You probably know frankincense as that aromatic resin burned in churches or used in expensive perfumes. But here’s what most people don’t know: chewing raw frankincense resin daily can trigger profound changes in your body that modern medicine is just beginning to understand.
For millennia, people across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have chewed frankincense straight from the tree. They weren’t just freshening their breath—they were accessing one of nature’s most potent healing compounds.
Recent scientific studies reveal why this ancient practice works so well. When you chew the raw resin, you’re delivering concentrated boswellic acids directly to your mouth and digestive system. This targeted delivery system bypasses the bioavailability problems that plague frankincense supplements.
Here are seven research-backed changes that happen when you start chewing frankincense daily:
1. Your Joint Pain Disappears Through a Unique Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
The science: Frankincense contains acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which works completely differently from typical painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Instead of blocking pain signals, AKBA targets the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme—a key player in your body’s inflammatory response. But here’s the shocking part: it doesn’t just block this enzyme. Research shows it actually “reprograms” the enzyme to produce anti-inflammatory compounds instead.
What this means for you: Clinical trials show people with osteoarthritis experienced significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and joint function within just 7 days. One study found participants needed their pain medications less frequently after adding frankincense to their routine.
The numbers: Studies used doses ranging from 100-1000mg daily, with most showing benefits at 250-500mg per day.
2. Digestive Problems Clear Up Fast
Govinda Frankincense [click to view…]
The science: Your digestive tract gets direct contact with boswellic acids when you chew frankincense resin. This local delivery system makes it particularly effective for gut-related issues.
A clinical trial on chronic colitis found remarkable results: 90% of participants saw symptom improvement, and 70% entered complete remission. Another study comparing frankincense extract to the standard Crohn’s disease medication mesalazine found frankincense was equally effective—but with fewer side effects.
What this means for you: If you struggle with:
- Chronic stomach pain
- Bloating and gas
- Irregular bowel movements
- IBS symptoms
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
Chewing frankincense may provide relief where other treatments have failed.
3. Your Oral Health Transforms Dramatically
The science: This one makes perfect sense when you think about it. Chewing frankincense bathes your entire mouth in antimicrobial compounds.
Laboratory studies show frankincense extract effectively kills Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans—the aggressive bacteria responsible for severe gum disease. A small human study found that chewing frankincense gum reduced harmful oral bacteria for up to 5 hours.
What this means for you: Traditional cultures have used frankincense as natural dental hygiene for thousands of years. The research validates this practice:
- Reduced harmful bacteria in your mouth
- Stronger, healthier gums
- Fewer cavities and infections
- Fresher breath that lasts for hours
4. Cancer Cells Stop Growing (But There’s a Critical Caveat)
Govinda Frankincense Natural Tree Sap Gum [click to view…]
The science: This is where frankincense research gets truly fascinating—and where we must be extremely careful about claims.
Multiple laboratory studies show frankincense compounds can:
- Stop cancer cells from dividing
- Prevent tumors from spreading
- Trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis)
- Target multiple cancer types including breast, pancreatic, colon, and skin cancers
A 2024 clinical trial on breast cancer patients found high-dose frankincense extract significantly reduced cancer cell growth with no serious side effects.
Critical disclaimer: Laboratory and early human studies are promising, but frankincense is NOT a cancer treatment. It may serve as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatment, but only under medical supervision. Never use frankincense as a substitute for proven cancer treatments.
5. Breathing Becomes Easier
The science: Frankincense’s anti-inflammatory properties extend to your respiratory system. The same compounds that reduce joint inflammation can also calm inflamed airways.
A study of asthma patients who took frankincense combined with bael fruit showed greater symptom reduction compared to placebo. Another trial found participants with mild to severe asthma used their inhalers about half as often when taking frankincense extract.
What this means for you: If you have:
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Persistent cough
- Seasonal respiratory issues
Daily frankincense chewing might help reduce inflammation in your airways and improve breathing comfort.
6. Brain Function Sharpens
The science: This area of research is newer but intriguing. Frankincense contains diterpenoids called cembranes that appear to affect brain function.
