Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is a tree that typically grows in the dry regions of Africa, India, and the Mediterranean. It is also called as the “Indian Frankincense” and had been widely used in India’s traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries now. The bark of the Boswellia tree produces gummy oleoresin exudates rich in a very active compound called boswellic acid. According to legends, Ayurvedic healers observed elephants eating the herb growing widely in India’s dry hills. Knowing about the longevity of elephants’ life, it made the healers wonder if Boswellia serrata can produce the same longevity effects on humans.
The boswellia extract has been used in India for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties as natural remedy for arthritis. Pure boswellia extract is now manufactured as boswellia supplements as alternative to prescription NSAIDs for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Boswellic acid from the boswellia herb works in two ways to reduce inflammation in arthritis. First, it interferes with the activities of white blood cells in the damaged joint tissues, eventually blocking the inflammatory process. Second, it stimulates more blood flow to the damaged joint tissues to restore its healthy state and functions.
Boswellia Benefits
- Boswellia is a natural treatment for arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain felt by arthritic patients. Pain and inflammation relief improves mobility and help restore healthy joint functions.
- Boswellia supplements are considered as safe alternative to common prescription NSAIDs without its gastrointestinal side effects.
- Boswellia extract can be useful in the healing of joint injuries. Athletes and body builders who are suffering from ankle sprains and other injuries from intensive training are recommended to use Boswellia supplements.
- In a study, Boswellia extract was shown to relieve the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by rectal bleeding, swelling, rectal pain, and painful passing of stools.
- Boswellia supplements can improve the symptoms of asthma and reduce attacks. Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the passages, which restricts air flow. Air flow restriction in asthmatic patients cause wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and coughs.
- An emerging study suggests that the Boswellia herb has potential in improving depression.
Boswellia Side Effects
Boswellia side effects are rare. There had been occasional reports of diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and skin rashes. If compared to using synthetic NSAIDs, Boswellia extract does not produce ulceration from long term use.
Possible Drug Interactions
There is neither known drug interaction nor contraindication on the use of boswellia supplements. However, if you’re are using Boswellia extract for the treatment of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and asthma, a doctor’s monitoring is recommended.
