can you eat frankincense? - Test Food Kitchen

Yes, you can eat frankincense, but only in very small amounts and only certain types.

Frankincense is a tree resin that’s mostly used in incense and oils, but in some parts of the world, people chew it like gum or use it in traditional medicine. If you’re going to try it, make sure it’s food-grade frankincense, not the kind meant for burning. Some types, like Boswellia sacra, are considered safer for chewing or eating.

That said, it doesn’t taste sweet or fruity like normal gum. It’s kind of bitter, with a strong, earthy smell. Most people don’t eat a lot of it because it can upset your stomach or cause other problems if you take too much.

Some folks believe it helps with digestion or inflammation, but there isn’t much solid proof. And if you’re pregnant or have health issues, it’s best to check with a doctor first.

In short, yes, you can eat certain types of frankincense, but do it carefully and in tiny amounts. Treat it more like a natural remedy than a snack.

Uses and Benefits of Frankincense | Dr. Josh Axe

So, let’s cut to it can you eat frankincense? The short answer is: yes, but not all types and not in all forms.

Back when I first heard someone say they were chewing frankincense resin, I honestly thought they were kidding. But turns out, some cultures have done this for centuries. In Oman and parts of Somalia, people chew specific kinds like gum, make tea from it, or even grind it into powder for tonic-like drinks.

But not all frankincense is safe to consume. The most commonly eaten varieties are:

Boswellia sacra – The prized, “edible” type mostly from Oman.
Boswellia frereana – Popular in Somalia and often chewed for digestion or oral health.

The other varieties, like Boswellia serrata or carterii, are mostly used externally or in supplements. And essential oils? Never ingest them. I know some wellness blogs flirt with this idea, but essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic if taken internally.

Here’s where it gets tricky: the frankincense you buy for incense or aromatherapy probably isn’t labeled for human consumption. And trust me, chewing that stuff I tried it once can feel like gnawing on a melted plastic ornament. 🤢 That’s why sourcing matters.

When it’s sold as food-grade, it usually means it’s been cleaned, sorted, and maybe even lab-tested for things like heavy metals or fungal contamination. It’s not something you wanna buy off eBay and just pop in your mouth.

Some common ways people consume edible frankincense:

Chewed raw – Like gum, though it starts out super hard
Steeped in hot water – To make frankincense tea (tastes a bit citrusy and piney)
Powdered and encapsulated – Sold as supplements for inflammation and digestion
Mixed into honey or oils – A traditional remedy in some parts of the Middle East

So yes, you can eat frankincense just make sure it’s the right species, properly sourced, and used in moderation. And always read the label. If it doesn’t say “food-grade,” assume it’s not edible.

Health Benefits of Eating Frankincense

I’ll admit when I first looked into eating frankincense, I thought it was one of those ancient medicine things that sounds mystical but has zero science behind it. But surprisingly, there’s some real research (and a lot of tradition) that supports its health benefits.

Let’s start with what people say. In places like Oman and parts of India, frankincense has been used for centuries to treat everything from stomach issues to inflammation. My first experience chewing a small chunk of Boswellia sacra was honestly kind of bitter, but I was told it could help with digestion and mental clarity. After a week? I’m not sure if it was placebo or legit, but I did feel sharper and less bloated.

Here are the top science-backed (and traditional) health benefits of consuming edible frankincense:

Anti-inflammatory effects
Boswellic acids the active compounds in frankincense have been studied for their ability to reduce inflammation. They work a bit like NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), but without damaging the stomach lining. That’s why it’s commonly used for arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease in supplement form.
Digestive health
Some people chew it to relieve bloating, gas, or indigestion. I’ve noticed frankincense tea helps when I overdo it on greasy food. It seems to calm the gut in a way that feels almost cooling.
Joint and muscle pain relief
I gave some powdered frankincense to a friend dealing with knee pain. She swears after a few weeks of use, her joints felt “less stiff” and she could go up the stairs without cringing. Could be coincidence but some small studies back this up too.
Oral and dental benefits
Chewing frankincense resin has natural antimicrobial properties. It’s been shown to help reduce bad breath and even prevent plaque buildup. I’ve used it like gum before a meeting and it left my mouth feeling squeaky clean kind of like a mix of citrus and pine.
Immune system support
Some early studies suggest it might boost immune function, though more research is needed. Traditional medicine often used it during colds and infections, especially in teas.
Stress and mental clarity
There’s a theory (and some anecdotal evidence) that ingesting frankincense or even just smelling it helps with focus and anxiety. I can’t say it cured my stress, but I did feel more clear-headed after sipping frankincense water for a few days.

But here’s the thing: the science isn’t bulletproof yet. Most studies are small or use Boswellia serrata in supplement form not raw resin. Still, it’s exciting to see modern research catching up to what ancient cultures have known for ages.

Of course, benefits aside, we have to talk risks. That’s next because just like with any natural remedy, it’s not all sunshine and clarity.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-fun stuff. Just because something’s natural doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe and frankincense is no exception. I had to learn this the hard way when I once chewed way too much Boswellia resin during a DIY “detox” phase. Spoiler alert: my stomach hated me for it.

