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

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

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

Brodde, O. E., Anlauf, M., Arroyo, J., Wagner, R., Weber, F., and Buck, K. D. Hypersensitivity of adrenergic receptors and blood-pressure response to oral yohimbine in orthostatic hypotension. N.Engl.J Med 4-28-1983;308(17):1033-1034. View abstract.

Acebo, E., Raton, J. A., Sautua, S., Eizaguirre, X., Trebol, I., and Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from Boswellia serrata extract in a naturopathic cream. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51(2):91-92. View abstract.

Al-Harrasi A, Csuk R, Khan A, Hussain J. Distribution of the anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant compounds: incensole and incensole acetate in genus Boswellia. Phytochemistry 2019;161:28-40. View abstract.

Al-Yahya AAI, Asad M, Sadaby A, Alhussaini MS. Repeat oral dose safety study of standardized methanolic extract of Boswellia sacra oleo gum resin in rats. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020 Jan;27(1):117-23.View abstract.

Alkanat HÖ, Özdemir Ü, Kulakli F. The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomised controlled trial. Explore (NY) 2023. View abstract.

Almutairi MBF, Alrouji M, Almuhanna Y, Asad M, Joseph B. In-Vitro and In-Vivo Antibacterial Effects of Frankincense Oil and Its Interaction with Some Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022;11(11):1591. View abstract.

Buckle J. Use of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Altern Ther Health Med 1999;5:42-51. View abstract.

Buonomo M, Hylwa S. Allergic contact dermatitis from Boswellia carterii (frankincense) oil. Contact Dermatitis 2021;85(4):465-467. View abstract.

Calzavara-Pinton P, Zane C, Facchinetti E, et al. Topical Boswellic acids for treatment of photoaged skin. Dermatol Ther 2010;23:S28-32. View abstract.

Chen YH, Chen WC, Tsai KS, et al. Efficacy of frankincense and myrrha in treatment of acute interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Chin J Integr Med. 2020 Jul;26(7):519-26.View abstract.

Hawkins J, Hires C, Keenan L, Dunne E. Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense boosts energy levels in post-COVID-19 female patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med 2022;67:102823. View abstract.

Inamdar NK, Roqaiya M, Husain N, Ahmed K, Baig S. The Efficacy of Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex Colebr.) in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Randomized Control Trial [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 24]. Altern Ther Health Med. 2022;AT7238. View abstract.

Jiao J, et al. Effect of cream, prepared with Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F and other four medicinals, on joint pain and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019. View abstract.

Ljaljevic Grbic M, Unkovic N, Dimkic I, et al. Frankincense and myrrh essential oils and burn incense fume against micro-inhabitants of sacral ambients. Wisdom of the ancients? J Ethnopharmacol 2018;219:1-14. View abstract.

Mohsenzadeh A, Karimifar M, Soltani R, Hajhashemi V. Evaluation of the effectiveness of topical oily solution containing frankincense extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Res Notes 2023;16(1):28. View abstract.

Pedretti A, Capezzera, Zane C, et al. Effects of topical boswellic acid on photo and age-damaged skin: clinical, biophysical, and echographic evaluations in a double-blind, randomized, split-face study. Planta Med 2010;76:555-60. View abstract.

Reis D, Throne T, Keller J, Koffel C, Chen T, Young-McCaughan S. Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effect of Frankincense Essential Oil in Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2022. View abstract.

Togni S, Maramaldi G, Bonetta A, Giacomelli L, Di Pierro F. Clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of Boswellia-based cream for prevention of adjuvant radiotherapy skin damage in mammary carcinoma: a randomized placebo controlled trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Apr;19(8):1338-44. View abstract.

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 circumstances. 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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2024 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.