Frankincense is a resin or essential oil (concentrated plant extraction) with a rich history as an incense, perfume, and medicine. Derived from Boswellia trees, it still plays a role in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and is used by people for aromatherapy, skin care, pain relief, and more.
In traditional Indian medicine, frankincense is used to treat gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea and vomiting. It also is used to treat arthritis, asthma, and various skin diseases. In Western medicine, the research on frankincense uses and benefits is still relatively limited.
Uses and Benefits
There is widespread interest in using frankincense to treat various health conditions, and initial studies are promising. However, conclusive research is not yet available. More studies are needed, particularly in humans, before experts can recommend frankincense to manage or treat particular health conditions.
Some initial findings regarding the potential benefits of using frankincense include:
May improve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms: Some research has found that frankincense was more effective than a placebo at improving flexibility and reducing knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.
May reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): One study found that applying a cream that contained frankincense and several other ingredients helped to reduce joint pain and swelling. However, because frankincense was studied in combination with other ingredients, its true benefit on rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.
May ease low back pain: One small study found that using frankincense essential oil and myrrh during a massage resulted in less back pain for study participants when compared to a placebo.
May combat skin aging: Researchers have found that applying creams containing Boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
May reduce symptoms from radiation treatment: Research suggests that people undergoing radiation for breast cancer can reduce erythema (a type of rash) by applying a cream containing frankincense twice a day during treatment. However, the research from this study was funded by the cream’s manufacturer and may be biased.
Jian Zhongxiang Biological Co., Ltd.
Kelly Xiong
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Post time: Feb-21-2025