Frankincense is the aromatic resin harvested from the trees of the Boswellia genus, with Boswellia serrata being the most commonly studied species. This resin has been a fixture in traditional healing for thousands of years, particularly in Ayurvedic and Middle Eastern medicine, where it was historically used to alleviate pain and inflammation. Modern scientific inquiry is currently investigating whether the ancient belief in frankincense’s soothing properties is supported by evidence for headaches and migraines.
Understanding Frankincense’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The interest in frankincense for pain management stems from its unique biochemical composition, which primarily features a group of compounds known as boswellic acids. These pentacyclic triterpene acids are considered the main active constituents responsible for the resin’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers have identified several types of boswellic acids, with 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) being one of the most studied due to its potency.
AKBA and other boswellic acids function by targeting a specific inflammatory pathway in the body. Specifically, they work to inhibit the enzyme 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO). This enzyme is responsible for synthesizing leukotrienes, molecules that act as powerful mediators of inflammation and are involved in various pain pathways.
By blocking the action of 5-LO, frankincense extract effectively reduces the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. This mechanism is distinct from common over-the-counter pain relievers, which often target cyclooxygenases. The ability of frankincense to modulate this specific inflammatory cascade provides a scientific rationale for its traditional use in conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, including certain types of headaches.
Current Evidence for Headache and Migraine Treatment
While the anti-inflammatory mechanism suggests a benefit for head pain, specific scientific evidence for frankincense in headaches is still developing. Much of the research on Boswellia serrata extract has focused on other inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis and chronic asthma, where it has shown promising results. The data directly linking frankincense to common tension headaches or migraines is currently limited, often involving small-scale or open-label studies.
One area of focused research involves chronic cluster headache (CCH), a particularly severe type of head pain. An open-label study involving patients with CCH found that an oral Boswellia serrata extract reduced both the intensity and frequency of their headaches. In this small group, the effects were reported to be long-lasting for a majority of the participants, suggesting a possible role for the extract in managing this specific, debilitating condition.
Reports on indomethacin-responsive headache syndrome provide further evidence linking the extract to specific inflammatory headache types. Patients with indomethacin-responsive headache syndrome, characterized by a strong response to the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, reportedly experienced relief when treated with the Boswellia extract. This response supports the hypothesis that frankincense’s therapeutic action is tied to its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for headaches with an underlying inflammatory component.
For episodic migraines, the evidence is less direct and often involves multi-ingredient supplements. One noncontrolled trial investigating a supplement containing Boswellia serrata along with other herbal extracts reported a significant reduction in the number of migraine days per month for participants. Because the frankincense was combined with other active compounds, it is difficult to isolate its specific contribution to the relief. These preliminary results indicate a need for larger, placebo-controlled clinical trials to establish the efficacy of frankincense extract for various types of headache and migraine.
Safe Methods of Application and Usage
The essential oil is the most common form of frankincense used for head pain relief via topical application or inhalation. Aromatherapy is a straightforward method that can provide quick relief for tension-related discomfort. A diffuser can disperse the oil into the air, or the scent can be inhaled directly from the bottle or from a few drops placed on a cotton ball.
Topical application is effective, particularly for tension headaches. The oil is typically applied to the temples, the back of the neck, or the forehead. Frankincense essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil, before topical application.
A safe dilution ratio is generally two to three drops of frankincense essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Applying the diluted blend and gently massaging the area can help relax tense muscles that contribute to head pain. Frankincense essential oil should not be consumed internally unless explicitly advised and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frankincense extract, often in standardized capsule form, is used in most clinical studies, but essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if ingested. Frankincense, due to its boswellic acid content, may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication should consult with a doctor before incorporating frankincense into their health regimen.