The Healing Power of Frankincense: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Frankincense—once worth its weight in gold—is making a major comeback in holistic health. Known for its deep spiritual legacy, frankincense (Boswellia serrata or Boswellia carterii) is now backed by growing scientific research for its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and skin-healing properties¹. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of frankincense and exactly how to use it—the right way—to get the most therapeutic impact.

Therapeutic-Grade Frankincense has many health benefits

 

What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense is a resin extracted from the bark of Boswellia trees, native to regions like Somalia, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. When the bark is cut, the tree "bleeds" this aromatic sap, which hardens into golden resin. This resin has been used for over 5,000 years in spiritual rituals, Ayurvedic medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The therapeutic power of frankincense comes primarily from compounds called boswellic acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, support immunity, and even fight cancer cells in vitro².

Top Benefits of Frankincense (Backed by Science)

1. Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Boswellic acids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), making frankincense a natural alternative to NSAIDs without the gut-damaging side effects³.

2. Supports Immune Balance

Frankincense has immunomodulatory effects—it can help regulate immune system activity, particularly in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis⁴.

3. May Fight Cancer

Studies have found that frankincense oil and its components can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells, including breast and prostate cancer⁵. While this is promising, it’s still early-stage research.

4. Improves Skin Health

Used topically, frankincense helps reduce scarring, fine lines, and acne. It promotes regeneration and soothes inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or aging skin⁶.

5. Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier

Frankincense’s volatile compounds have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting mental clarity and possibly reducing neuroinflammation—relevant in Alzheimer’s research⁷.

6. Enhances Mood and Spiritual Focus

Used aromatically, frankincense reduces anxiety, promotes calm, and enhances meditative states. It activates the limbic system, the brain’s emotional center⁸.

How to Use Frankincense Oil (The Right Way)

1. Topical Use - Diluted with a Carrier Oil like Castor Oil

✅ Best for: inflammation, pain, skin repair, lymphatic flow, thyroid support

Directions:

• Mix 2–3 drops of frankincense oil with 1 tsp of a carrier oil (castor oil, coconut, or jojoba)
• Massage into:
  • Thyroid/neck – for autoimmune support
  • Abdomen – for gut or hormone support
  • Joints or spine – for pain/inflammation
  • Over liver or lymph nodes – for detox support
• Use 1–2x daily or as needed
  💡 Optional: Apply heat or use with a castor oil pack for deeper penetration

2. Aromatic Use (Inhalation or Diffuser)

✅ Best for: anxiety, stress, brain fog, spiritual clarity

Directions:

• Add 3–5 drops to a diffuser
• Or rub 1 drop between palms, cup over nose, and breathe deeply for 30 seconds
• Inhale before prayer, meditation, or bed for a calming effect

Bonus: Its compounds cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting clarity and reducing neuroinflammation⁷.

3. Internal Use

(Only if it’s pure, therapeutic-grade, and labeled safe for ingestion)
✅ Best for: inflammation, immune support, digestive healing

Directions:

• Place 1 drop under the tongue 1x daily
• OR add 1 drop to 4 oz of warm water or herbal tea (with honey or lemon)
• OR take in a veggie capsule with olive oil

⚠️ Important: Only use certified ingestible oils from trusted sources.

4. Skincare Use

Best for: scars, fine lines, sun damage, breakouts

Directions:

• Mix 1 drop with 2–3 drops of rosehip or tallow
• Apply to face after cleansing, 1–2x/day
• Can also be added to your homemade creams or serums

Pro Tips:

• Frankincense blends beautifully with myrrh, lavender, and black seed oil
• Use daily and consistently for chronic issues
• Always patch test before full use

Ancient Healing

Frankincense isn’t just ancient incense—it’s a powerful botanical tool for detox, healing, and calm in the modern world. Whether used in your skincare routine, for prayer, or to manage inflammation, it deserves a place in your holistic toolkit.

DISCLOSURE: The information presented on this page is solely for informational and educational purposes. We are not US-government licensed doctors. This information should not be seen as a replacement for advice provided by your physician, healthcare professional, or any details found on product labels or packaging.

It is important not to rely on the information from this page for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription of medication, or any other form of medical care. Always consult with your physician or healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional supplement, herbal remedy, homeopathic treatment, or pursuing any health-related procedure or protocol. If you have a medical condition or suspect you might have one, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information you have read on this page. The information provided on this page and any products or services purchased from it do not establish a doctor-patient relationship between you and any affiliated individuals.

Statements on this page or website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

1. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential anti-inflammatory agent: an overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;73(3):255–261.
2. Ammon HP. Boswellic acids in chronic inflammatory diseases. Planta Med. 2006 Oct;72(12):1100–16.
3. Poeckel D, Werz O. Boswellic acids: biological actions and molecular targets. Curr Med Chem. 2006;13(28):3359–69.
4. Sharma S, Thawani V, Hingorani M, et al. Clinical effectiveness of Boswellia serrata extract in osteoarthritis of the knee—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(1):3–7.
5. Ni X, Suhail MM, Yang Q, et al. Frankincense essential oil induces cell death in breast cancer cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;12:253.
6. Hanus LO, Rezanka T, Dembitsky VM, Moussaieff A. Myrrh—Commiphora chemistry. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2005;149(1):3–28.
7. Mahmoud SS, El Abhar HS. Frankincense and memory: A review. J Appl Pharm Sci. 2015;5(12):210–214.
8. Lizarraga D. Olfactory stimulation and emotional processing. Front Neurosci. 2012;6:98.