Frankincense Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Frankincense is a fragrant resin that comes from trees in the Boswellia family. These trees grow in dry, rocky areas of the Arabian Peninsula, Northeast Africa, and India. To collect the resin, growers make small cuts in the bark, and the sap oozes out and hardens into golden, gum-like pieces.

People have used frankincense for thousands of years as incense, in religious ceremonies, and in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. Today it is sold as capsules, tablets, raw resin, topical products, and essential oil for aromatherapy.

You may see the words frankincense and Boswellia used to describe similar products. Frankincense usually refers to the natural resin, while Boswellia supplements often contain a concentrated extract standardized to a set amount of boswellic acids, the compounds thought to be most active.

The resin contains compounds called boswellic acids, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. In laboratory and animal studies, these acids appear to block an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase that helps make inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes.

By lowering these inflammatory signals, frankincense may help calm swelling and pain. The essential oil also contains aromatic compounds that may affect mood when inhaled.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from test-tube and animal research. How well these effects carry over to the human body, and at what dose, is still not fully understood.

Boswellia supplements are generally well tolerated when taken by mouth for short periods. However, product quality varies a lot, and supplements are not closely regulated, so the actual amount of active ingredient can differ between brands.

People with digestive conditions, those scheduled for surgery, or anyone taking regular medications should check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Essential oils should never be swallowed and should be diluted before being applied to the skin.

During pregnancy, frankincense is best avoided because there is not enough safety information, and some traditional sources warn it could affect the uterus. It should also be avoided while breastfeeding because we do not know whether it is safe for a nursing baby. When safety is unclear, the cautious choice is to avoid use.

When taken by mouth, frankincense may cause mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea. Some people may have an allergic reaction, especially to the resin or essential oil applied to the skin.

Used on the skin, the essential oil can sometimes cause redness or irritation, particularly if it is not diluted. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

There is no official, standardized dose of frankincense. Studies have used different Boswellia extracts standardized to varying amounts of boswellic acids, so it is hard to compare products directly.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and choose a reputable brand that lists its boswellic acid content. Because strength and quality vary, it is wise to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take other medications or have a health condition. Essential oils are for inhalation or diluted topical use only and should never be taken by mouth.