Feeling Depressed? Burning Frankincense Might Help
Category: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Views: 5340

As a child, I was always around people who liked to burn incense. The smell was foreign, but soothing. It was always so distinct, too. One could easily walk into a room, recognize the familiar smell, and begin looking for the stick of frankincense that is steadily propped over a narrow wooden ashtray. For me, it was always an enchanting object, adding character to a room or space.
While many teenagers enjoy burning incense simply because it’s involves fire and smoke (things that are exciting as a kid), frankincense has actually been shown to possess psychoactive, antidepressant properties. Which would help shed a bit of light on why so many people had the substance in their homes.
Known as Boswellia resin for millennia, frankincense has been referenced numerous different times in ancient texts like The Old Testament. A team of scientists from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Johns Hopkins University decided to figure out why.
Their studies on the substance included giving incensole acetate, the primary component in Boswellia resin, to mice to observe the effects. What they found was that it primarily affected areas of the brain that aid in emotion regulation.
Specifically, the protein TRPV3 was found to become activated; this protein plays a large role in how our skin perceives warmth. The effect that this perception has on the mind is quite significant, as it promotes an intense state of relaxation.
Nowadays, frankincense is used regularly as a practical form of therapy for treating depression and anxiety disorders. The National Institutes of Health report that one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S. is major depressive disorder, affecting close to 15 million people, while over 40 million people suffer from sever anxiety.
In addition to the antidepressant properties, frankincense has also been found to help treat ailments like fever, chest coughs, hypertension and nausea.
So, next time you’re not feeling too hot, whether it be physically or emotionally, try burning some frankincense in your space and see how much it helps you. Couldn’t hurt to try before reaching for the pharmaceuticals.
Thank you!
ॐ Namasté - Blessings!
© 2008-2021 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
All post and information provided within this blog is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Please consult with your healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes or taking supplements that may interfere with medications. Any products or information discussed are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any illness, disease or lifestyle. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this website.
Featured This Month
Spirit of White Tiger
Spirit of White Tiger Role: Seeker of Personal Truth Lesson: Power of Conv... Read more
Pisces Mythology
The Mythology of Pisces By most accounts, the mythology of Pisces follows a... Read more
Spring/Ostara 10 Minute Guided Meditation Fo…
Welcome to this 10 minute guided meditation to help welcome the Spring Equin... Read more
Birth Totem - Wolf
Birth Totem Wolf Birth dates: February 19 - March 20 Birth Totem: Wolf Cl... Read more
Sun in Pisces
Sun in Pisces February 22 through March 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characte... Read more
Spring Equinox - Ostara
Celebrated on the Spring Equinox, around March 20-21 each year. Ostara is a... Read more
Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…
Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more
The Ash Tree - February 18 - March 17
Celtic Symbol : The Trident Or Sea - Horse Zodiac Degrees : 28º00` Aquarius... Read more
The Folklore and Mythology Surrounding Crick…
Crickets "A Loud Cricket means Money is Coming" When it comes to Chine... Read more
Crystal Gem: Grids and Gridding
What are Crystal Gem Grids? They are tools for empowerment, for blessings, ... Read more