4 Health Benefits of Frankincense Resin
Benefits of the Frankincense sacra Resin
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) resin is highly valued in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its diverse health benefits. Scientific research has also provided evidence supporting several therapeutic properties. Here are some notable benefits from a health perspective:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief (Most Proven)
Boswellia resin is strongly supported scientifically as an anti-inflammatory agent, particularly due to the presence of Boswellic acids.
Reference:
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Abdel-Tawab, M., Werz, O., & Schubert-Zsilavecz, M. (2011). "Boswellia serrata: an overall assessment of in vitro, preclinical, pharmacokinetic and clinical data." Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 50(6), 349-369.
DOI: 10.2165/11586800-000000000-00000 -
Kimmatkar, N., Thawani, V., Hingorani, L., & Khiyani, R. (2003). "Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee—a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial." Phytomedicine, 10(1), 3-7.
DOI: 10.1078/094471103321648593
2. Skin Healing and Anti-aging
Frankincense has demonstrated efficacy in promoting skin healing and regeneration, supported by anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
Reference:
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Han, X., Rodriguez, D., & Parker, T. L. (2017). "Biological activities of frankincense essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts." Biochimie Open, 4, 31-35.
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopen.2017.01.003
3. Antioxidant Activity
Scientific evidence supports the strong antioxidant capabilities of Boswellia resin and extracts.
Reference:
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Al-Harrasi, A., Ali, L., Ceniviva, E., & Hussain, J. (2013). "Boswellia sacra essential oil constituents, biological activities, and anti-cancer properties: an overview." Journal of Essential Oil Research, 25(5), 387-397.
DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2013.775747
4. Immune Modulation and Respiratory Health
Research supports that frankincense has immunomodulatory and respiratory protective properties, aiding conditions like asthma and bronchial inflammation.
References:
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Ammon, H. P. (2016). "Boswellic acids and their role in chronic inflammatory diseases." Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 928, 291-327.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_13 -
Gupta, I., Gupta, V., Parihar, A., Gupta, S., Lüdtke, R., Safayhi, H., & Ammon, H. P. (1998). "Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study." European Journal of Medical Research, 3(11), 511-514.
Most Robustly Supported Benefit
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, particularly in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory conditions, are the most extensively researched and scientifically validated benefits of frankincense resin.
Other benefits such as emotional well-being and digestive health, though promising, currently rely more heavily on anecdotal or traditional medicine evidence than on extensive clinical studies.
For therapeutic applications, always consult healthcare professionals and use reputable products that clearly indicate proper extraction methods and standardized active constituents.
Comparative Analysis of the Different Boswellia Species
Boswellia sacra differs from other Boswellia species (e.g., Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana) in several subtle yet significant ways concerning health benefits and chemical composition:
| Characteristic | Boswellia sacra | Boswellia serrata | Boswellia carterii | Boswellia frereana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Anti-inflammatory (Boswellic Acids) |
Good (Moderate AKBA) | Highest (Highest AKBA) | Moderate (Balanced AKBA) | Lower |
| Aromatherapy & Emotional Benefits | Highest (Premium aroma; stress-relief, calming) | Moderate | Good | Moderate to Good |
| Skin & Cosmetic Benefits | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Digestive Health Benefits | Good (soothing digestive inflammation, mild support for indigestion, bloating) | Highest (most studied; effective for inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, IBS) | Moderate | Limited |
| Clinical Research Level | Moderate | Highest | Moderate | Limited |
| Primary Use | Aromatherapy, skincare, relaxation, digestive comfort | Supplements, inflammation, joint health, digestive health (IBD, IBS) | Balanced therapeutic and aromatic uses | Cosmetics and fragrance |
Conclusion
- Boswellia sacra is distinguished primarily by its superior aromatic properties, emotional and stress-reduction benefits, and suitability for skincare.
- Boswellia serrata remains the most scientifically validated for anti-inflammatory purposes.
- Boswellia frereana excels in cosmetics, while Boswellia carterii maintains balanced benefits.
Boswellia serrata is ideal for specifically targeting inflammation and arthritis. However, for overall emotional wellness, skin health, and aromatherapy purposes, Boswellia sacra is typically the preferred choice.
Safety and Precautions
- Generally considered safe when used appropriately.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use.
- Possible interactions with anticoagulant medications and NSAIDs due to their blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties.
Always consult a healthcare professional or qualified aromatherapist for guidance tailored to individual health needs. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Aromatherapist here.