Save
Frankincense is a hardened gum-like material (resin) that comes from the trunk of the Boswellia tree. People use its oil on the skin and in aromatherapy.
Frankincense oil seems to kill some types of bacteria and fungi (yeasts). It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.
People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. There is also no good evidence to support using frankincense for COVID-19.
Boswellia tree extracts are also sometimes taken by mouth. For information on taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.
- Acne. Login for details
- Aging skin. Small clinical studies suggest that topical cream containing frankincense extracts may improve symptoms of aging skin.
Login for details - Cancer-related fatigue. It is unclear if topical frankincense oil improves fatigue in patients with cancer.
Login for details - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Inhaled frankincense has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Topical frankincense has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Radiation dermatitis. It is unclear if topical frankincense cream reduces the severity of radiation dermatitis.
Login for details - Wound healing. Login for details
When applied to the skin: Frankincense essential oil or gum extract is possibly safe. It might cause skin irritation in some people.
When inhaled: Frankincense essential oil is possibly safe. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
For information on the safety of taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.
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.It is not known if Frankincense interacts with any medicines. Before taking Frankincense, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Frankincense is used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. It's also used as aromatherapy. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of frankincense might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
For information on taking frankincense by mouth, see Boswellia serrata.
Arbre à Encens, Bible Frankincense, Boswellie, Encens, Incense, Oleo-gum-resin, Oléo-Gomme-Résine, Oliban, Olibanum, Ru Xiang, Ru Xiang Shu.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2023. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2023 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.