Is Frankincense And Myrrh Incense Good For You?

Frankincense and myrrh are aromatic resins that have been used for thousands of years for spiritual, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. Frankincense is harvested from trees in the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carteri. Myrrh comes from trees in the Commiphora genus. Both frankincense and myrrh are native to the Middle East and northeastern Africa [1].

Historically, frankincense and myrrh were highly prized in regions like Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Judea. Frankincense was burned as incense, valued for its aromatic properties. Myrrh was used for perfume and embalming, as well as a salve for wounds. Both resins were common offerings and gifts, with spiritual and ceremonial symbolism. In the Bible, the three wise men bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Inhaling the scent of frankincense and myrrh essential oils can provide relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve mood. The pleasant, earthy aroma of these resins can have a calming effect on the mind and body.

According to the University of Minnesota, frankincense oil is one of the top essential oils for relieving stress and anxiety when used in aromatherapy. The fragrance can help slow breathing, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and promote feelings of calm (Source).

Myrrh oil also has sedative properties that induce relaxation. A 2015 study found that inhaling myrrh essential oil decreased participants’ anxiety and improved their mood (Source).

Using a diffuser to disperse frankincense and myrrh oils into the air can provide an easy aromatherapy experience at home. Adding a few drops to a warm bath or massage oil can also be relaxing.

Antimicrobial Properties

Research has shown that frankincense and myrrh oils exhibit antimicrobial activity against a variety of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

One study found that frankincense oil was effective against a range of bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans (https://naturalingredient.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/j.1472-765X.2012.03216.x.pdf). The antimicrobial effects were enhanced when frankincense oil was combined with myrrh oil.

Another study tested frankincense and myrrh oils against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and found they could reduce viral infectivity by up to 98-100% (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294290474_The_additive_and_synergistic_antimicrobial_effects_of_frankincense_and_myrrh_-_Essential_oils_from_the_predynastic_period). This demonstrates the oils’ potential to fight viral infections.

Research also suggests that the resin acids, terpenes, and essential oils contained in frankincense and myrrh contribute to their antimicrobial effects against this broad spectrum of microorganisms.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Research has shown that frankincense and myrrh contain compounds that exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that extracts from frankincense and myrrh suppressed inflammation and prevented the destruction of cartilage tissue in an osteoarthritis mouse model (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556964/). The combination of frankincense and myrrh extracts was particularly potent at reducing inflammation and preventing the progression of arthritis.

Another study showed that the combination of frankincense and myrrh extracts exhibits synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, and is more effective than either extract alone. The combined extract was shown to inhibit the production of key inflammatory cytokines and enzymes involved in conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6749531/).

The boswellic acids in frankincense have specifically been shown to block the production of inflammatory leukotrienes, which play a role in asthma and inflammatory diseases. Myrrh also contains terpenoids and sesquiterpenes that reduce inflammation.

This research indicates that burning frankincense and myrrh incense could help alleviate inflammation, swelling, joint pain, and arthritis symptoms when the smoke is inhaled. More studies are still needed to determine optimal dosing and administration methods.

Immune System Effects

Research shows that frankincense and myrrh can enhance immune system function by modulating inflammation. A study found that extracts from frankincense resin suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells, helping regulate the inflammatory response [1]. Myrrh extracts have also demonstrated immunomodulatory effects by reducing levels of inflammatory markers in animal studies [2].

Additionally, some compounds in frankincense and myrrh may stimulate the activity of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages. This could boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections and diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action on immune function.

Cancer Research

Frankincense and myrrh essential oils have shown promising anticancer effects in laboratory studies. Researchers in China investigated the anticancer effects of frankincense and myrrh oils on five tumor cell lines. They found that the oils were able to distinguish cancerous cells from normal cells and suppress cancer cell viability. Frankincense oil in particular exhibited strong anticancer activity against breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer cells.

A separate study from India found that frankincense oil derived from Boswellia serrata tree resin demonstrated antitumor activity in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer. The oil suppressed tumor cell proliferation and induced cancer cell death.

The anticancer effects of frankincense and myrrh oils are thought to be due to specific boswellic acids and components like AKBA found in the oils. These compounds can influence signaling pathways and molecular targets in cancer cells, inducing cytotoxicity. More research is still needed, but the anticancer activities of frankincense and myrrh oils appear promising.

Skin Health

Frankincense and myrrh oils have demonstrated benefits for skin health in research studies. One key application is wound healing. A study showed that frankincense oil accelerated wound contraction and increased collagen synthesis in a rat model. Researchers concluded it could be an inexpensive and effective treatment for wounds. Another study found that myrrh essential oil exhibited significant wound healing properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects (source).

The anti-aging properties of frankincense and myrrh have also been investigated. Frankincense oil was shown to protect human skin cells from UV radiation-induced photoaging in one experiment. It preserved collagen and reduced MMPs, which break down the extracellular matrix. Myrrh extract exhibited anti-photoaging activity by maintaining skin elasticity and collagen levels in UVB-irradiated mice (source).

For acne treatment, frankincense oil demonstrates antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in acne (source). One clinical trial found that a myrrh extract cream produced significant improvements in inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo (source). More research is still needed, but initial studies are promising.

Safety and Side Effects

When burned as incense, frankincense and myrrh are generally considered safe. However, some minor side effects can occur such as headaches, nausea, and skin rashes (WebMD). Burning the resins produces smoke that can irritate lungs, so ventilation is recommended. Pregnant women should use caution as the safety of burning frankincense and myrrh during pregnancy is not well studied. Overall, research shows few concerning side effects when used appropriately (Cao et al., 2019). As with any new therapy, it’s best to start with small amounts to test for any individual sensitivities or reactions.

How to Use Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are most commonly used by burning as incense. To burn as incense, use incense sticks or cones and place them in a safe incense burner. Burn for 10-20 minutes at a time once or twice per day. Make sure to burn in a well-ventilated area and never leave burning incense unattended. Some enjoy burning the resins directly on hot charcoal blocks as well. Start with small amounts and increase as desired to fill the room with fragrance (1).

Essential oils are made by steam distilling the resins. They can be diluted and applied topically, used in a diffuser, or taken internally in some cases. Start by diluting essential oils with a carrier oil and do a patch test before wider use. Frankincense and myrrh oils are very potent so only need to be used in small amounts. Follow instructions carefully and consult an aromatherapy expert if taking internally (2).

Oral supplements containing frankincense and myrrh extracts are also available. Follow dosage instructions on any supplements and consult a healthcare provider, especially if combining with any medications or if pregnant or nursing.

Conclusion

Overall, the evidence suggests that frankincense and myrrh incense has some promising health benefits when used appropriately. The resins appear to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and potential anti-cancer effects based on preliminary studies. When burned as incense, the smoke may help purify indoor air and provide a calming aromatic experience through aromatherapy. Using pure, high-quality frankincense and myrrh resins from reputable sources is important. Burning small amounts at a time with proper ventilation can help prevent potential respiratory irritation. More research is still needed, but frankincense and myrrh incense may be a beneficial complementary wellness tool when used carefully.

For those interested in harnessing the potential perks, aim to use 100% pure resins. Start with brief 5-10 minute sessions once or twice per day. Note any breathing irritation as a sign to decrease exposure. Consider pairing with meditation, prayer, or relaxation practices for optimal mind-body benefits. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before use if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant/nursing.