--- title: "Frankincense (Olibanum) Benefits & Side Effects" description: "The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/frankincense/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Resin & Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) # Frankincense (Olibanum) Boswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata B Limited clinical evidence The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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. **Parts used:** resin **Key constituents:** Boswellic Acids (AKBA), Essential Oil (α-Pinene) 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 Standardised Boswellia extracts may help reduce pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis. \[1\] - T Traditional use The resin and its incense are traditionally used for respiratory complaints. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Food Standardised extract (ready-made): studies used 100–250 mg of AKBA-standardised extract daily; follow the product label. **Amount:** 1–2 times daily **Duration limit:** 8–12 weeks \[1\] ### Food Raw resin: chew a piece smaller than a chickpea like gum. **Amount:** 1–2 times daily \[1\] ## 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. \[1\] \[2\] ### 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 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products](https://escop.com/monographs/) ESCOP · 2019 ### Cite This Page Frankincense (Olibanum) (Boswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/frankincense/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Eucalyptus Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/eucalyptus-oil/) T Traditional use Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus oil is used as steam or a chest rub for cough with a cold and on the skin for localised muscle pain; never under age 2. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Mustard Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/mustard-seed/) T Traditional use Brassica spp. / Sinapis alba A seed used as a spice and condiment. Crushed into a poultice, its warming effect is traditionally used for muscle and joint pain and chest colds. [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. 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