What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense is an aromatic resin derived from Boswellia trees, most commonly found in regions of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia. Traditionally burned as incense in religious ceremonies, frankincense has also been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medicine to treat various health issues.

Today, frankincense is commonly used in the form of essential oils, creams, and resins for purposes ranging from skincare and pain relief to mood enhancement and household cleaning. Though clinical research is still evolving, many users turn to frankincense for its potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and aromatic properties.

Uses And Potential Benefits Of Frankincense

Frankincense continues to gain popularity in wellness and alternative medicine circles. While most current research is preliminary, early findings and traditional use suggest promising applications for health and skincare.

May Help With Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Some studies suggest that frankincense may reduce joint pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis. A few trials found that supplements or topical creams containing Boswellia extract performed better than placebo in improving knee flexibility and relieving pain.

May Support Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Frankincense has also been included in creams used for rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that such a cream helped reduce swelling and pain in joints, though it also contained other ingredients. As a result, it's unclear how much of the benefit was due to frankincense alone.

May Reduce Back Pain
A small study involving massage therapy showed that using frankincense and myrrh essential oils together helped decrease chronic lower back pain. While the research was limited, it suggests that aromatherapy massage using frankincense could complement traditional pain relief techniques.

May Improve Skin Appearance
Creams formulated with Boswellic acids (compounds extracted from frankincense resin) may help improve skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and support collagen production. This suggests a potential anti-aging benefit, especially when used in serums or moisturizers.

May Alleviate Radiation-Induced Skin Irritation
In a small trial involving people undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, a cream containing frankincense helped reduce erythema (skin redness or rash). However, the study was sponsored by the cream manufacturer, which may introduce bias.

Understanding Boswellic Acids

Many of frankincense’s medicinal properties are attributed to compounds called Boswellic acids. These acids are not found in essential oils but are present in resin and specialized Boswellia extracts.

Boswellic acids are believed to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. They inhibit specific enzymes that play a role in chronic inflammation and may be useful in managing conditions like asthma, arthritis, and skin conditions—though more human research is needed.

If you’re seeking products with Boswellic acids, be aware that standard frankincense essential oils will not contain them. You’ll need to look for resin-based or extract formulations.

How To Use Frankincense

Frankincense is versatile and can be used in several ways depending on your goals. Whether you're using it to enhance your mood, treat your skin, or make homemade cleaning products, proper use is essential for safety and effectiveness.

In Aromatherapy And Diffusers
To use frankincense as aromatherapy, add a few drops to a diffuser filled with water. This will release an earthy, calming scent into your space. Many people use frankincense diffusers to promote relaxation, enhance meditation or prayer sessions, or improve focus.

Alternatively, you can mix frankincense with water to create a room spray. This is especially useful for stress relief and can act as a natural air purifier thanks to frankincense’s antibacterial qualities.

Topical Skin Application
Frankincense essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, coconut, or olive oil) before applying to the skin. Apply to areas of concern like dry patches, aging skin, or sore joints. It may also be added to your daily moisturizer or included in a homemade facial serum.

Some people add a drop to their shampoo or conditioner to help improve scalp health or use it in a warm bath to soothe tired muscles. Always perform a patch test first before applying to larger areas of skin.

As A Natural Cleaning Ingredient
Due to its antibacterial properties, frankincense can be used in DIY household cleaners. Add a few drops to water and vinegar-based sprays to disinfect surfaces and provide a natural, fresh scent.

Safety And Side Effects

Frankincense is widely considered safe for topical use and aromatherapy, but some users may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions—especially with prolonged or concentrated use.

Skin Irritation And Allergies
Though rare, reports exist of frankincense causing dermatitis, rashes, or itching. In one documented case, a user developed a rash after diffusing frankincense and using it on pillow covers. Another case involved a cream with frankincense causing contact dermatitis.

How To Perform A Patch Test
Before using frankincense extensively, apply a diluted drop to a small area of skin—such as the inside of the elbow—twice daily for up to 10 days. If you experience redness, itching, or any irritation, discontinue use.

If irritation occurs, rinse the area with cool water and apply a calming product like petroleum jelly. If symptoms worsen, consult a dermatologist.

Internal Use And Medication Interactions
Frankincense is not generally recommended for ingestion unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner. When taken orally, it may interfere with medications such as:

  • Statins (used for cholesterol)

  • Immunosuppressants

  • Chemotherapy agents

If you are currently on any medications or have a chronic health condition, consult a healthcare provider before using frankincense in any form.

How To Choose High-Quality Frankincense

Choosing the right frankincense product is important, as essential oils are not tightly regulated by government bodies. Claims such as “therapeutic grade” or “pure” are unverified marketing terms and do not guarantee product quality.

Tips For Selecting A Trusted Product

  • Read the ingredient list: It should include only frankincense oil, often labeled with its botanical name (e.g., Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata).

  • Choose dark glass bottles: Amber or cobalt glass helps preserve oil potency and prevent light damage.

  • Check for sourcing transparency: Reputable brands will state the region of origin and extraction method.

  • Smell before you buy (if possible): Frankincense has a distinctive, woody, and slightly citrus scent. Avoid products that smell overly sweet or artificial.

  • Be cautious of price: Frankincense is a costly oil to produce, and prices that seem too low may indicate dilution or synthetic additives.

You may also seek advice from a certified aromatherapist or natural medicine practitioner for product recommendations.

Can Frankincense Treat Medical Conditions?

Though research is ongoing, most health authorities caution against using frankincense as a standalone treatment for medical issues. Current studies on frankincense’s benefits are largely based on animal models or small-scale human trials.

While early results for conditions such as arthritis, acne, or aging skin are promising, frankincense should be viewed as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for evidence-based medical care. If you’re considering incorporating it into your health routine, always talk with your doctor.