Burn Frankincense to Lift Depression

Frankincense, which has burned since ancient times during religious ceremonies, may be good for more than just the soul. It appears that the new path to depression relief may have been right under our noses this whole time!

New research by John Hopkins University and by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem suggests that burning frankincense, a resin derivative of the Boswellia tree, activates certain mood-enhancing ion channels in the brain. Ion channels, found inside brain cells called microglia, play an important role in transmitting nerve impulses. Ion channels also help in regulating cells, transporting nutrients and ions, activating T-cells, and releasing beta-cell insulin. In fact, poisons from venomous spiders, scorpions, snakes, and bees work by shutting down these very channels. Studies show that by modifying the activity of ion channels, a reduction in depressive symptoms can take place.

Says Raphael Mechoulam, a co-author of the frankincense study, "We found that incensole acetate, a Boswellia resin constituent, when tested in mice, lowers anxiety and causes antidepressive-like behavior. "

Specifically they found that frankincense activated TRPV3 proteins (located mainly in the skin, but also in the brain, and serve to help with skin sensitivity and the ability to sense warmth. TRPV3 has also been linked to hair growth.) in areas in the mice's brain associated with emotions and nerve circuits that are commonly affected by anxiety and depression.

Gerald Weissmann, M.D. elaborates, The discovery of how incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, works on specific targets in the brain should also help us understand diseases of the nervous system. This study also provides a biological explanation for millennia-old spiritual practices that have persisted across time, distance, culture, language, and religion -- burning incense really does make you feel warm and tingly all over!"

Studies have also been done to determine the effect of frankincense on inflammatory disease, and positive effects have been shown when used for arthritis and cancer. Pure frankincense (translucent, with no black or brown impurities) is actually edible and chewed like gum. It has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for digestive and skin health, and in Ayurvedic medicine for arthritis, wounds, and promoting female reproductive health. In India, frankincense is called dhoop, and many people burn frankincense everyday in order to ensure good health. This may be because burning frankincense also happens to repel mosquitoes, known for carrying diseases.

When buying frankincense you should consider that there are many different qualities of incense being sold. The two highest quality types are referred to as silver or hojari. Do you burn incense or frankincense? Share your favorite scents and stories with us below!

Sources:

http://ajpcell.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/275/2/C327

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_channels

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18729015

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense

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