Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used for thousands of years for spiritual and hygienic purposes. It is also used to promote relaxation and enhance mindfulness. The fragrance of incense has an intrinsic ability to affect the central nervous system and the limbic system. Frankincense, for example, has been found to activate ion channels in the brain to calm anxiety and depression. Other scents such as lavender, sandalwood, and orange essential oil are also known to have calming and soothing properties. However, recent research has also revealed that there could be some health drawbacks to burning incense.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense's impact on anxiety | Incense has been used in many customs around the world for centuries, and its impact on the soul and spirit is well-known. However, incense also has physical components that can affect the brain and body. |
| Incense as a psychoactive substance | Burning incense has been found to be psychoactive, affecting brain areas involved in emotions and nerve circuits impacted by anxiety and depression drugs. |
| Health risks | Recent research suggests that incense smoke may pose health risks, including respiratory issues, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers. |
| Natural alternative | Incense is a natural alternative to synthetic products and prescription drugs for anxiety and depression, which often have adverse side effects and can be habit-forming. |
| Aromatherapeutic benefits | Specific incense scents, such as lavender, sandalwood, orange, cinnamon, chamomile, and frankincense, have been found to have aromatherapeutic benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. |
| Grounding technique | Using incense as a grounding technique can help alleviate stress and foster emotional balance. Creating a consistent routine with a calming environment enhances the effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense, cedarwood and bergamot are incense scents that can help with anxiety
Frankincense, cedarwood, and bergamot are scents that may help alleviate anxiety. Frankincense, derived from trees, has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Islamic, Chinese, and Indian medicine. It is also used as chewing gum, incense, and in perfume. There is some evidence that aromatherapy using frankincense can help ease stress and anxiety. However, the evidence supporting this is limited.
Cedarwood oil is derived from the bark, needles, leaves, and berries of cedar trees. It has a soothing, woodsy scent and is commonly used in colognes and aftershaves. Cedarwood oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may make it beneficial for skin conditions like acne. While there is limited research on its benefits, there is also little risk in trying it.
Bergamot essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, despite limited scientific evidence. A study on rats showed that inhalation of bergamot essential oil significantly increased the percentage of open arm entries in an elevated plus-maze test, suggesting potential anxiolytic properties.
It is important to note that while these scents may help alleviate anxiety, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new product, especially if you have any concerns or questions.
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The health risks of incense
While incense is widely used for religious and cultural practices, burning it can pose several health risks. Incense smoke contains carbon, sulfur, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and other polycyclic aromatic volatile compounds that are harmful to human health. The particulate matter generated per gram of incense burned is significantly higher than that of cigarettes, and the smoke released during combustion can be inhaled, potentially causing respiratory problems and even lung cancer.
Indeed, studies have found an association between exposure to incense smoke and increased hospital admissions, morbidity, and mortality due to respiratory issues and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified exposure to particulate matter (PM) as carcinogenic to humans since 2013, and research has shown a positive correlation between increasing levels of PM exposure and the risk of developing cancers.
In addition to the health risks, incense combustion contributes to air pollution and can be a fire hazard. It is recommended that health practitioners screen patients for incense use and suggest alternatives such as electric incense devices or aromatic vapors to mitigate potential harms and improve symptoms.
However, it is important to note that conflicting evidence exists, with some sources claiming that burning incense is safe in normal amounts and that there is misinformation online regarding its health effects.
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Essential oils and aromatherapy as alternatives to incense
Aromatherapy and essential oils have been used to treat and alleviate illnesses for thousands of years. Essential oils are scented liquids derived from plants, flowers, and fruits. They are believed to work by interacting with the scent molecules in our olfactory nerves and the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls our emotions.
Essential oils are easy to use and can be a natural addition to a wellness plan. They can be applied directly to the skin when diluted with a carrier oil or used in a well-ventilated area to be inhaled. Many people also use a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air through a gentle mist.
There are several essential oils that are known for their anxiety-relieving properties. One popular choice is lavender oil, which has anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing, and anxiety-relieving properties. In one study, inhalation of lavender oil was found to increase sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Bergamot orange essential oil is another option, which has been found to help reduce anxiety-associated behaviours. Chamomile, with its fruity, sweet-smelling essential oil, can also create a feeling of being grounded, peaceful, and serene.
