This botanical profile is part of the Star Naturals Herbal Library.
Frankincense
Boswellia serrata
Historical / Folk Use
Frankincense resin has been used for thousands of years across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. Harvested as a resin from Boswellia trees, it was traditionally used in spiritual, aromatic, and skin preparations. Burned as incense or infused into oils, it was valued for centering the mind, supporting contemplative practices, and maintaining healthy-looking skin. Its rich, resinous aroma has long symbolized grounding and renewal.
Energetics
Traditionally described as:
• Warming and grounding
• Restorative, protective, and fortifying
• Centering and steadying
• Aromatic and expansive
• Subtly drying
• Elevating to mood
• Clarifying to mind
How Star Naturals
uses this botanical
Frankincense essential oil adds depth and balance to our formulations. In topical blends, it encourages a smooth, revitalized feel while supporting overall skin vitality. Aromatically, it offers a clarifying and grounding sensory experience.
Found in these Star Naturals formulations:
Research & Resources
The research summaries below highlight findings from scientific studies on compounds found in this botanical.
They are provided for educational purposes and do not represent claims about the effects of Star Naturals products.
Study 1:
Systematic clinical evidence suggests Boswellia serrata extracts may be associated with less pain, stiffness, and improved joint function in people with osteoarthritis compared with placebo or control, based on multiple randomized trials.
Study 2:
Oral Boswellia serrata extract standardized for boswellic acids has been associated with lower pain and stiffness scores and improved physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis over several months.
Study 3:
A controlled human study found that a Boswellia‑derived topical cream was associated with reduced sebum excretion and improved skin texture in photoaging, suggesting a potential role in supporting aspects of skin appearance and barrier characteristics.
Study 4:
An open‑label clinical observation in a very small group of adults with chronic cluster headaches reported that oral Boswellia serrata extract was associated with reductions in headache intensity and frequency over months; mechanisms may relate to anti‑inflammatory activity of boswellic acids, though the study did not involve essential oil or a larger controlled trial.
Study 5:
Inhaling frankincense essential oil has been associated with self‑reported feelings of calmness and relaxation, and measurable reductions in stress‑related physiological markers such as systolic blood pressure and pulse rate in human observational settings.
Study 6:
Scientific reviews of essential oils support that compounds present in frankincense may contribute to stress attenuation and relaxation, based on a body of aromatherapy research where frankincense was included among other oils.
Study 7:
A laboratory study of frankincense oil and smoke found that both the essential oil and combustion products reported antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and molds under controlled in vitro conditions.
Study 8:
Human clinical research on Boswellia extracts (not frankincense essential oil alone) has observed associations with improvements in cognitive performance tests in specific neurological conditions, which is relevant to mental processing but not evidence of “spiritual purification” or mood elevation claims.
Study 9:
Traditional aromatherapy and cultural narratives associate frankincense with meditation support, calming scent effects, and enhanced focus or presence, but these associations are not clinical claims and should be described as traditional or cultural practices, not medical outcomes.