Does Incense Get You High?

New research shows the age-old tradition of burning incense is more than just a religious symbol: The smoke lifts up the mood.
Did you ever notice that unique calm instilled by the smell of incense? Now science suggests this may be no coincidence. It turns out the smoke of frankincense can measurably relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
Burning incense is an integral part of religious and spiritual ceremonies around the world, particularly in Asia. But the tradition might go beyond the symbolism of the smoke as an offering - the underlying reason might be its psychoactivity. And of course it doesn’t take a scientist to figure it out: If you burn the right plant resin it gets you high. Essentially, the incense represents a way to collectively and ritually experience a plant through its smoke.
One particular plant resin is most commonly used in the practice - frankincense. The sap from the Boswellia sacra tree is already mentioned in the Old Testament and is still today used in many Christian churches during the mass.
Frankincense - A Psychoactive Drug?
Comprising of a joint effort between John Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, researchers set about investigating the psychoactive effects of frankincense on mice – an animal that has a surprisingly similar biological setup to us. Quite specifically, the acetate activated TRPV3 proteins, which are present in the brains of most mammals. It is a protein that is associated with the feeling of warmth in the skin, and could go some way to explaining why incense also makes us feel warm and tingly.
Beyond Frankincense
Incense is right in middle between aromatherapy and smoking. Aromatherapy is based on smell and the power of the aromatic compounds to enhance one’s wellbeing. Smoking largely bypasses the nose and is all about the absorption of the psychoactive compounds through the lungs. Incense does both - going through the nose, it triggers the highly sensitive olfactory nerves, and after the smoke passes into the lungs where the psychoactive properties are absorbed. That makes incense a powerful tool in the box of the psychonaut.
While Frankincense is the most popular psychoactive resin, it is by no means the only one. Numerous plant resins are commonly used - Myrrh, Copal, Styrax, etc. While traditionally the sap of the tree is the main part used, any other part or preparation of a plant can be used as well. In South America, Palo Santo - the heartwood of the Bursera graveolens tree - is widely used during shamanic ceremonies to purify the air and clean the space of malevolent spirits. Interestingly, the Palo Santo tree belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh. While certainly wasteful, even hashish can be used as a psychoactive incense!
Have you noticed the power of incense? Let us know about your favorite resin in the comments!
![]() |
Written by: Zamnesia |
|||
Find out about our writers |
-
4 min 26 June, 2019 7 Reasons To Use Incense Using incense needn’t be exclusive to religious worship or moments of self-reflection. They can be used at home, in the office, or to cover up unwanted smells. There has never been a better time to...
-
1 min 6 November, 2017 Best Incense For Relaxation And Sleep Here at Zamnesia, we bring you all sorts of herbs. Herbal incense is a safe and cost-effective way to unwind. Discover our best varieties of incense for easing the mind, body and soul.
-
1 min 8 January, 2016 The Origins of Nag Champa Incense Nag Champa is a unique blend of herbs used to create that iconic incense smell. Its use is so widespread that its smell became intimately linked to incense - though it is used in many other products.