Overview

Frankincense is an oil made from the resin (a sap-like substance) of Boswellia trees. It is known for its distinctive smell and has a long history of use as an incense. It is also sometimes applied to the skin, but its benefits for any use are not well defined. A common side effect may include mild skin irritation. Before using frankincense, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is frankincense used for?

Frankincense is commonly used as an incense. It may also be applied to the skin for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use frankincense include the following.

• Joint pain
• Redness or swelling of the skin

Note: The FDA has not reviewed frankincense for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here. Learn more about cosmetics here.

How does frankincense work (mechanism of action)?

Frankincense comes from Boswellia trees. It is made from the resin (a sap-like substance) underneath the bark of the tree. Frankincense, which is also called olibanum, has a long history of use in many cultures. It is an essential oil that is commonly used as incense and may also be applied to the skin.

Essential oils are made by heating up the resin until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds give off a distinctive smell. The most popular use of frankincense is as an incense. In addition to its use in various traditional ceremonies, the smell of frankincense can be soothing for some people.

Products that contain frankincense are sometimes applied to the skin to treat mild skin redness or irritation. Some people also apply these products to their joints to help with pain. But the benefits of applying frankincense to the skin are unclear.

A specific type of Boswellia tree, called Boswellia serrata, is used to make dietary supplements that are taken by mouth. These supplements are also made from the tree’s resin, but they do not contain the same chemicals as frankincense. The chemicals in Boswellia serrata supplements and frankincense oil can have different effects and side effects. See Boswellia serrata for more information on the benefits and risks of these supplements.

Herbal products, like frankincense, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific frankincense product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store frankincense?

You should store frankincense according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of frankincense?

The most common side effect of frankincense is mild skin irritation. Side effects may vary depending on the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of frankincense that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of frankincense?

While less common, the most serious side effects of frankincense are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Frankincense may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using frankincense and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Applying frankincense to your skin can cause skin reactions, such as rashes, blisters, and burns. In some people, these skin reactions may be caused by an allergy to frankincense (contact dermatitis). Stop using frankincense and contact your health care provider right away if you have a skin reaction.

Precautions

Who should not use frankincense?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use frankincense.

• Boswellia
• Frankincense
• Olibanum
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific frankincense products they stock.

What should I know about frankincense before using it?

Frankincense is an oil used as incense and fragrance and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep frankincense out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as frankincense, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific frankincense product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested frankincense products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using frankincense?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if frankincense is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how frankincense could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if frankincense passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does frankincense interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between frankincense and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect frankincense.

Does frankincense interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between frankincense and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between frankincense and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with frankincense is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using frankincense with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much frankincense?

If you or someone else has used too much frankincense, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use frankincense safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.