Frankincense (Olibanum)
Boswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata
B Limited clinical evidenceThe resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Frankincense is the dried resin of Boswellia trees from Arabia, Africa and India. Its boswellic acids inhibit some enzymes involved in inflammation. Small clinical studies with standardised extracts suggest it may reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis; chewing the raw resin or burning it as incense is traditional.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Standardised Boswellia extracts may help reduce pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →The resin and its incense are traditionally used for respiratory complaints. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Incense smoke can worsen asthma and chronic lung disease; do not burn it in closed rooms.
- May cause heartburn and nausea; take with food.
- Insufficient data under 18.
- Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown; ask a doctor before use.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) | Limited data suggest it may increase bleeding risk; ask a doctor before combining. [2] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea
- Allergic skin reaction (external use)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Frankincense has been burned as temple incense for thousands of years and was once worth as much as gold. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does frankincense help joint pain?
Small studies with standardised Boswellia extracts showed less pain in knee osteoarthritis; the evidence is limited.
Is frankincense the same as oriental sweetgum?
No. Frankincense is Boswellia resin; oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) is a balsam from a different tree.
Can frankincense be swallowed?
Chewing a small piece is traditional; for regular use, dosed standardised extracts are preferred.
Sources
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)World Health Organization · 2009
- ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal ProductsESCOP · 2019
Cite This Page
Frankincense (Olibanum) (Boswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/frankincense/
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