Frankincense, also known as luban and olibanum, has been a valuable component in the ancient medicine of civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and China. This resin is derived from five different varieties of the boswellia plant, namely sacra, carterii, frereana, serrata, and papyrifera. With each variety possessing unique properties, frankincense has served as a source of medicine and trade for an impressive span of over 6,000 years. As the demand for alternative and holistic health remedies continues to rise, modern science is finally starting to validate the knowledge that was already known to ancient apothecaries and herbalists.
Antimicrobial Properties of Frankincense
Several studies have demonstrated the ability of frankincense to enhance the body’s immune defense system due to the presence of boswellic acid. In one study, it was observed that even at lower doses, frankincense increased the production of lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in immune response. Additionally, when combined with myrrh, frankincense exhibited potent antimicrobial effects against Cryptococcus neoformans, a microscopic fungus known to cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems. Furthermore, frankincense was found to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant pathogen responsible for blood infections that can be particularly problematic in various settings, including hospitals.
Frankincense: A Potential Treatment for Depression
Frankincense, specifically a resin called incensole acetate found in certain boswellia plants, has shown promising results in the treatment of depression. Research conducted on mice in a study exploring dominant-submissive relationships revealed that the administration of incensole acetate to submissive subjects had a positive impact on their mental well-being.
The study observed that after three weeks of receiving the resin, the submissive mice exhibited decreased sensitivity to corticotropic releasing factor, a stress hormone. Consequently, they displayed a reduction in submissive behavior and an increase in positive behavioral effects. These findings have sparked interest among clinicians, who are now considering frankincense as a potential treatment option for depression and related disorders.