Here are the main risks and side effects to keep in mind if you’re thinking about eating frankincense:

Digestive issues
If you eat too much especially raw resin it can irritate your stomach. I’ve personally felt mild nausea and bloating from chewing more than a couple small pieces a day. Some people report acid reflux or even diarrhea after taking frankincense capsules or drinking strong tea. Start small and see how your body reacts.
Allergic reactions
Like with any tree resin or plant compound, some folks are allergic. If you’ve ever had a reaction to pine, incense smoke, or other saps, it’s best to tread carefully. Look out for rashes, itchy throat, or breathing issues and stop immediately if anything weird happens.
Drug interactions
This one’s big. Frankincense especially in supplement form might interact with medications. It can thin the blood slightly, so if you’re on blood thinners or prepping for surgery, talk to your doctor first. Also, some sources suggest it could affect how the liver processes certain meds.
Pregnancy concerns
There’s limited info here, but traditional wisdom usually recommends avoiding frankincense during pregnancy, especially in large amounts. The essential oil, in particular, is a no-go for pregnant women unless cleared by a healthcare provider. Better safe than sorry.
Quality control issues
This might sound like a boring point, but it’s super important. The frankincense market isn’t tightly regulated. That means your resin could be contaminated with mold, dust, or even chemicals used in processing. I once bought a cheap bag online that smelled weirdly like gasoline yeah, I tossed it.

How to Safely Consume Frankincense

If you’re curious to give frankincense a try (and you should, it’s kinda fascinating), there are definitely safer and more enjoyable ways to go about it. I’ve tried a bunch of different methods over the years, and some were way better than others. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and how to keep things safe.

1. Choose the Right Type (This Is Huge!)

Not all frankincense is edible, and this is where a lot of folks go wrong.

The two most commonly eaten varieties are:

Boswellia sacra – Gold standard in Oman. Milder flavor, more prized.
Boswellia frereana – Often chewed like gum in Somalia. Softer texture, almost peppery taste.

I once tried chewing Boswellia carterii, thinking it was close enough. My teeth hated me, and I ended up spitting it

out super bitter and gritty. Trust me, go with the real edible stuff.

2. Start Small Like, Really Small

When I first began experimenting, I popped a big chunk in my mouth. Don’t do that. 😅 Start with a piece the size of a lentil. Chew it like gum, or steep it in warm water and sip it like tea. Let your body adjust.

3. Try Frankincense Tea

This one’s my go-to.

Here’s how I make it:

Drop 2-3 small pieces of edible frankincense into a cup of warm (not boiling) water.
Let it steep overnight, or at least 4 hours.
Drink on an empty stomach in the morning.

It tastes slightly citrusy and earthy not bad, honestly. I usually strain out the resin chunks before drinking, but some folks swallow them too. Totally up to you.

Chew It Like Natural Gum

Some people chew it raw, kind of like mastic gum. It starts hard, then softens. Great for freshening breath and supposedly for oral health.

Tips:

Don’t chew for too long your jaw will get sore.
Don’t swallow the gum part if it turns rubbery.
Mix with a bit of myrrh resin for an extra old-school combo (they used this mix in ancient Egypt!).

Frankincense Powder or Capsules

If chewing resin isn’t your vibe, you can try Boswellia supplements usually made from Boswellia serrata. These are standardized extracts, meaning they control the dose of boswellic acids. Super convenient and often used for arthritis and inflammation.

But:

Stick to reputable brands (Nature’s Way, Himalaya, or physician-formulated ones).
Follow dosing guidelines more isn’t better.
Still check with your doctor if you’re on other meds.

6. Avoid These Mistakes

Never eat essential oil – I can’t say this enough. I don’t care how “pure” the bottle says it is. Internal use can be toxic.
Don’t eat frankincense labeled for incense use – It’s probably dirty or chemically treated.
Store it right – Keep your resin in a sealed container in a cool, dry spot. It can mold if stored wrong ask me how I know. 😬

Conclusion: Should You Eat Frankincense?

So… should you eat frankincense? My honest answer? Maybe but only if you know what you’re doing.

After experimenting with it for the better part of a year, I can say there are some cool benefits to edible frankincense especially when it comes to things like digestion, inflammation, and oral health. It’s not some miracle cure, but it’s definitely more than just hippie incense.

The key takeaway is this: not all frankincense is safe to eat, and even with the edible kind, you’ve got to be smart about it.

Here’s the quick recap:

Stick with Boswellia sacra or Boswellia frereana for consumption.
Start small to see how your body reacts no mega-chewing or throwing chunks in your smoothie.
Don’t fall for the “natural equals safe” myth it can interact with meds, and it’s not for everyone.
Avoid essential oils or incense-grade resins for internal use. They’re absolutely not safe to eat.

If you’re curious, try making frankincense tea first. That’s what worked best for me. Gentle, simple, and surprisingly refreshing.

But if you’re pregnant, on meds, or have any health conditions check with your doctor before trying it. Seriously. It’s not worth rolling the dice.

And finally, remember: just because something has ancient roots doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Frankincense can be a cool addition to your wellness toolkit, but it’s not some ancient panacea.

If you’ve tried it or are thinking about it, I’d love to hear how it went for you drop your story in the comments or send me a message. Let’s keep learning from each other!