Is Frankincense Oil Safe During Pregnancy? What You Actually Need to Know Before Using It
Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’re pregnant and wondering whether you can use frankincense oil, you’re not alone. I’ve had so many friends and family members shoot me texts asking this exact question over the past few years, especially as more people get into natural wellness routines. First off, let’s start with the big, scary truth: there’s not a ton of formal human clinical research on how essential oils affect pregnant people. Like, almost none, honestly. That alone should make you hit pause before grabbing that bottle of frankincense from your bathroom cabinet, right?
First things first, let’s talk about why essential oils in general can be tricky during pregnancy. A lot of folks don’t realize that these concentrated plant extracts are super powerful—they can pass through the skin, get into your bloodstream, and even cross the placental barrier. That means whatever you put on your body (or inhale, for that matter) could potentially reach your little one growing inside you. Yikes, right? With so little research out there, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially when you’re growing a human.
What’s the deal with frankincense oil specifically?
Okay, so frankincense oil itself is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree, right? It’s been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and even religious ceremonies. It smells warm, earthy, and kind of calming, which is why a lot of people love it for stress relief. But here’s the thing: some sources say frankincense is on the “safe” list for pregnancy, while others warn against it. Wait, which one is it?
Let’s break down the common concerns first. A lot of essential oils are labeled as emmenagogues, which means they can stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and even trigger menstrual bleeding. For pregnant people, that’s a big no-no because it could potentially lead to complications or even miscarriage. Now, does frankincense fall into that category? From what I’ve read, some sources say it’s a mild emmenagogue, but others argue that the concentration matters a lot—like, way more than the oil itself.
Here’s the part that drives me crazy: there’s no solid, peer-reviewed human study that looks specifically at frankincense oil use during pregnancy. All the info we have is based on traditional use, animal studies, or anecdotal reports from midwives and aromatherapists. That’s why I always tell anyone who’s pregnant to check with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before using any essential oil, even ones that seem “safe.”
Wait, so is frankincense oil recommended for pregnant people?
Let’s get into the mixed messages, because this is where it gets confusing. A lot of popular aromatherapy guides will say that frankincense is one of the safer oils to use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Some midwives have even been using diluted frankincense oil on their clients for years, and from what I’ve heard, they’ve never had a single report of miscarriage or fetal harm. That’s a pretty big win, right?
But here’s the catch: even the midwives who use it swear by diluting it properly. You can never use undiluted essential oil directly on your skin, especially when you’re pregnant. Essential oils are super concentrated—like, 50-70 times more potent than the plant material they come from. So even a tiny drop can cause irritation, or worse, have a stronger effect than you’re expecting.
Most experts recommend mixing 2-3 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, like jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil. And you should only use it topically, not diffuse it nonstop for hours on end. Oh, and you definitely don’t want to ingest frankincense oil during pregnancy—never, ever do that. Ingesting essential oils can be extremely dangerous for both you and your baby.
The first trimester is a whole different ballgame
Let’s be real: the first three months of pregnancy are the most fragile. Your body is going through so many changes, and your baby’s major organs are developing right now. A lot of people, even those who love using essential oils, will tell you to skip using any oils at all during the first trimester. I totally get that mindset—why risk it when you don’t have to?
Even if you’ve used frankincense oil before without any issues, your body is different when you’re pregnant. Hormones are all over the place, and your skin might be more sensitive than usual. What worked for you pre-pregnancy could cause a reaction now. Plus, since we don’t have solid research on how essential oils affect developing fetuses, playing it safe during the first trimester is always a good call.
I’ve talked to a few midwives about this, and they all say pretty much the same thing: most of their clients choose to avoid all essential oils during the first trimester, and switch to diluted, gentle oils only once they’re past the 12-week mark. And even then, they only use a handful of oils that are widely considered safe, like frankincense, lavender, and chamomile.
What about people who are breastfeeding?
Okay, so we’ve talked about pregnancy, but what about after the baby is born? If you’re breastfeeding, can you use frankincense oil then? Honestly, the same rules apply: there’s not a ton of research on essential oils and breastfeeding. Some experts say that small amounts of diluted topically used oils are probably okay, but others warn that the compounds in essential oils can pass through breast milk to your baby.
Again, the best thing you can do here is talk to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant before using any essential oils while breastfeeding. Even if you think it’s safe, every baby is different, and what works for one mom might not work for another. And like during pregnancy, never ingest essential oils while breastfeeding.