Animal studies suggest frankincense may:
- Improve memory formation
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Protect brain cells from damage
- Support overall cognitive function
Historical texts mention frankincense for “mental impairment,” and modern research is beginning to validate these traditional uses.
What this means for you: While more human studies are needed, early evidence suggests daily frankincense might support:
- Better memory recall
- Improved focus and concentration
- Reduced brain fog
- Enhanced learning ability
7. Muscle Recovery Accelerates
Govinda Frankincense Natural Tree Sap Gum [click to view…]
The science: A recent pilot study examined frankincense’s effects on exercise recovery—and the results were impressive.
Participants who took standardized frankincense extract after strenuous downhill running experienced:
- Significantly less muscle soreness on days 8, 9, and 10
- Faster return to baseline strength
- Reduced inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6)
What this means for you: If you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who experiences muscle soreness after physical activity, frankincense might help you recover faster and feel better sooner.
The Chewing Advantage: Why This Method Works Better
Here’s something most people don’t realize: chewing raw frankincense resin gives you advantages over supplements or essential oils.
Bioavailability challenge: Boswellic acids are poorly absorbed when taken orally as capsules. Your digestive system struggles to get these compounds into your bloodstream effectively.
Direct delivery solution: When you chew the raw resin, you bypass this problem. The active compounds work directly in your mouth and upper digestive tract—exactly where many of the benefits occur.
Full spectrum effects: Raw resin contains the complete profile of therapeutic compounds, not just isolated extracts.
Safety First: What You Need to Know
While frankincense has an excellent safety profile, there are important considerations:
Common Side Effects:
- Stomach upset or nausea
- Diarrhea (usually mild)
- Skin irritation (if you’re sensitive)
Serious Contraindications:
Who Should Avoid Frankincense:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People taking warfarin or other blood thinners
- Anyone with bleeding disorders
- Individuals on immunosuppressive therapy
How to Start Safely
Quality matters: Source your frankincense from reputable suppliers who provide pure, food-grade resin. Avoid products mixed with other substances.
Start small: Begin with a rice-grain sized piece once daily. Chew it for 10-15 minutes, then discard or swallow.
Monitor your response: Pay attention to how your body reacts. Increase gradually if well-tolerated.
Timing considerations: Many people find chewing frankincense after meals reduces the risk of stomach upset.
Consult your healthcare provider: This is especially important if you take medications or have chronic health conditions.
Organic Frankincense Resin (Boswellia Carterii) [click to view…]
Ready to try it? If you’re looking for high-quality, organic frankincense resin to start your daily chewing practice, this Nagaad Organic Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) meets the purity standards discussed in this article and comes from one of the premium frankincense species mentioned in the research.
The Bottom Line
The research on frankincense is genuinely exciting. These aren’t wild claims or marketing hype—they’re documented effects backed by peer-reviewed studies.
But remember: most studies used standardized extracts with known concentrations of active compounds. Raw resin potency can vary based on the source, age, and storage conditions.
The evidence suggests frankincense has real therapeutic potential for inflammation, digestive health, oral hygiene, respiratory function, and more. The traditional practice of chewing the resin provides a delivery method that may be superior to modern supplements for certain conditions.
However, frankincense isn’t a miracle cure. It’s a tool that works best as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and appropriate medical care.
Your next step: If you’re curious about trying frankincense, start with a conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if it’s appropriate for your situation and monitor your progress.
The ancients were onto something powerful with this aromatic resin. Modern science is just catching up to what they knew thousands of years ago—but now we understand exactly why it works so well.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take medications.
Dora Decora is a biophilic interior design specialist and passionate blogger. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into living spaces, Dora specializes in creating environments that foster human-nature connections through thoughtful design elements. Her approach emphasizes sustainable materials, natural lighting, and organic patterns that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact.
This post (https://homechroma.com/7-shocking-things-when-chewing-frankincense-daily) was originally published by Dora Decora on Home Chroma. As an Amazon Associates partner, we are compensated for all qualifying purchases.
