Frankincense for Asthma

A 1998 study found that 300mg of frankincense resin three times daily significantly improved asthma symptoms compared to 300mg of lactose three times daily over 6 weeks. Lung function parameters and inflammatory blood markers improved in 70% of people taking the frankincense resin vs 27% of people taking lactose. Frankincense can cause gastrointestinal symptoms among other side effects. Prolonged use at high doses can lead to rare but serious electrolyte imbalances.

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Finsterer J. Boswellia serrata intoxication manifesting with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, hyponatremia, seizure, and rhabdomyolysis. Crit Care Sci. 2024 Jun 24;36:e20240049en. doi: 10.62675/2965-2774.20240049-en. PMID: 38922237; PMCID: PMC11152439.