Burseraceae
Frankincense
Boswellia carterii
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia
Also known as: Olibanum, African Frankincense, Sonali Frankincense
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, asthma, anxiety and depression (aromatherapy), cancer adjunct. Incensole acetate specific to Boswellia resins — activates TRPV3 channels producing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory (5-LOX inhibitor), analgesic, anxiolytic (incensole acetate), anti-cancer (AKBA), immune modulator
Active Constituents
Boswellic acids (AKBA — acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, alpha/beta boswellic acids), incensole acetate (anxiolytic via TRPV3), volatile oil (alpha-pinene, octyl acetate, thymol)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — resin |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (65% boswellic acids): 300–400mg 3x daily with food |
| Notes | AKBA-enriched extract preferred. Take with fatty meal (4x better absorption). Aromatherapy (incense): activates TRPV3 channels — genuine psychoactive effect distinct from placebo. Combine with curcumin for arthritis. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Caution with anticoagulants. Avoid 2 weeks before surgery.
Side Effects: GI upset. Nausea. Skin rash. Generally very well tolerated.