What is Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil?

Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil, also known as Indian frankincense, is extracted from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. This tree grows naturally in India and has been a central plant in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, the resin is called Salai guggul and has been used since ancient times to bring body and mind into balance.

The scent is warm, resinous and earthy, with a light pine-like and spicy undertone. Serrata has a drier, sharper scent than its African sister Carterii. The oil itself is clear to light yellow with a thin consistency.

The main components are alpha-thujene and alpha-pinene, together with sabinene and smaller amounts of boswellic acids. Those boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), make Serrata particularly valued in skin care.

How is Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil made?

Small incisions are made in the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree from which the resin flows out. The resin solidifies in the air into small, amber-colored drops that are harvested by hand. The resin drops then go through the distillation process, where they are heated in steam. The volatile aromatic compounds come along with the steam and condense into a liquid. The essential oil floats on top, which is what you find in this bottle.

For the extraction of just a few drops of oil, a considerable amount of resin is needed. This explains the price and the ancient association of frankincense with gold and preciousness.

What is the difference between Frankincense Serrata and Carterii?

Both oils come from the Boswellia genus but from different tree species and from different parts of the world.

Serrata comes from India, with a higher concentration of boswellic acids and a drier, sharper scent. Traditionally used in Ayurveda and is a more accessible choice in terms of price and availability.

Carterii comes from Somalia, with a higher content of alpha-pinene and limonene. Gives a rounder, warmer and lightly sweet scent that is more associated with the classic frankincense scent from churches and temples.

For skin care focused on sensitive skin and stressed skin, Serrata is a rich choice because of the boswellic acids. For meditative applications and deep relaxation, many people choose Carterii for its softer, warmer scent.

Benefits of Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil

For sensitive skin
Serrata is particularly beloved in skin care for sensitive and stressed skin. The oil can help with irritations and redness and is often used in formulations for mature skin.

For meditation and inner peace
The warm, resinous scent has a grounding effect and has been used since ancient times in meditation and spiritual practices. A fine choice for the diffuser during yoga, meditation or at the end of a busy day.

For a feeling of security
The scent of frankincense evokes associations with temples and sacred places, and gives a feeling of peace and security at home.

For mature skin
Frankincense has been valued in skin care for mature skin for thousands of years. A fine addition to face oils, serums and balms for smooth, vital skin.

How do you use Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil?

Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil or butter when using on the skin. For homemade care products we recommend a working dosage of 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams product). Suitable carriers are for example jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or a richer oil like rosehip oil.

In a diffuser
Put 4 to 6 drops in an aroma diffuser for a grounding, calming atmosphere. Beautiful to combine with lavender and cedarwood for deep relaxation.

In a face oil for mature skin
Add 1 percent Frankincense Serrata to a carrier oil like rosehip oil or jojoba oil. Use in the evening as the last step in the skin care routine.

In a meditation blend
Combine Frankincense Serrata with myrrh and sandalwood for a deep, grounding meditation blend in the diffuser or as a roll-on on the wrists.

In a balm for stressed skin
Add to a DIY balm with shea butter and a soothing addition like calendula for a nurturing product for irritated skin.

What is so special about Frankincense Serrata?

Frankincense belongs to the oldest used aromatic resins in the world. In ancient Egypt it was burned as an offering to the gods and used in ointments for embalming. The Babylonians burned the resin in spiritual ceremonies. According to the Old Testament, frankincense was one of the gifts that the three kings brought to the baby Jesus, together with gold and myrrh.

In India, Frankincense Serrata has a special place in Ayurveda, where the resin has been used as herbal medicine for thousands of years. Salai guggul, as the resin is called in Sanskrit, is traditionally used to bring body and mind into balance.

Tips when using Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil

• Store the oil in a cool, dark place. Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat.
• Always close the bottle properly after use. Through contact with air, the oil can lose its scent and effect faster.
• Test first on a small piece of skin before using the oil for the first time, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Always work with grams and percentages, not with drops. Drops vary in size and make it difficult to stay within safe limits.

Considerations

Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil naturally contains limonene and linalool, which can cause an allergic reaction for some people.

According to IFRA guidelines, the legal maximum in leave-on products on the skin in most categories is around 6 percent. Our practical working dosage for homemade care is 1 percent (1 gram per 100 grams product). This gives room to combine multiple essential oils in one recipe without exceeding the legal allergen limits.

Not recommended for use during pregnancy without consultation with an expert. Keep out of reach of children. When in doubt or with sensitive skin, always test first on a small spot and wait 24 hours before using on larger surfaces. Always use the oil diluted, never pure on the skin.