Recently I was contacted by Daniel Martin of Steamburst, a small essential oils business based in Melbourne, Australia. Daniel asked me if I would like to review some of their essential oils and I was happy to oblige. Today’s blog post features three of Steamburst‘s essential oils – frankincense, peppermint, and vanilla – with a special offer for readers at the end of the post.

Please note that directGCMS data was not available in reviewing these essential oils due to the start up of this small business, so my review and comments are based solely on independent research of likely outcomes for the essential oil reviewed and my own personal opinion; however, I was provided with COA (Certificate of Analysis) reports from the business which uses data from GC/MS reports. The review is intended for informational purposes only.

Frankincense Essential Oil

It is important to note that there are various species of frankincense essential oil available. The long time favorite of aromatherapists has traditionally been Boswellia carteri. However, there is debate over whether Boswellia carteri is a threatened plant species and its current use is not recommended by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). Therefore, aromatherapists are turning to other frankincense species such as Boswellia serrata.

Steamburst offers the Boswellia serrata species as an essential oil which has been obtained from India. The major constituents of this particular frankincense species were listed (in information provided by the suppliers of Steamburst) as olibanol, terpenes and “resinous matter.” Monoterpenes are the main components of the Boswellia carteri species – with a mix of other chemical components too. All Boswellia species are “related” – in terms of botany – but there will be slightly different variables between the various types. The aromas will differ too; I found that the Boswellia serrata essential oil sample was more sweeter than the traditional deep, rich, balsamic aroma of Boswellia carteri. I thought that it was reminiscent of men’s cologne fragrances.

If you are looking for an alternative Boswellia species to try as an essential oil – and like a slightly fresher aroma, this might work for you! Its uses are interchangeable with Boswellia carteri for the most part.

Peppermint Essential Oil

There is no mistaking the aroma of peppermint! There are various species of mint used in essential oil practice (including spearmint and cornmint) but peppermint (Mentha piperita) is probably the most familiar of the mint oils.

Steamburst’s peppermint essential oil has a strong, fresh, mint aroma which is undeniably peppermint. The plant is now cultivated worldwide and this particular essential oil is extracted from plants grown in India. The major constituent was listed as menthol which is in line with the known major constituent of peppermint essential oil.

Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla essential oil is widely used in perfumery practice, although it is becoming more common in some aromatherapy blends, too. It is important to note that vanilla is offered as an absolute/resinoid or a CO2 extracted essential oil. In the case of the absolute/resinoid, it is not steam distilled directly from the plant but from the solvent extracted substance from the plant.

Steamburst’s Vanilla planifolia oil is extracted in India and is steam distilled from the solvent extracted substance. Its main chemical component is listed as vanillin, the ingredient that gives the oil its strong vanilla aroma. This is not a sweet aroma (like the CO2 essential oil) but a more traditional vanilla aroma which I found to be pleasing.

Steamburst Offer for Aromatherapy Notes Readers

Steamburst has kindly offered a 10% discount on all orders placed with them via their website. Simply enter the code “sedona” (without the apostrophe marks) and you will receive a 10% discount on your order. Although the business is based in Australia, essential oils can be shipped internationally. Visit the Steamburst website for further details.

It is always worth checking out small businesses for essential oils (in comparison to some of the larger multi-marketing companies) because they often take more time and care with providing quality essential oils. Check out Steamburst for your next essential oil purchase!

Learn How to Identify Pure Essential Oils

If you would like to learn more about identifying essential oils and how to take steps to ensure that you are purchasing a reputable product, consider one of the Sedona Aromatherapie home study aromatherapy courses. To learn more visit the courses home page!

Full Disclosure Statement: I am not affiliated with Steamburst, nor have I had previous business with them. I was not paid to review Steamburst’s essential oil products but I was provided with free samples for review. I also requested information on the essential oils provided; although GCMS reports were not available at this time, I received COA data sheets on each oil. I made my reviews based on my experience, training, the product and the information provided to me. The opinions expressed within this post are not a guarantee of product quality in any way. I always advise both students and customers to do due diligence when purchasing essential oils from suppliers.