Frankincense May Ease Depression
Study Shows Positive Effect of Incense on Anxiety and Mood Disorders
A new study has shown that incense (Boswellia carterii) may have beneficial uses in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Ancient medical and religious information led to this study, which has resulted in a possible source of new treatments for these mood disorders.
History of Incense Use
Many reasons have been put forward for the burning of frankincense resin as part of religious ceremonies. Its fragrance certainly reduced odor at a time when bathing was not a regular practice. It was also useful during funeral ceremonies to cover the smell of decay. In addition, it was believed that it reduced the spread of disease.
In Asia, Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto practices all include the burning of incense for purifying temples and honoring deities. In Hindu practice incense was burned to show loyalty to Krishna.
Neopagans associate frankincense with the sun and masculine powers. Satanism uses incense to bring demons forth. Incense is used as part of meditation as practiced by some Islamic sects. Some Christian sects burn incense as part of their services. In Jewish tradition, incense has also historically been used, although it is not a common practice today.
Incense in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Ru Xiang or frankincense, to treat several types of pain including chest pains, trauma and rigidity or spasms. Topically it reduces swelling, soreness and redness.
It is a common ingredient in formulas for treating joint pain. Incense is listed as a warming herb, invigorating the Blood and Qi making it useful for arthritis and other types of pain which are worsened by cold.
Other uses for incense include the treatment of tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and ulcerative colitis. Each of these uses has been confirmed through double blind placebo studies. Other studies confirm the effects of ru xiang on the inflammatory pain mentioned above.
Incense for Depression and Anxiety
The newest study looked at the effects of the active ingredient in frankincense, incensole acetate, on mouse brains. The incensole acetate stimulated a protein which helped reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It affected areas of the brain that have to do with emotions and the nervous system paths targeted by anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs.
The protein involved also affects perception of warmth. It is known that exercise helps control or prevent depression in ways that are not completely understood. Perhaps this study points to some answers to that question. It certainly confirms the Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment of the herb.
More importantly, if burning a little incense helps ease depression symptoms it provides another easily available resource for those dealing with the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression.
