Frankincense is a resin with a history in traditional medicine. It’s sometimes used to help manage arthritis, asthma, and other health conditions.

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. This tree typically grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Frankincense has a woody, spicy smell and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or taken as a supplement.

1. Frankincense may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis

Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, compounds that can cause inflammation.

Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense.

Osteoarthritis

In one 2014 study, oral and topical boswellic acid reduced cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in osteoarthritis in mice. In humans, frankincense extract may help reduceTrusted Source symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In one 2018 review, frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility. However, the review noted that the quality of most studies was low, and more research is needed.

In a subsequent studyTrusted Source, participants took 169.33 milligrams (mg) of Boswellia extract twice daily for 120 days. Results indicated that the supplement reduced inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis without serious side effects.

Another study found that oliban oil, another name for frankincense, reduced osteoarthritis pain when applied to the skin for 6 weeks. However, participants’ ability to do daily activities or participate in sports didn’t significantly improve.

Combinations of frankincense with other supplements may also be effective.

A 2018 study found that 350 mg curcuminoid and 150 mg boswellic acid supplement taken 3 times per day for 12 weeks was associated with reduced osteoarthritis pain. The combination was more effective than curcumin on its own or a placebo.

Similarly, taking a combination of 5 g of methylsulfonylmethane and 7.2 mg of boswellic acids daily for 60 days was more effective at improving pain and function than taking glucosamine sulfate, a standard supplement for osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

For rheumatoid arthritis, researchers induced arthritis in rats and then treated them with 180 mg/kg of Boswellia extract. They found thatTrusted Source frankincense reduced inflammation but wasn’t as effective as standard medications.

2. Frankincense may help improve gut function

One 2017 study found that frankincense, in combination with other herbal medicines, reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and even associated depression and anxiety in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Another study also indicated that Boswellia 250 mg tablets taken daily for 6 months improved symptoms in people with IBS.

This resin appears particularly effective at reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, one of the main inflammatory gut conditions.

A study found that Boswellia extract taken daily for 4 weeks improved symptoms in people with mild ulcerative colitis in remission.

Boswellia extract also had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in rats with colitis.

However, most studies were small or not done in people. Therefore, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

3. Frankincense may help improve the symptoms of asthma

Traditional medicine has used frankincense to treat bronchitis and asthma for centuries.

Its compounds may prevent the production of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial muscles to constrict in asthma.

Frankincense may also affect Th2 cytokines, which can cause inflammation and mucus overproduction in people with asthma.

In one small study, people who took a daily supplement of 500 mg Boswellia extract in addition to their standard asthma treatment could take fewer inhalations of their regular medications during the 4-week study.

Additionally, when researchers gave people 200 mg of a supplement made from frankincense and the South Asian fruit bael (Aegle marmelos), they found that the supplement was more effective than a placebo at reducing asthma symptoms.

In another study, asthma symptoms in mice improved with boswellic acid, a component of frankincense resin.

4. Frankincense may help improve oral health

Frankincense may help improve oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. The boswellic acids it provides appear to have strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent and treat oral infections.

In one test-tube study, frankincense extract was effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, which causes aggressive gum disease.

In another very small study, participants chewed gum containing frankincense for 5 hours, with saliva samples indicating reduced numbers of microbes each hour. The authors suggested that frankincense may decrease sources of infection in the mouth.

However, more research is needed on the effect of frankincense on oral health.

5. Frankincense may have anticancer properties

Test-tube studies suggest that the boswellic acids it contains might prevent cancer cells from spreading.

A research review notes that boswellic acids may also prevent DNA formation in cancerous cells, which could help limit cancer growth.

So far, test-tube studies suggest that frankincense may fight breast, prostate, pancreatic, skin, and colon cancer cells. It may also help reduce side effects of cancer treatment.

In one study of people being treated for brain tumors, 4,500 mg of boswellic acid extract taken each day helped reduce brain edema — an accumulation of fluid in the brain — while also lowering participants’ regular medication dose.

However, more research in humans is needed.

How to use frankincense

Frankincense can be used in several ways. You can take it as an oral supplement in a capsule or tablet or use it in topical creams.

It’s also available as an essential oil for aromatherapy or topical use. It’s important to dilute this form with carrier oil before applying it to the skin and to avoid ingesting it.

Frankincense is generally safe, but as with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking it.