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Boswellia is a natural supplement that has become quite popular in recent years.
Also known as Indian frankincense, Boswellia is a gummy resin derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, which is found in the dry hilly areas of India, Northern Africa and the Middle East.
Originally thought to be a mystical substance, Boswellia, or “olibanum” as it is also known, was widely used in ancient times as an incense, burned in temples to send prayers directly to the heavens; it was also treasured as a folk medicine in both Africa and India, and was used to help heal several medical conditions such as ringworm, diarrhea and even pulmonary diseases.
Now, modern research has shown that this Ayurvedic staple actually has more aces up its sleeve than what was previously known.
According to studies, Boswellia is rich in boswellic acids — plant compounds that are now believed to be the ones responsible for the resin’s esteemed anti-inflammatory properties
What makes Boswellia so important?
Boswellic acids, according to new research, have been linked to the apoptosis of cancer cells, which means that Boswellia can be useful in treating certain cancers, such as leukemia, colon and breast cancer.
In addition, Boswellia also has a high level of guggulsterone, a family of plant compounds that, according to studies, may help treat certain conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
What are the health benefits of Boswellia?
As noted earlier, Boswellia can be used to help treat an array of medical conditions, including the following:
Boswellia can help treat pain from Osteoarthritis
In a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers found that Boswellia was not only able to reduce pain — as measured by a pain scale — it also managed to improve physical function in people with osteoarthritis.
This echoed an older study, published in the journal Phytomedicine, which found that people with osteoarthritis, after taking Boswellia, not only reported a decrease in painful sensations, but also an increase in both knee flexion and the distance that they could walk.
Boswellia can lessen the need for inhalation therapy in people with asthma
According to a study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, Boswellia, researchers said, can help reduce the need for inhalation therapy in people with persistent asthma.
As detailed in the study, a total number of 32 participants — all of whom were asthmatic — were subjected to a randomized test, in which some of them received Boswellia extract for a period of four weeks.
Those who received Boswellia, according to the researchers, showed a decrease in the number of inhalations they needed compared to patients who did not receive the said supplement.
Additional research, meanwhile, has found that Boswellia has positive immune-balancing properties which can help manage the body’s overreaction to environmental allergens.
Boswellia can help facilitate wound healing and recovery
Boswellia, in Ayurvedic tradition, is normally used to help heal internal and external wounds — an application that has found a home in the 21st century.
Aside from its gummy, resinous form, Boswellia is also available as a topical cream, which is used to stimulate circulation to the wound and speed up its healing, while at the same time, protect it from getting infected.
Boswellia may inhibit the growth of certain cancers
As noted earlier, Boswellic acids have been found to have properties that can inhibit cancer growth, as well as prevent certain enzymes from negatively affecting the body’s DNA.
In addition, studies have also found that Boswellia may help fight advanced breast cancer cells, as well as limit the spread of malignant leukemia and brain tumor cells.
Another study, published in the journal Carcinogenesis, found that boswellic acids are effective in suppressing the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells.
Despite these initial findings, however, experts are still conducting studies regarding the anti-cancer activity of Boswellia in order to better understand its potential in the treatment of the said disease.
Boswellia may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases
According to experts, because of its inherent anti-inflammatory properties, Boswellia may be used as a treatment option for people who have inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
This is according to a study in which researchers compared the properties exhibited by a Boswellia extract to an anti-inflammatory prescription drug.
Published in the German medical journal Gastroenterologie, the study showed the Boswellia extract to be as effective in treating Crohn’s disease as standard prescription medication in terms of a benefit-risk-evaluation.
In addition, several studies have found Boswelllia to be a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis, although additional research has to be done in order to fully gauge its effects on an inflamed bowel.
Boswellia can promote optimal skin health
According to practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, Boswellia due to its inherent anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat skin inflammation and irritation as well as improve the appearance of its wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes, while also boosting its elasticity.
Boswellia can help relieve signs of stress and help soothe headaches
Ayurvedic tradition states that burning Boswellia resin can help reduce anxiety, as well as lower levels of chronic stress hormones in the body.
In addition, Boswellia is also the traditional Ayurvedic remedy for headaches, which often result from swollen capillaries near the temples. This, just like most of the resin’s health benefits, is largely due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Boswellia can help in sensible weight management
Boswellia may promote weight loss by inducing the breakdown of fat, according to limited studies, with a compound extracted from the resin seen to effectively reduce the volume of fatty tissue in the body.
According to the researchers who conducted the study, this is because the guggulsterone in Boswellia can induce apoptosis or cellular death in the body’s fat cells.
Additional studies need to be conducted, however, in order to confirm this ability.
How much Boswellia should I take?
As of present, there are no established ideal dosages for Boswellia extract. Studies, however, have confirmed that it does possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
According to reports, 150 milligrams (mg) to 400 mg per day can help relieve inflammation, although this depends on the individual’s current health status.
Does Boswellia have any side effects?
Boswellia, as noted in several studies, may stimulate blood flow in the uterus and pelvis and is thus capable of accelerating menstrual flow. According to experts, it may also induce miscarriage in pregnant women.
Aside from those, other possible side effects of Boswellia include the following:
- Nausea
- Acid reflux
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
In addition, Boswellia extract may also interact with medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Boswellia extract is one of the most potent natural medicines on the planet, and has been linked to multiple health benefits. As with all medications, however, it is best to consult a healthcare professional about possible risks before using any herbal therapy.
You can read more articles about other incredible superfoods like Boswellia extract at Organics.news.
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