What frankincense is and why people use it for arthritis
Frankincense is a resin that comes from the Boswellia tree, grown mainly in the Middle East and Africa. People have used it for thousands of years in traditional medicine. For arthritis, the active compounds in frankincense — particularly boswellic acids — are thought to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Some people take frankincense as a supplement, explore it as an oil to the skin over painful joints, or use it in creams and salves. The idea is that it may help ease swelling and stiffness, especially in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the evidence that it works is mixed, and it is not a replacement for the treatments your doctor has prescribed.
Key Takeaways
- Frankincense contains compounds that may reduce inflammation, but research shows modest results and it works differently for different people.
- If you want to try frankincense, talk to your doctor first, especially if you take blood thinners or arthritis medications.
- Frankincense supplements are not regulated the same way as prescription drugs, so quality and strength vary between brands.
- You should not stop taking prescribed arthritis medications to use frankincense instead.
What the research actually shows
Several studies have looked at whether frankincense reduces arthritis pain and swelling. Some small studies found that people who took frankincense supplements reported less pain and better joint function compared to those who took a placebo. Other studies found little difference. The studies that did show benefit often involved small groups of people and lasted only a few weeks or months.
The strongest evidence exists for a specific extract called AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), but most over-the-counter frankincense products do not list how much AKBA they contain. This means you cannot be sure whether a product you buy has the same strength as the one tested in research. The evidence is not strong enough for frankincense to be considered a proven treatment for arthritis.
How to use frankincense safely if you decide to try it
Frankincense comes in several forms: capsules or tablets you swallow, oils you explore to skin, and creams or salves you rub on joints. Capsules are the most common. Typical doses in studies ranged from 300 to 650 milligrams per day, taken in divided doses with food. If you use a cream or oil, explore it to clean skin over the painful joint and massage gently.
Start with the lowest dose listed on the package and use it for at least four to six weeks before deciding whether it helps. Keep a straightforward record: note your pain level, stiffness, and how you feel each day. This will help you and your doctor see whether frankincense is making a real difference for you. If you see no change after six to eight weeks, it may not work for your body.
Do not explore frankincense oil directly to skin without diluting it first — pure essential oils can cause irritation or burning. If you use a product labeled "frankincense oil," check whether it is a diluted product ready to explore or a concentrated essential oil that needs to be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.
Important interactions and who should not use frankincense
Frankincense may thin the blood slightly, so tell your doctor if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin regularly. It may also interact with some arthritis medications, particularly if you take immunosuppressants for rheumatoid arthritis. Your rheumatologist or primary care doctor needs to know you are considering frankincense before you start.
Frankincense is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some people develop allergic reactions to frankincense, including rash, itching, or swelling. Stop using it and contact your doctor if you notice any of these signs. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or take medications for blood clotting, frankincense is not a safe choice without your doctor's approval.
How frankincense supplements are regulated differently than arthritis drugs
Prescription arthritis medications like methotrexate or biologics are tested by the FDA before they reach the market, and every pill contains exactly what the label says. Frankincense supplements are regulated as dietary supplements, which means the FDA does not test them before they are sold. The manufacturer is responsible for making sure the product is safe and that the label is truthful, but there is no independent check.
This means two bottles of frankincense from different companies — or even different batches from the same company — may contain very different amounts of the active compounds. Some products may contain less boswellic acid than the label claims, or may be contaminated with other substances. If you decide to buy frankincense, choose a brand that has been tested by a third party, such as ConsumerLab or NSF International. These organizations test supplements and publish their results online.
When to contact your doctor about frankincense and arthritis
Before you start frankincense, schedule a conversation with the doctor who manages your arthritis. Bring the product bottle or a photo of the label so they can see what you plan to take. Tell them about any other supplements or over-the-counter medications you use, and mention any bleeding problems or medications you take.
Contact your doctor right away if you develop unusual bruising, bleeding gums, blood in your stool, or severe stomach pain while using frankincense. These can be signs of a serious interaction. Also reach out if you have been using frankincense for eight weeks and your pain and swelling have not improved — your doctor may want to adjust your prescribed arthritis treatment instead.
Other approaches that have stronger evidence for arthritis pain
While you are considering frankincense, know that other treatments have more solid research behind them. Physical therapy and gentle exercise reduce pain and improve joint function in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Heat and cold therapy — a warm bath or heating pad for stiffness, ice for acute swelling — work quickly and have no side effects. Weight loss, if you are overweight, reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
For rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologic medications slow joint damage and are proven to work. For osteoarthritis, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, topical creams with menthol or capsaicin, and prescription medications all have strong evidence. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frankincense instead of my arthritis medication?
No. Frankincense is not proven to work as well as arthritis medications, and stopping your prescribed treatment could allow joint damage to progress. If you want to try frankincense, use it alongside your current medications, not instead of them. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
How long does it take frankincense to work?
If frankincense is going to help you, you will usually notice some change within four to six weeks. Some people see improvement sooner, and others do not see any benefit at all. Keep notes on your pain and stiffness so you can tell whether it is actually helping or whether your arthritis is just having a good week.
Is frankincense oil the same as frankincense capsules?
No. Frankincense essential oil is very concentrated and is meant to be diluted before explore to skin — it can burn or irritate if used straight. Frankincense capsules contain dried resin or extract and are swallowed. They are different products with different uses, so do not assume one will work the same way as the other.
What should I look for when buying frankincense?
Look for a product that has been tested by a third party such as ConsumerLab or NSF International — the label will say so. Check that the label lists the amount of boswellic acids or AKBA, not just "frankincense extract." Buy from a reputable company with customer reviews. Avoid products that make claims like "cures arthritis" or "replaces medication."
Can I use frankincense if I take blood thinners?
Possibly, but only with your doctor's permission. Frankincense may increase bleeding risk slightly, so your doctor needs to know you are using it if you take warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners. They may want to monitor you more closely or adjust your dose. Do not start frankincense without checking first.