Boswellia is an herb native to India used for thousands of years to treat various ailments. It’s also known as Indian frankincense and is often referred to as “Indian gum resin.”

Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve digestion, increase energy levels, and even fight cancer.

This article will explain what Boswellia is, its benefits, and how to use it to get the best results.

What Is Boswellia Serrata?

Boswellia serrata is a plant native to India and Africa. The gum resin extract from the plant has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions for thousands of years. Boswellia Serrato is also known as Indian frankincense.

The Serrata tree grows in dry regions with hot summers and cold winters. The trees are found mainly along the Himalayas and on the Arabian Peninsula.

Anti-inflammatory Activity in Boswellia Serrata

The anti-inflammatory properties of the Boswellia tree have very limited studies over the past few decades. However, recent studies show that Boswellia can effectively reduce joint swelling and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

The anti-inflammatory effect from boswellic acids may help relieve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, gout, psoriasis, and Crohn’s Disease.

Antimicrobial Activity in Boswellia

Many people who suffer from chronic infections such as bronchitis or sinus problems find relief from Boswellia supplements. This may be due to the antimicrobial compounds present in Boswellia.  The beneficial effects of Boswellia against bacteria include killing off harmful microbes like Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes.

It should be noted that there are some side effects associated with taking Boswellia. These include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. However, these side effects usually go away after several weeks of treatment.

10 Amazing Benefits of Boswellia You Probably Didn’t Know About

The most common way people take Boswellia is through capsules or tinctures made from the plant’s resins. However, there are other ways you can consume Boswellia, such as using it in food recipes, making tea blends, adding it to your bathwater, or taking it orally.

Here are ten fantastic health benefits of Boswellia you probably didn’t know about!

1) Boost Immunity

One of the main reasons people turn to Boswellia is to help their immune system stay strong, so they don’t fall prey to illnesses like colds, flu, and more. In addition, some studies have found that Boswellia may be able to prevent certain types of cancers.

2) Improve Digestion

When we talk about improving our digestive systems, one thing comes to mind – diarrhea. But did you ever think about how important your gut is? If not, then let me tell you something…your intestines house over 100 trillion bacteria. These friendly microbes play a huge role in keeping us in an excellent health conditions. They break down toxins, absorb nutrients, produce vitamins, regulate hormones, and keep harmful pathogens at bay. So if you want to feel better, start with your gut.

3) Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is when your body produces chemicals called cytokines which cause redness, swelling, heat, and discomfort. This happens during infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. While these symptoms aren’t always bad, they do make life miserable. Luckily, Boswellia helps to decrease inflammation throughout the entire body naturally.

4) Increase Energy Levels

If you’re feeling tired all day long but still need to go out and work hard, then maybe you should consider trying Boswellia. Studies show that Boswellia increases energy levels while reducing fatigue. Plus, it doesn’t leave you groggy afterward either.

5) Help With Sleep Quality

Have trouble falling asleep? Or wake up too early every morning? Then you might benefit from Boswellia. Research shows that it improves sleep quality without causing drowsiness. And since poor sleep leads to increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, and weight gain, it makes sense that Boswellia would be helpful here.

6) Treat Arthritis

Arthritis affects millions of Americans each year. The condition causes joint stiffness, soreness, and pain. Fortunately, Boswellia has been proven effective against osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatism.

7) Relieve Pain

When taken internally, these molecules act on receptors located within the brain and spinal cord. As a result, they relieve pain caused by nerve damage, muscle spasms, and inflammatory disorders.

8) Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when your arteries become narrow due to plaque buildup. Plaque builds up inside your arteries and restricts blood flow. It also puts extra strain on your heart muscles. Over time this can lead to serious health problems such as stroke or congestive heart failure. Thankfully, Boswellia lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and increasing circulation.

9) Prevent Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading killer worldwide. Unfortunately, most cases are related to lifestyle choices rather than genetics. That’s where Boswellia comes into play. Studies have found that it reduces cholesterol levels and prevents atherosclerosis.

10) Bronchial Asthma

Asthma attacks occur when airways swell because of excess mucus production. Mucous membranes line the bronchi. During an attack, the lining becomes inflamed and swollen.  Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Boswellia may help prevent asthma attacks by decreasing Inflammation and relieving constriction of the lungs’ air passages.

11) IBD

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. They affect approximately 1 million people in North America alone. Both Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis involve Inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.

Boswellia for IBD can help with both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  Provided that you are not allergic to the plant or its resin, it should be safe enough to use in treating irritable bowel syndrome such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Boswellia Extract For Arthritis

Boswellia extract has been used for centuries to treat arthritis.  Arthritis pain may occur because of injury, infection, or degenerative changes in joints. There are two types: Osteoarthritis, which is common among older adults, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both forms involve cartilage loss and bone erosion. Symptoms include joint tenderness, limited movement, and reduced function.