Citrus essential oils, such as lemon and orange, are also effective in reducing anxiety. In a 2022 study, inhaling lemon oil was found to reduce feelings of anxiety in nursing students with test anxiety. Similarly, according to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, inhaling orange essential oil may relieve anxiety by altering activity in the prefrontal cortex.
While essential oils can be beneficial, it is important to remember that they are not regulated by the FDA, so it is crucial to research and purchase high-quality oils. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use and always do a patch test when trying a new essential oil. For moderate or severe anxiety, essential oils should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods such as therapy, meditation, or medication.
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Creating a calming environment to burn incense
Burning incense has been a part of many customs around the world for centuries. It has been used to symbolically and physically lift our spirits. The fragrance has an intrinsic ability to affect the central nervous system and the limbic system. Natural incense, made with essential oils, has many health benefits.
Choose the right scent: Only certain scents can be used to create a positive energy, clear negative energy, and create a harmonious environment. For example, the scent of orange has aromatherapeutic benefits and has been found to relieve anxiety. Similarly, the scent of cinnamon evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and coziness. The fragrance of patchouli can relieve stress and create more space in the mind. It is also helpful when recovering from burnout. Natural lavender's subtle scent is one of the most used in feng shui as it promotes good health and happiness.
Choose natural incense: Opt for natural and eco-friendly incense sticks as artificial fragrances can be harmful to your health and will not help create a calming atmosphere.
Consider the space: According to the principles of feng shui, arranging your environment in a certain way can help harmonise the energy forces and bring peace and harmony to the relationship between a person and their surroundings. For example, decluttering, incorporating natural elements, and using incense sticks can help improve well-being and create a peaceful environment.
Use other tools: In addition to incense, try using essential oils with a diffuser or spraying a hydrosol on linens and pillowcases to enhance the calming atmosphere.
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The best incense scents to help with anxiety
Incense has been used in many cultures around the world for centuries. While the ritual of incense burning often holds symbolic meaning, it also has physical and mental benefits. The impact of incense is strong not only on the soul and spirit but also on the brain and body.
According to a 2016 study, pure essential oils are the most therapeutic agents we can inhale. Natural incense made with these oils may not have as strong a fragrance as incense made with synthetic fragrances, but the health benefits more than make up for that. The essential oils used in natural incense sticks make their way to the olfactory nerves and have the ability not only to conjure up positive memories but also to decrease stress levels and soothe anxiety.
- Lavender is a soft purple flower known for its beauty and the relaxation it provides to both the mind and body. Inhaling its scent can help you sleep better and for longer, and as such, it has been considered a natural treatment for insomnia. Lavender is quite potent, and only one stick should be burned at a time.
- Chamomile is a fragrance that can create a feeling of being grounded, peaceful, and serene. Studies by the School of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences in Korea found that inhaling chamomile made subjects feel comfortable and relaxed.
- Sandalwood has a rich, woody scent with a grounding effect that can help anchor you when anxiety threatens to overwhelm you. Its calming properties are well-documented, and its ability to combat anxiety has been vouched for by many.
- Frankincense, an aromatic tree resin, is one of the oldest forms of incense. It has incredible abilities to calm the central nervous system. Researchers have found that it also activates ion channels in the brain to calm anxiety and depression. It has a significant impact on the limbic system as well as the nerve circuits affected by current anxiety and depression drugs.
- Orange has helpful aromatherapeutic benefits. According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, inhaling orange essential oil may relieve anxiety. It has been found to alter activity in the prefrontal cortex, increasing oxyhemoglobin and leaving study participants feeling “relaxed” and “natural”.
- Patchouli is an oil used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe stress and anxiety and promote a calm feeling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, incense has been shown to have a positive effect on alleviating anxiety. The fragrance of incense can affect the central nervous system and the limbic system. Natural incense made with essential oils can decrease stress levels and soothe anxiety.
Frankincense, an aromatic tree resin, is one of the oldest forms of incense and has been shown to calm the central nervous system. Lavender is also a great option, as it is widely recognised for its calming and soothing properties. Other options include sandalwood, cedarwood, and bergamot.
Burning incense can have negative health outcomes. It can contain particulate matter that can be easily inhaled, which may lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma. It has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
If you are concerned about the health risks of burning incense, you can explore other aromatherapy options such as diffusing essential oils or using scented candles.
