Frankincense is a resin with a wide range of traditional and contemporary uses, primarily in health, wellness, and beauty applications[1].
- It is commonly used to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression, believed to enhance mood and well-being through neuro-active components that may rebalance hormones[1].
- Frankincense has notable anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for managing arthritis, reducing joint pain and stiffness, and supporting gut health in conditions such as Crohn’s disease[1][2][5].
- It helps promote the regeneration of skin cells, reduce scars and blemishes, and improve skin elasticity, which is why it is used in skincare[1][3].
- Frankincense contributes to oral health by providing antibacterial effects, helping to prevent and treat mouth infections, bad breath, and other oral issues[1][5][6].
- It is traditionally used to improve asthma and bronchitis, and modern research confirms compounds in frankincense may prevent bronchiole constriction[1][7].
- Frankincense is associated with enhanced brain health, including improved circulation, possible memory retention benefits, and support of brain function[2].
- It shows promise in helping to manage diabetes by lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels when used as a supplement[2].
- Anti-microbial, pain-relieving, expectorant, and immune-modulating effects are also attributed to frankincense in traditional and modern medicine[3][6][7].
- Some laboratory studies suggest that frankincense may have anti-cancer properties, as boswellic acids could help inhibit tumor cell growth and proliferation, though more research is needed in humans[5][7][8].
- Additional traditional uses include controlling bleeding, promoting wound healing, and improving uterine health[8].
References
- [1] 5 Health And Beauty Benefits Of Frankincense And How To Use It
- [2] Frankincense: Nature’s Miracle Worker – Benefits, Uses, and …
- [3] Health Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil – WebMD
- [5] 5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — and 6 Myths – Healthline
- [6] 10 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense Oil – Nikura
- [7] Frankincense–therapeutic properties – PubMed
- [8] Frankincense and cancer: Inflammation, research, and safety