Osteoarthritis

The main symptom of OA is joint pain.  The osteoarthritis of knee pain involves both knees. Other areas affected include hips, hands, feet, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, jaw, neck, and back.

Management of osteoarthritis usually starts with non-pharmacological methods like exercises, stretching, massage, heat/cold application, acupuncture, etc. If those fail, medications will help alleviate symptoms.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, chondroitin sulfates, diacerein, viscosupplementation, platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapies, and arthroscopic debridement are a few examples.  

The treatment of osteoarthritis includes exercise, rest, medication, injections, physical therapy, braces, splints, surgery, and other treatments. Exercise helps strengthen weak muscles around the joints and increases flexibility. Resting allows damaged tissues to heal. Medications provide relief from pain and swelling. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening weakened muscles and improving range of motion. Braces support injured joints while providing stability. Splints immobilize painful joints. Surgery removes loose tissue and replaces it with artificial material.

In addition, the use of herbal remedies such as Boswellia serrata for joints can effectively treat some types of arthritis. It may also help relieve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. However, there are no studies that have proven its effectiveness against these conditions for the long term. There are several different forms of Boswellia available on the market today. They all contain similar amounts of active ingredients but differ slightly in their chemical makeup.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of RA include joint pain, fever, swollen glands, skin rash, and fatigue. Diagnosis requires ruling out other illnesses.  Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis options include NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, and biologics.

NSAIDS

Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs work by blocking prostaglandins, chemicals produced during inflammatory responses. Prostaglandins cause increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and smooth muscle contraction. These actions lead to redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness, and allergic reactions.

Corticosteroids

These agents block the action of hormones involved in the immune response. Cortisol stimulates white cells to fight infections. When cortisol production decreases, immunity declines. Weight gain, thinning hair, bruising easily, mood changes, depression, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, acne, hives, peeling skin, pounding gums, ulcers, bleeding gums, decreased appetite, and fluid retention is among the side effects.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs slow down the progression of RA. Examples include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, gold salts, penicillamine, chlorambucil, colchicines, thalidomide, and others. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal distress.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India. It focuses on the balance between body, mind, and spirit.  The ayurvedic formulation is based on the belief that all living things are three essential elements: earth, water, and fire. These three elements combine to make up everything we see around us. They also interact with each other to create a harmonious balance within the human body.

Herbal medicines are derived from plants. Herbs are considered safe because they do not affect the central nervous system like pharmaceutical drugs. Many herbs stimulate circulation, boost metabolism, promote digestion, soothe sore throats, ease headaches, calm nerves, and more. Some herbs even act as antioxidants.

Herbal Therapy

The following herbs are commonly recommended for the treatment of RA:

Boswellia – This plant originates in Africa and Asia. Its name comes from two Latin words meaning “good smelling” and “tree resin.” In traditional Indian medicine, it was called the frankincense tree. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds which inhibit enzymes responsible for producing pro-inflammatory substances. Studies show that Boswellia inhibits COX2 enzyme activity.

Ginger – Ginger root can be found at your local grocery store or health food market. It helps relieve symptoms associated with indigestion, motion sickness, colds, flu, and allergies. Ginger may help prevent infection when taken regularly.

Turmeric – Turmeric is a herbal extract native to South East Asia, where it has long been used as both a spice and medicinal remedy. It is believed to have antioxidant properties and may protect against free radical damage.

Inhalation Therapy – This type of treatment involves inhaling steam containing essential oils extracted from herbs such as eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, marjoram, sage, clove bud, cinnamon bark, ginger, fennel seed, camphor, cedarwood oil, juniper berry, and pine needle. Steam inhalations relax muscles and open airways while stimulating breathing.

Additionally, the use of aromatherapy can help you feel more relaxed and calm. Aromas are often associated with relaxation and stress relief. The scent of certain scents may trigger memories or emotions in your mind that will make you feel better. You might want to try using some of these calming smells: orange blossom water, jasmine tea, sandalwood incense, vanilla bean extract, frankincense, patchouli, ylang-ylang, geranium, and basil.

Conclusion

What is Boswellia good for?  The health benefit of this herbal supplement depends upon how much you take based on the recommendation from a health care professional.  The activity of frankincense is similar to ibuprofen but without any negative adverse effects over time.

Frankincense is one of the most popular remedies for joint problems due to its ability to decrease swelling and Inflammation. If you suffer from chronic pain, then taking Boswellia could provide significant benefits. However, if you only experience mild discomfort, there is no need to buy Boswellia supplements. Instead, focus on improving your diet and exercise routine.

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