Frankincense – Clinical Trials

There are over 100 studies published.  It seems pretty clear that Frankincense is an amazing anti-inflammatory for aches, pains and arthritis, as a medicine or a topical cream/oil.  (1)

Frankincense History

If you were exposed to Christianity, you know, Frankincense was as good as Gold, when Jesus walked the Earth!

The early Islamic physician and philosopher Ibn Sina (aka Avicenna, ca. 980-1037 CE) recommended frankincense for dysentery, fevers, and tumors, ulcers, and vomiting.¹⁰ Other Middle Eastern uses include the stimulation of digestion and strengthening of teeth, as a diuretic and purgative, to enhance memory, and for emotional and psychological problems.⁷

In India, different parts of the B. serrata tree are used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for asthma, blood purification, bronchial conditions, dysentery, rheumatism, skin ailments, and wound treatment.⁴ Therapeutic uses of the oleo-gum-resin of B. serrata in the Ayurvedic system of medicine include treatment of fever, excessive vaginal discharge, asthma, conjunctivitis, spermatorrhea, pain in testicles, and disease of the mouth.³ Boswellia sacra is used in India for nervous disorders and rheumatism.⁷

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses B. sacra internally to invigorate blood circulation, control bleeding, relax the muscles, relieve menstrual disorders, and control pain.  Called ru xiang, it is also used externally for lesions, particularly to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and to promote generation of flesh. (2) (Other references listed on this page)

Herbalist Notes:

Frankincense has been used as a remedy for a myriad of ailments including ulcers, nausea, fever, indigestion, coughs and so much more. It is known to fight disease-causing inflammation, it boosts the immune system, helps to heal wounds and prevents infection.  Female hormonal issues are dealt with effectively and it is known to help reduce wrinkles and slow down the aging process.

The resin can be burned and the smoke drives away flying insects such as mosquitoes which is very helpful in regions afflicted with malaria. (3)