FRANKINCENSE

OTHER NAME(S):

Arbre à Encens, Bible Frankincense, Boswellia carteri, Boswellia sacra, Boswellie, Encens, Incense, Oleo-gum-resin, Oléo-Gomme-Résine, Oliban, Olibanum, Ru Xiang, Ru Xiang Shu.

Overview

Overview Information

Frankincense is the hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from cuts made in the trunk of the Boswellia sacra tree. People use it to make medicine.

Frankincense is used for pain and swelling in people with various diseases. Also used for gas (flatulence), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

Frankincense is also used as a flavoring agent in foods and as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Some experts warn that frankincense may interfere with the body's response against COVID-19. There is no strong data to support this warning. But there is also no good data to support using frankincense for COVID-19.

How does it work?

Frankincense oil seems to kill some types of bacteria and fungi (yeasts).

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease).
  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
  • Alzheimer disease.
  • Cancer.
  • Excessive crying in infants (colic).
  • Gas (flatulence).
  • Heart disease.
  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Liver disease.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Pain.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Wound healing.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of frankincense for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Frankincense is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. It might cause skin irritation in some people.

When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled, but there isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & 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

Interactions?

We currently have no information for FRANKINCENSE Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of frankincense depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for frankincense. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

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

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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 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 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 .