Uses and Benefits of Frankincense

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.12

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.2

Originating in Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan, frankincense is collected primarily from tree farms in East Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. In some areas, Boswellia is a threatened species due to bug infestations, cattle grazing, fires, and diminishing habitats. For this reason, the cost of frankincense can be high at times.

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:43

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.

What To Know about Boswellic Acids

Boswellic acids, which many believe to be the healing component of frankincense, are not present in essential oils. You can only find them in frankincense resins, which are thick, semi-solid compounds, as well as in specifically made extracts.5

How To Use

Essential oils like frankincense are highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount for most uses. You can use frankincense in a diffuser, add it to a bath, or blend it with other ingredients to make a skincare cream.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to use, but generally, just a few drops of frankincense added to water in a diffuser will give your area an earthy fragrance. Diffused frankincense is thought to enhance mood, strengthen intuition, or promote mindfulness. You can also mix it with water to create a room spray for the same effect.6

To use frankincense topically, dilute a few drops with a carrier oil like olive oil, jojoba, or coconut oil before applying it to your skin. Some people add other ingredients or oils to create facial serums. You can also add a drop or two to your shampoo to support scalp health or add a few drops to a warm bath to promote relaxation. Make sure to test-patch any products with frankincense before applying it all over your skin.6

Some people use frankincense to create homemade cleaners due to its antibacterial properties.6

Safety and Side Effects

Frankincense is generally considered safe to use topically or as aromatherapy and does not have significant side effects. However, it could cause skin irritation.3

While skin irritation, rashes, and itching are rare with frankincense, there are a few reports of dermatitis and other rashes. For instance, in one case, a person diffused frankincense and used it on her pillow and developed dermatitis as a result. In another case, a person developed a rash after using a cream that had frankincense.3

If you intend to use frankincense, you may want to test it on a small patch of skin first. For 7-10 days, apply a small drop or two mixed with a carrier oil to the same spot twice a day. (Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how much to use). Also, try to pick an area where you won’t wash away the product, such as the bend of your elbow.7

If you don’t have any type of reaction after that test period, it’s likely safe to use—though it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider first. If you have a reaction to frankincense, gently wash the area and don’t use it again on your skin. To help relieve the discomfort, you can apply a cool compress or petroleum jelly. If this does not relieve your symptoms or your reaction worsens, see a medical professional like a dermatologist.7

When ingested, frankincense has the potential to interfere with some prescription drugs, such as immunosuppressants and statins.8 Experts also advise against using it while undergoing chemotherapy because of potential medication interactions. If you plan to use frankincense and currently take medications or have a chronic health condition, talk to a healthcare provider first.5

Choosing Frankincense

When looking for frankincense, it’s important to remember that no regulatory agencies govern the production of essential oils. Despite companies using terms like “therapeutic grade” or “pure,” no governing bodies certify the use of these terms, and they are not indicative of a product’s quality.9

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate essential oils in the same way it regulates prescription medications. However, the FDA may remove a product from the market if the manufacturer’s claims are false or the product is deemed unsafe.10

Even though some research suggests that essential oils like frankincense can help with inflammation or relieve pain, more research is needed before manufacturers can make these claims. Consequently, when companies attempt to sell essential oils as medications or claim that they cure particular symptoms, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission can take action.10

Here are some tips for finding a quality frankincense product:9

Look at the ingredient list to ensure the essential oil contains only frankincense and no other ingredients. Ideally, the manufacturer will list only frankincense and its Latin name (Boswellia) on the label.

The oil should come in an amber-colored bottle that helps it maintain its integrity.

Always look to see if the manufacturer includes the oil’s origin and extraction method.

Smelling the oil before buying it can help ensure you don’t purchase a rancid product.

You may need to try a few products to find an oil that you like and feel is effective. An aromatherapist or naturopathic doctor may also be able to offer suggestions. If you plan to use frankincense to complement traditional medicine, talk to a healthcare provider about it, especially since it could potentially interact with existing medications.

A Quick Review

Frankincense is derived from Boswellia trees and is primarily used as an essential oil, but it can also be used in resin form. It has been used for religious ceremonies, as a perfume, and to help with medical conditions. Some research suggests it can improve arthritis symptoms, ease low back pain, and combat skin aging.

While researchers are interested in frankincense for its potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, most current studies have been conducted in vitro or on animals. For this reason, experts generally do not recommend frankincense as a way to treat medical conditions. If you want to use frankincense, it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider first. They can help you determine if it’s right for you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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