Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, significantly impacts quality of life. Several clinical trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the potential of frankincense, a resin obtained from Boswellia trees, as a complementary intervention for insomnia. This exploration stems from frankincense's traditional use in promoting relaxation and well-being, suggesting a possible role in addressing sleep disturbances. The following discussion will examine the findings of these studies.
Protocols Studied in Research
[1] Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense for fatigue in post-COVID-19 female patients. (Cited by: 17) (pmid: 35341944)
- Protocol: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 women with post-COVID fatigue. Participants inhaled either the aromatherapy blend or a placebo twice daily for 14 days. Fatigue was measured using the MFSI.
- Outcome: The aromatherapy blend significantly reduced fatigue scores compared to placebo, with improvements noted in several fatigue subscales (vigor, global, behavioral, general, and mental fatigue). The effect size was large.
Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion
The available evidence, based on a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMID 35341944), investigated the effects of an aromatherapy blend containing frankincense on fatigue in women with post-COVID fatigue. The study employed a 14-day intervention involving twice-daily inhalation of either the aromatherapy blend or a placebo. The primary outcome measure was fatigue, assessed using the MFSI. This study demonstrated a significant reduction in fatigue scores among participants receiving th
