And everything seems to indicate that it was the right thing to do, since now a team of biologists from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem affirm that it has beneficial effects on the brain and explain that its psychoactive properties could be the reason why many people they continue this practice around the world.
Frankincense has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects
These researchers have discovered how frankincense resin, a component of the sacred Boswellia, also known as the frankincense tree, works in the brain to relieve anxiety and depression. So we can have a powerful tool at hand to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In essence, the healing power of this plant would be in the acetate of frankincense, a compound extracted from the resin of incense. In fact, these researchers exposed some mice to this substance and found that it had antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
After analyzing its action, it was discovered that frankincense acetate acts on certain areas of the brain associated with emotions, and also acts in the same circuits on which drugs for depression and anxiety act.
In fact, frankincense was found to activate a protein called TRPV3, which is present in the brains of all mammals, including humans, and plays an important role in skin temperature perception and emotional regulation.
Frankincense acetate also has anti-inflammatory properties
A study at the Ariel University Center in Samaria found that this component of frankincense inhibits inflammation and prevents cognitive deficits after ischemia. Therefore, in addition to its antidepressant effect and anxiolytic action, this substance also has a protective effect against neurological damage .
But before burning incense as therapy, you need to know that some studies indicate that the other components of incense smoke can cause mutations in genetic material, so it is recommended that the environment in which incense is burned has good ventilation .
