Effect of Incense: Myth or Remedy?

Already Jesus was given incense at birth by the three holy kings. Everything about the effect of incense and its use you can find out here.

Introduction

• Boswellia, boswellic acids and resin from balsam trees. Never heard of it? The ingredients and constituents of incense are not very common, as it is not widely used in Germany. The choice of products is limited.
• The best known incense plant is probably the Boswellia serrata, which is Indian incense. Boswellia is the general name for the incense tree and belongs to the balsamic plants. In this article we will explain the origin of incense and its potential benefits.

Production and ingredients

Incense is made from the raw material myrrh. Myrrh is the resin of the incense tree (Boswellia). The resin can be obtained by scratching the bark and is called incense when it is completely dried.

Frankincense is mainly cultivated in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The following three elements can be classified as ingredients:

• Resin acids (Boswellic acids)
• Mucilages
• Essential oil

How it helps

• For inflammation: Frankincense works mainly through the boswellic acids it contains, which have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Gums: As an extended home remedy against gum inflammation, myrrh, the raw material of frankincense, can help. There are special rinses for the mouth in the pharmacy that disinfect the wound and stimulate the immune system.
• Treatment for cancer: It is still too early to recommend frankincense as a reliable remedy for cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine (see also TCM Nutrition), however, treatment with frankincense has been tried and tested for centuries and there are studies that indicate a positive effect of boswellic acids.
• For depressions: Are you constantly tired or seriously mentally ill? In the treatment of depression, frankincense is often used as a stress- and anxiety-relieving element.
• Strengthen the immune system: Of course, prevention is always better than reacting to pain that has already occurred. Taking capsules can stop inflammation before it breaks out and strengthen the immune system.

Uses and side effects

• In Germany, incense is not permitted in medicines. These can only be imported from abroad. However, the intake of finished medicines should be accompanied by a physician, as some ingredients can also cause discomfort and pain, for example in the form of inflammation.
• However, there are food supplements and cosmetic products such as capsules or tablets. Resin incense is intended for smoking and is not intended to be taken. Taking capsules can also lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal complaints or allergies.
• To strengthen the immune system, a dosage of 3 capsules with a maximum of 400 mg incense is recommended. It is important to take in enough liquid. Up to two glasses of water with the intake are helpful. Frankincense oil has made a name for itself as a remedy for gastrointestinal complaints or insect bites.