Many years ago, on a trip to Egypt, I had the opportunity to tour a factory that manufactures essential oils and sample what they had to offer.  I must have sniffed 20-25 different scents that day, but the one that captivated me the most was frankincense. In fact, I bought a rather large bottle of it and joyfully brought it home with me.

For many years it mostly sat on my shelf, except when I added it to massage oil. Now that I’ve been awakened to my magical self and learned of its properties, I appreciate it so much more. It has become an important part of my ritual, energy and healing work. I can’t imagine my spiritual practice without frankincense being a part of it.

This week I came across an article that made me smile. It appears that science has finally caught up with what we magical people have known for years: frankincense is literally good for your soul!  A 2008 article in Science Daily reported that a team of scientists from Johns Hopkins University and Hebrews University in Jerusalem have proven that burning frankincense resin activates ion channels in the brain that alleviate anxiety and depression.

Specifically, the incense activated a protein TRPV3 which is common in the brains of all mammals. The effect on the mind has a strong anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effect which can leaves us feeling open and relaxed. It helps our minds to rest and simply perceive the world around us.

If you’ve never used this fragrant resin, or it’s essential oil, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Click HERE for a previous post I wrote on its magical properties.

Copyright ©2016 by David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com