Evidence supporting the use of: Frankincense
For the health condition: Canker Sores
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly within Middle Eastern and South Asian systems, for a variety of inflammatory and wound-healing purposes. Its application for canker sores (aphthous ulcers) is primarily supported by traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. In folk medicine, frankincense resin or preparations made from it have been applied topically to oral sores due to its reputed anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties. Some small-scale studies and anecdotal reports suggest that frankincense may help reduce pain and promote healing in oral ulcers, likely due to boswellic acids, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings. However, the quality and size of clinical trials specifically assessing frankincense for canker sores are limited, and more rigorous research is needed.
The traditional use is reflected in the inclusion of frankincense in herbal mouthwashes and oral care products in certain cultures. A few Iranian and Middle Eastern studies have evaluated herbal mixtures containing frankincense for aphthous ulcers, reporting some benefit, but it is difficult to isolate the effect of frankincense alone. Overall, while traditional support is clear and there is some preliminary evidence for anti-inflammatory effects, the scientific evidence remains limited, warranting a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Canker Sores
Aloe verabamboo
basil
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
blackberry
bасора
chamomile
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
dog rose
folate
ginger
horseradish
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
milk
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
Peppermint
pineapple
plantain
rhizome
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
triphala
vitamin B12
vitamin C
zinc
yellow root
squawvine
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
myrrh
siler root
hyacinth bean
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Agastache
Ardisia
Acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Collinsonia
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
Glycolic acid
Guava
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Honey
Heal-All
Helicteres isora
Henna
Herb Robert
Horsemint
Huang Hua
Indian Nightshade
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Coraltree
Long Pepper
Indian Kinotree
Indian Fagonia
Lime
Lebbek
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Luffa
Lodhtree
Lysozyme
Labrador Tea
Little ironweed
Lysimachia
Mustard
Mineral ascorbate
Marjoram
Mallow
Melia
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Momordica
Marigold
Manzanita
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Naphthoquinones
Nutmeg
Nimbidin
Oak
Osha
Orris
Onosma bracteatum
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phyllanthus
Premna
Pagoda Tree
Plantago
Pluchea
Prunus
Pepper
Paris polyphylla
Pansit-pansitan
Pyrrosia
Pentatropis capensis
portulaca
Piper nigrum
Patrinia
Physalis angulata
Papayotin
Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Resin
Rose
Rhus coriaria
Spilanthes
Sichuan Lovage
Sicklepod
Sinapis arvensis
Sophora
Sesbania
Spanish Needle
Smartweed
Salvia
Snakeroot
Solanum indicum
Sanguisorba
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Stereospermum
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Terpenoids
Thymus
Tamaricaceae
Thymol
Tansy
Tagetes
Tamarind
Varuna
Violet
Viola
Water Pepper
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Frankincense
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Epilepsy
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Migraine
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinus Infection
Skin (infections)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores