Benefits and harms of drinking frankincense water on an empty stomach

Frankincense, also known as "Luban Dakkar" or "Kundur," is a type of resin extracted from a specific tree. It got its name because it resembles the chewing gum we consume. Yemen, Oman, and the Arabian Peninsula are among the top producers of frankincense. Notably, frankincense has numerous health benefits. In this Dalili Medical article, we will discuss the benefits of drinking frankincense water on an empty stomach.

Types of Frankincense

• Hojari Frankincense: Named after the Hojar region in the Samhan Mountains of Oman, this type grows in dry and high-altitude areas, making it one of the highest-quality frankincense varieties.
• Najdi Frankincense: Ranked second in quality, it is cultivated in the Najdi valleys of the Dhofar mountain range in Oman.
• Shazri Frankincense: The third in terms of quality, this type grows in dry valleys in the western regions.
• Sahli (Popular) Frankincense: Ranked fourth in quality due to its lower grade compared to other types. It is found in valleys and plains affected by seasonal autumn rains.

All Omani frankincense types share the scientific name Boswellia Sacra. However, there are other varieties, such as Boswellia Carteri, which originates from Malaysia, and Boswellia Serrata, which is native to China and India.

The Importance of Drinking Frankincense Water on an Empty Stomach

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Regular consumption of soaked frankincense on an empty stomach helps reduce the activity of enzymes responsible for inflammation in the body. It also alleviates joint pain and inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, improving the condition of those affected.

• Boosting Immunity: Drinking frankincense water in the morning on an empty stomach is beneficial for the immune system, as it enhances the body's response against viruses and microbes. It also lowers the risk of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it should be consumed with caution and in moderation to avoid any side effects.

• Cancer Prevention: Numerous studies have examined the impact of frankincense on cancer. Research from an American university indicated that it helps prevent the spread of cancer cells, facilitates treatment, and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy—unlike conventional cancer drugs that damage healthy cells.

• Enhancing Skin Health: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, frankincense is highly beneficial for the skin. Regular consumption on an empty stomach helps reduce skin irritation, improves appearance, and minimizes wrinkles and age spots. Additionally, it enhances skin elasticity and accelerates wound healing.

• Improving Digestion: Frankincense aids in treating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains boswellic acid, which enhances nutrient absorption, reduces bloating and cramps, and lowers the risk of stomach ulcers.

Frankincense Drinks

1. Frankincense Drink (For Skin, Digestion, and Respiratory Health)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• Honey (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in warm water overnight until the water turns white.
2. Strain it well using a fine sieve.
3. Drink it warm or cold, and optionally add honey or lemon to taste.

2. Frankincense Drink for Cough and Throat Inflammation

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of frankincense
• 1 cup of boiled water
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 drop of peppermint oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 4-6 hours.
2. Strain the mixture and add honey and peppermint oil.
3. Drink it warm twice a day to soothe cough and strengthen immunity.

3. Frankincense Milk Drink (For Bone Health and Immunity Boosting)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 1 cup of warm milk
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in half a cup of warm water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the milk and add the strained frankincense extract.
3. Stir in honey and cinnamon.
4. Drink it warm before bed for stronger bones and better sleep.

4. Frankincense with Lemon and Honey (For Weight Loss and Digestion)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of hot water
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in hot water for 6 hours until the water turns white.
2. Strain the water and mix in lemon juice and honey.
3. Drink it on an empty stomach to boost fat burning and improve digestion.

5. Frankincense with Ginger (For Immunity and Cold Relief)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• ½ teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained water and mix in ginger and honey.
3. Drink it warm twice a day to strengthen immunity and relieve colds and coughs.

Frankincense Drinks

1. Frankincense with Cinnamon and Clove (For Digestion and Bloating Relief)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Reheat the strained water and add cinnamon and cloves, letting them simmer for one minute.
3. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the honey.
4. Drink it after meals to reduce bloating and gas.

2. Frankincense with Turmeric and Black Pepper (For Inflammation and Immunity Boosting)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Reheat the strained water and add turmeric and black pepper, stirring well.
3. Let it cool slightly before adding honey.
4. Drink it once daily to reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity.

3. Frankincense with Green Tea (For Weight Loss and Metabolism Boosting)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• 1 green tea bag
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add the green tea bag to the strained water and steep for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the lemon juice.
4. Drink it twice a day to enhance fat burning and boost energy.

4. Frankincense with Sage (For Relaxation and Better Sleep)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• 1 teaspoon of sage
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Reheat the strained water and add sage, letting it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Let it cool slightly before adding honey.
4. Drink it before bedtime to relax and improve sleep quality.

Frankincense Drinks

1. Frankincense with Mint (For Refreshment and Better Breathing)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add fresh mint leaves and let them steep for 5 minutes.
3. Optionally, add honey for sweetness.
4. Drink it warm or refrigerate and serve cold for a refreshing boost.

2. Frankincense with Hibiscus (For Blood Pressure Regulation and Circulation Improvement)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Reheat the strained water and add hibiscus, letting it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture and add honey.
4. Serve warm or cold as a refreshing drink to help regulate blood pressure.

3. Frankincense with Fenugreek (For Circulation and Energy Boosting)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• 1 teaspoon of fenugreek
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add fenugreek and heat the mixture for 5 minutes, then strain.
3. Stir in honey and mix well.
4. Enjoy this nourishing drink, especially in cold weather.

4. Frankincense with Black Tea (For Digestion and Relaxation)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• 1 black tea bag
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add a black tea bag and cinnamon, letting them steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture and add honey if desired.
4. Drink warm after meals to aid digestion and promote relaxation.

5. Frankincense with Cumin and Lemon (For Weight Loss and Digestion)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of frankincense
• 2 cups of boiled water
• ½ teaspoon of cumin
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Reheat the strained water and add cumin, letting it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and mix in lemon juice and honey.
4. Drink on an empty stomach to aid fat burning and digestion.

1. Frankincense Drink with Dates and Milk (To Strengthen the Body and Improve Overall Health)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 pitted dates
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add the dates to the warm milk and blend well.
3. Mix in the strained frankincense extract and stir well.
4. A nutritious drink perfect for boosting energy.

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2. Frankincense Drink with Blackstrap Molasses (To Increase Iron and Treat Anemia)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add the blackstrap molasses and stir well.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and drink once daily to increase iron levels in the body.

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3. Frankincense Drink with Cinnamon and Ginger (For Warmth in Winter and Immunity Boosting)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained water again, add cinnamon and ginger, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Allow it to cool slightly, then add honey and drink warm in winter to boost immunity.

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4. Frankincense Drink with Parsley (To Improve Kidney Function and Detoxify the Body)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained liquid, add parsley, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain again, and optionally, add honey.
4. Drink in the morning to cleanse the kidneys and remove toxins.

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5. Frankincense Drink with Anise (To Soothe the Nerves and Improve Digestion)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 teaspoon anise
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained water, add anise, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain again, add honey for sweetness.
4. Drink before bedtime to calm the nerves and aid digestion.

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6. Frankincense Drink with Basil (To Improve Respiratory Health)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• A small handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained liquid, add basil leaves, and let them steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain again, and optionally, add honey.
4. Drink warm to soothe coughs and enhance breathing.

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7. Frankincense Drink with Coriander (To Support Heart Health and Reduce Stress)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ teaspoon ground dried coriander
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Heat the strained water, add coriander, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain again and add honey for sweetness.
4. Drink daily to support heart health and reduce stress.

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8. Frankincense Drink with Grapes (To Boost Blood Circulation and Improve Skin Glow)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ cup fresh grape juice
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Mix it with grape juice and stir well.
3. Add honey if desired.
4. Drink it cold to enhance blood circulation and improve skin health.

Let me know if you need any modifications! 

1. Frankincense Drink with Strawberries and Lemon (To Boost Antioxidants and Improve Immunity)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 mashed strawberries
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Mix the strained liquid with mashed strawberries and lemon juice, then stir well.
3. Add honey to taste.
4. Drink it cold to benefit from antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.

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2. Frankincense Drink with Blueberries (To Improve Brain Health and Reduce Stress)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ cup mashed blueberries
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Mix it with mashed blueberries and stir well.
3. Add honey to taste.
4. Drink it cold to support brain health and reduce stress.

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3. Frankincense Drink with Pomegranate (To Support Heart Health and Boost Immunity)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 2 cups boiling water
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate juice
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Mix it with pomegranate juice and stir well.
3. Add honey to taste.
4. Drink it cold to support heart health and strengthen immunity.

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4. Frankincense Drink with Chia Seeds and Lemon (For Weight Loss and Body Detoxification)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add chia seeds and let them soak for 10 minutes until they absorb the water.
3. Add lemon juice and honey, then stir well.
4. Drink it in the morning as a natural detox to aid in weight loss.

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5. Frankincense Drink with Basil (To Calm the Nerves and Improve Sleep Quality)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon frankincense
• 1 cup boiling water
• A few fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Soak the frankincense in boiling water for 6 hours, then strain it.
2. Add basil leaves and heat on low for 5 minutes.
3. Let it cool slightly, then add honey and stir well.
4. Drink before bedtime to relax and improve sleep quality.

Side Effects of Drinking Frankincense on an Empty Stomach

Digestive Issues

• May cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
• In rare cases, it can lead to acidity or acid reflux by affecting stomach acid levels.

Lowering Blood Pressure

• Frankincense may lower blood pressure, so if you already have low blood pressure, drinking it on an empty stomach could cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or sudden fatigue.

Kidney Strain and Increased Load

• Since it is a natural diuretic, drinking large amounts on an empty stomach may strain the kidneys, especially for those with kidney issues or stones.

Allergic Reactions

• Some people may have an allergic reaction, which can include itching, skin redness, or difficulty breathing.

Effects on Hormones

• Frankincense may influence female hormones, so if you have hormonal imbalances or are taking hormone-related medications, consult a doctor before consuming it daily.

Interference with Medication Absorption

• It may reduce the absorption of certain medications like those for diabetes, blood pressure, or blood thinners. It’s best to keep a time gap between drinking it and taking any medication.

Bitter Taste and Throat Irritation

• Some people find that it leaves a strange aftertaste or causes throat dryness, especially when consumed in large amounts on an empty stomach.

 How to Avoid These Side Effects?

• Start with a small amount (half a cup at first) and observe how your body reacts.
• If you experience stomach issues, drink it after meals instead of on an empty stomach.
• If you have health conditions like low blood pressure or kidney problems, consult your doctor before regular use.
• Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or kidney-related issues.