why one might suit your wellness or skincare needs better than another.

Frankincense Carterii (Boswellia carterii)

The emotional healer and internal ally

Sourced from: Somalia

This variety is steam-distilled from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, native to the arid climates of East Africa.

Scent + Texture:

• Rich, balsamic, slightly citrusy

• More viscous than Serrata

• Slightly more expensive due to lower yield and labor-intensive extraction

Key Chemical Constituents:

• α-pinene – Anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator

• Limonene – Uplifting and stress-relieving

• Incensole acetate – Shown to promote calm and reduce anxiety via brain signaling pathways
  Source

Best For:

• Deep emotional release

• Meditation and breathwork

• Skin support (scars, aging, and tone)

Note: Because Carterii requires more raw resin for the same output as Serrata, it is naturally more expensive but many say its emotional and spiritual effects are unmatched.

Frankincense Serrata (Boswellia serrata)

The inflammation fighter and skin savior

Sourced from: India

Often known as “Indian frankincense,” this variety is distilled from Boswellia serrata, a tree native to the subcontinent.

Scent + Texture:

• Lighter and spicier than Carterii

• Less viscous

• More cost-effective due to higher resin yield

Key Chemical Constituents:

• Boswellic acids (AKBA) – Powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic
  Source

• β-caryophyllene – Supports inflammation modulation and skin barrier health

• α-thujene – Known for antimicrobial activity

Best For:

• Joint and arthritis support

• Skin issues (hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles)

• Enhancing focus and clarity

• Affordable daily use in skincare routines

???? Jenn’s take: I often recommend Serrata for those new to frankincense or needing something that supports both body and budget. it’s like the all-purpose version with no compromise in purity.

Frankincense Sacra (Boswellia sacra)

The spiritual ally and skin softener

Sourced from: Oman, Yemen, and Somalia

Frankincense Sacra comes from the Boswellia sacra tree, which is closely related to Carterii but smaller and with pale yellow-white flowers.

Scent + Texture:

• Soft, sweet, and deeply resinous

• Creates a sacred, grounding atmosphere

• Sits beautifully in meditative spaces

Key Chemical Constituents:

• α-pinene – Anti-inflammatory and calming

• Incensole acetate – Helps create feelings of peace and emotional safety

• Octyl acetate – Unique to Sacra; offers mild astringent and antimicrobial action
  Source

Best For:

• Meditation, prayer, and energy clearing

• Softening and hydrating dry, cracked skin

• Diffusing in sacred or emotionally intense spaces

• Calming respiratory support

Jenn’s tip: Sacra is my personal go-to during meditation or tough emotional days. It’s like it holds the space so I don’t have to.

 

Comparison Chart

 

A Royal Blend: King’s Elixir

Why choose just one?

King’s Elixir is a Jade Bloom customer favorite that combines Frankincense Carterii, Serrata, and Sacra into one harmonizing blend. The result? A deeply supportive oil that caters to body, mind, and spirit.

Why this blend works:

• Layered support – Inflammation, skin repair, emotional balance

• Aromatic synergy – Balances the bright sharpness of Serrata with the deep balsamic notes of Carterii and the sacred sweetness of Sacra

• Spiritual and physical integration – Ideal for diffusing, blending, or wearing as a natural fragrance

 

Frankincense has long been a companion in both sacred spaces and everyday wellness. Whether you’re looking for physical relief, emotional clarity, or a way to root yourself in the present moment, there’s a type of frankincense that meets you right where you are.

And sometimes… the real magic comes when you blend them together.