by Darrell Miller
0
votes
Boswellia is also called Indian frankincense, for the simple reason that it is native to the Indian subcontinent, and that healers from the region have long used it to treat a number of illnesses and chronic conditions. Boswellia is a genus of trees known for their fragrant resin which has many pharmacological uses particularly as anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Boswellia has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine but only recently has its active ingredients been discovered which gives Boswellia, its true benefits.
For many years the main active ingredient in boswellia is thought to be contained in the gummy resin of the boswellia serrata tree. There are four main species of Boswellia which produce true frankincense and each type of resin is available in various grades today. The biblical incense frankincense was probably an extract from the resin of the tree, boswellia sacra. Frankincense is an essential oil obtained from steam distillation of the gum resin of the small, bushy boswellia carterii tree. Supplement makers derive this herb extract from the gum resin of the stem bark of the plant.
Boswellic acid is the active ingredient that gives boswellia its beneficial effects. Boswellic acids in the resin have been shown to inhibit the synthesis of leukotriene, which trigger many of the symptoms associated with asthma. Boswellic acid from boswellia gum resin works as an ointment to relax facial muscles and ease micro-contractions, helping to reduce and prevent the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles. Studies have shown that boswellic acids have an anti-inflammatory action much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions.
Boswellia also helps in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Many of these topical treatments are favored by arthritis and lower back pain sufferers. In several trials, boswellia was compared to steroids in its effectiveness in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Another example of boswellia is its ability to treat viral disorders such as, but not limited to, herpes simplex and zoster skin disorders. Cardiovascular and cerebral-vascular benefits include anti-atherosclerosis and antioxidant activity, the boswellia gum extraction from its resins is used to provide prevention and treatment of colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and ileitis.
Inflammation causes an immune response that can affect ones health if left unchecked. Boswellia is thought to provide much the same level of relief from pain and inflammation as prescription and over the counter remedies, without the stomach upset that can accompany those medications. Many herbs on the market have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, but boswellia has one of the greatest affects on the body to promote a healthy inflammation response. This herb has been found to be quite helpful in treating inflammation and pain, and it does this without causing ulcers like aspirin family medications.
Boswellia has also traditionally been used to treat back pain and intestinal problems. Some of the many forms of boswellia include pills, capsules and tablets as well as a number of topical creams that can be applied directly to the affected skin areas. For example, boswellia extract could be used for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatic diseases, low back pain, muscle spasm, inflammatory disorders, bronchial asthma, ulcerative colitis and atherosclerosis.
In conclusion, boswellia has been demonstrated to have significant anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Boswellia has been shown to be as effective and, in many cases, better than drugs like Phenyl-butazone and other over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Seventy percent of patients treated with 900mg of boswellia gum resin extract per day showed a significant decrease in symptoms after six weeks. It is recommended to those with colitis to take boswellia (80% extract) 300-600 mg 3x day. Also boswellia has no common side effects. The researcher's involved believe that when both the safety and efficacy profile of the boswellia serrata extract is considered, it offers superiority to common over the counter drugs and worth further investigation.
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