Common myths about frankincense oil during pregnancy, debunked
Let’s go over some of the most common myths I’ve heard floating around online, because a lot of people are spreading misinformation without realizing it.
- Myth 1: Frankincense oil definitely causes miscarriage. Nope, that’s not true. There’s no hard evidence that links properly diluted, topical frankincense oil use to miscarriage. Most of the warnings come from traditional herbal medicine guidelines, not modern research. That said, you still shouldn’t use it without talking to your doctor first.
- Myth 2: All essential oils are bad during pregnancy. Again, not exactly true. Some oils are widely considered safe when used properly, like lavender and frankincense. The key is to do your research, dilute them correctly, and check with your healthcare provider.
- Myth 3: You can prove frankincense oil is safe for pregnancy. We already talked about this—there’s no large-scale human study that proves it’s safe. All we have are anecdotal reports from midwives and aromatherapists who have used it successfully for years. So you can’t “prove” it’s safe, you can only make an informed choice based on the limited info we have.
- Myth 4: You can use undiluted frankincense oil on your skin. Absolutely not. Undiluted essential oils can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and even allergic reactions, especially on sensitive pregnancy skin. Always mix them with a carrier oil before applying topically.
What should you do if you still want to use frankincense oil during pregnancy?
If you’ve done your research, talked to your healthcare provider, and you still want to give frankincense oil a try, here’s how to do it safely:
- Stick to the second or third trimester: As we mentioned earlier, the first trimester is the riskiest time, so wait until you’re past 12 weeks before using any essential oils.
- Dilute properly: Mix 2-3 drops of frankincense oil per ounce of carrier oil. You can use jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, or even apricot kernel oil. Test a small patch on your inner arm first to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Use it sparingly: A little goes a long way. You don’t need to slather yourself in oil—just a small amount on your wrists, neck, or belly (if your midwife approves) is enough.
- Avoid diffusing it for long periods: If you like aromatherapy, diffuse frankincense oil for 10-15 minutes at a time, then turn it off. Don’t leave it running all day while you’re at home.
- Never ingest it: I can’t stress this enough. Ingesting essential oils can cause serious harm to you and your baby, so keep all essential oils out of reach of kids and away from your mouth entirely.
- Listen to your body: If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or get a skin rash after using frankincense oil, stop using it right away and call your healthcare provider.
Alternatives to frankincense oil if you’re still worried
If you’re still on the fence about using frankincense oil during pregnancy, there are plenty of other safe, calming ways to relieve stress and relax. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Regular, gentle massage: A quick, light massage with just a warm carrier oil (no essential oils added) is a great way to soothe sore muscles and reduce stress. You can ask your partner to help, or go to a licensed prenatal massage therapist.
- Herbal tea: Caffeine-free herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint (in small amounts), or raspberry leaf tea can help you relax. Just make sure to check with your doctor before drinking any herbal tea during pregnancy.
- Deep breathing exercises: Simple deep breathing or meditation can do wonders for stress levels. You don’t need any special tools or products—just take 5 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
- Safe essential oils (if you really want to use them): If you want to stick with essential oils, lavender is widely considered one of the safest options for pregnancy. It’s great for stress relief and can even help with sleep issues. Again, always dilute it properly and check with your doctor first.
Final thoughts: What’s the bottom line?
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether frankincense oil is safe during pregnancy. It all comes down to your personal comfort level, your healthcare provider’s advice, and how you use it. If you’re on the fence, it’s always better to skip it entirely, especially during the first trimester.
But if you’ve used it before, you trust your midwife, and you’ve talked through it with your doctor, then using a properly diluted amount in the second or third trimester is probably a low-risk choice. Just remember to take it slow, test for reactions, and stop using it immediately if you notice any negative side effects.
And hey, if you’re still feeling confused, you’re not alone. So many pregnant people struggle with this exact question, and that’s totally okay. The most important thing is that you do what feels right for you and your baby. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.
References
While there’s limited formal research on frankincense oil specifically during pregnancy, here are some reputable sources that outline general best practices for essential oil use during pregnancy:
- National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy: General guidelines for essential oil use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- American College of Nurse-Midwives: Recommendations for safe wellness practices during prenatal care
- Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing: Review of essential oil safety in perinatal care
