In another study, scientists found that burning frankincense resin (such as with incense) may have positive psychoactive effects5. Researchers investigated the impact of incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, on mice and found that it reduced their anxiety and caused antidepressive-like activity. Although frankincense shouldn’t replace a rescue inhaler or other prescribed asthma treatments, asthma sufferers may find that frankincense can help stave off bronchospasms, also known as an asthma attack. During an attack, mast cells release leukotrienes6, which then cause airways to constrict, making it hard to breathe. One small double-blind clinical study treated 40 asthmatic patients with frankincense resin7, and a control group of 40 patients with a placebo for six weeks. Seventy percent of patients given the frankincense showed disease improvement, compared to 27% improvement in the control group. The essential oil may also help battle bronchitis, sinusitis, and symptoms of the common cold, according to a scientific review. Frankincense has a camphor-like aroma that can help ease nasal or lung congestion when inhaled. Additionally, the essential oil’s antiseptic properties may protect against germs that can cause illness in the first place. Additionally, in a double-blind trial, 75 high school students with gingivitis were divided into groups and either given frankincense extract, frankincense powder, or a placebo. Researchers found that frankincense, given in either form, led to a difference in inflammation9. For a refreshing change to your brushing regimen, you can also make your own mouthwash with water, salt, and frankincense. Or add a few drops to a homemade paste. You can also diffuse frankincense or dab the oil on your pulse points for its anti-anxiety and mood-boosting aromatherapy benefits. If you’re sick with a cold, allergies, sinus infection, or another respiratory issue, add a few drops of frankincense to a chest salve and apply. You may be wondering if frankincense is safe to ingest. Studies10 describe Boswellia extract, also called olibanum, as safe and tolerable and having a low toxicity. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists it as a safe substance and permits its use as a food additive11. That being said, there’s a wide range of essential oils on the market, and their formulations don’t undergo FDA scrutiny. Ingestion of any essential oil as a supplement is best done in capsule form and in the smallest amount. Frankincense is a versatile, tried-and-true essential oil. Whether you use it as a soothing joint or chest rub, as an aromatherapy tool to calm you, or as an antiseptic agent for oral hygiene, frankincense will become a go-to oil in your arsenal.
