FRANKINCENSE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Frankincense is a hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree. People use its oil on the skin and in aromatherapy.

Frankincense oil seems to kill some types of bacteria and fungi (yeasts). It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. There is also no good evidence to support using frankincense for COVID-19.

Boswellia tree extracts are also sometimes taken by mouth. For information on taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for FRANKINCENSE overview.

Side Effects

When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil or gum extract is possibly safe. It might cause skin irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is possibly safe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

For information on the safety of taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil or gum extract is possibly safe. It might cause skin irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is possibly safe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

For information on the safety of taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if frankincense is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for FRANKINCENSE overview.

Dosing

Frankincense is used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. It's also used as aromatherapy. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of frankincense might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

For information on taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

FRANKINCENSE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

Who shouldn't use frankincense oil? ›

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if frankincense is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

What medications should not be taken with Boswellia? ›

Boswellia has no known serious interactions with other drugs. Boswellia has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.

What are the medicinal effects of frankincense? ›

The anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-proliferative, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects of this gum resin can reduce inflammation and pain in the body and relieve the related symptoms of many diseases.

What are the side effects of Indian frankincense? ›

Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.

Does frankincense affect blood pressure? ›

Frankincense essential oil is a popular component of Eastern medicine. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help combat anxiety and similar issues. These effects may help reduce high blood pressure.

Does frankincense affect heart? ›

It invigorates the blood, and calms the Heart; anxiety, depression. It also reduces swelling and is an strong anti-oxidant.

Does Boswellia raise blood pressure? ›

Boswellia species by reducing the resistance to insulin and restoring pancreatic beta cells decrease blood glucose. Also, Boswellia species has antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties that regulate blood pressure.

Is Boswellia safe for kidneys? ›

However, the results of this study showed that Boswellia caused a little improvement in kidney function. This is indicated by its ability to significantly reduce urea and BUN levels. But it had no significant effect on serum creatinine levels and it also did not reduce lipid peroxidation.

Which is better for joint pain, turmeric or Boswellia? ›

Turmeric (and its active compound, curcumin) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Fewer studies focus on Boswellia, as it is less available and less popular than turmeric. Research, however, has found that long-term use of Boswellia for patients with osteoarthritis is safe and effective.

What happens if you put frankincense directly on skin? ›

Frankincense essential oil is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, mask the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging.

How to use frankincense for arthritis pain? ›

Directions
  1. Adults and children 12 years of age and older: apply 10-30 drops into palm or hand and massage into affected areas.
  2. massage oil in hand to coat painful areas.
  3. can be used up to 4 times daily.
  4. children under 12 years of age: consult a physician.

What is the best carrier oil to mix with frankincense? ›

The carrier oils that can be used for frankincense are fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. Some additional carrier oils that can be used are avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil.

Is frankincense FDA approved? ›

People may, however, use it as a supplement to medical treatment or to reduce the symptoms of chemotherapy. The United States Food and Drug Administration have not approved frankincense as a drug for any specific disease.

Why put frankincense under your tongue? ›

The boswellic acids that come from frankincense have good antibacterial properties, which help prevent and treat oral (mouth-related) infections. These include bad breath, toothaches, and cavities.

Is frankincense good for the kidneys? ›

It has antibacterial properties that can help reverse kidney damage. Frankincense- Frankincense is most commonly used to support the immune system and is known for its meditative properties. By boosting the immune system, it can improve kidney health and reduce inflammation.

Who should not use essential oils? ›

Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be particularly susceptible to these symptoms. Additionally, essential oils may cause allergic reactions when the oils are used on the skin or inhaled.

What does the Bible say about frankincense oil? ›

Bible Facts

Frankincense was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as: An ingredient in the perfume of the sanctuary (see Exodus 30:34). An accompaniment to the meat offering, which was part of all burnt and peace offerings (see Leviticus 2:1, 16).

Is frankincense safe for arthritis? ›

Is it safe? Indian Frankincense is safe to use in a daily dose of 1 g (used in RCTs in participants with osteoarthritis). Dosage hasn't been well studied, but high doses can have serious side-effects on the liver. Interactions with other medications haven't been well studied.

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