NATURALISTIC Essential Body Oil -FRANKINCENSE (2 oz roll on)

Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce joint inflammation caused by arthritis.

Researchers believe that frankincense can prevent the release of leukotrienes, which are compounds that can cause inflammation (1Trusted Source, 2).

Terpenes, including boswellic acid, appear to be the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds in frankincense (3, 4).

In one 2014 study, both oral and topical boswellic acid reduced cartilage loss and joint lining inflammation in osteoarthritis in mice (5).

In humans, frankincense extract may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (6Trusted Source, 2).

In one 2018 review, frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility (7).

However, the review noted that the quality of most studies was low and more research is needed.

In a subsequent study, participants took 169.33 mg of boswellia extract twice daily for 120 days. Results indicated that the supplement reduced inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, without serious side effects (8Trusted Source).

Another study found that oliban oil, another name for frankincense, reduced osteoarthritis pain when applied to the skin for 6 weeks. However, participants’ ability to do daily activities or participate in sports didn’t show significant improvements (9).

Combinations of frankincense with other supplements may also be effective.

A 2018 study found that 350 mg curcuminoid and 150 mg boswellic acid supplement taken 3 times per day for 12 weeks was associated with reduced osteoarthritis pain. The combination was more effective than curcumin on its own or a placebo (10Trusted Source).

Similarly, taking a combination of 5 g of methylsulfonylmethane and 7.2 mg of boswellic acids daily for 60 days was more effective at improving pain and function than taking glucosamine sulfate, a standard supplement for osteoarthritis (11).

For rheumatoid arthritis, researchers induced arthritis in rats then treated them with 180 mg/kg of boswellia extract. They found that frankincense reduced inflammation but wasn’t as effective as standard medications (12Trusted Source).

Overall, more research is needed, particularly for rheumatoid arthritis (5, 6Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

Source: www.healthline.com