Boswellia Benefits for Joint Pain, Inflammation & Skin

Boswellia serrata benefits are purported to include improved joint health and skin health, reduced inflammation, boosting the immune system, promoting a calm mood and anti-aging effects.

Boswellia supplements are commonly used to support joint functionality and movement, as well as reduce discomfort and pain linked to arthritis or other injuries. Research suggests that this herb may prevent the degradation of connective tissue seen in inflammatory conditions.

Boswellia serrata extract is also known as Indian Frankincense. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory for centuries by healers and traditional medicine practitioners in both Africa and India.

Recently, this herb has been studied for its effects on arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, cluster headaches skin wrinkles and brain tumors. The Natural Medicines Database rates it as Possibly Effective for osteoarthritis and colitis, but the FDA has not approved it for the treatment of any medical condition.

Boswellia Serrata

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti- Inflammatory

Joints

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective natural anti-inflammatory
• Improves blood flow to the joint for better functionality
• Exhibits pain-relieving properties

Dosage:

Between 200 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Boswellia Serrata Benefits

Boswellia serrata extract is made from a gummy oleoresin, obtained under the bark of this tree. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this resin was used for wound healing, arthritis, diarrhea, pulmonary disease and more.

Records of its use date back to 5th Century B.C. in China, Greece, Egypt and India. In traditional Chinese medicine, it was used for rheumatic conditions and as a topical skin cream to reduce signs of wrinkles.

The active ingredient is boswellic acid, which has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, analgesic and immunostimulant properties.

Studies have linked both asthma attacks and inflammation to excessive amounts of leukotriene in the body. Leukotriene is a substance that is produced by 5-lipoxygenase.

Boswellia contains four different acids that can neutralize leukotriene. Of the four, Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), is considered to be the most potent when it comes to reducing inflammation.

It is also believed that Boswellia resin strengthens the connective tissue in the joints and prevents it from breaking down or deteriorating, which is common in inflammatory conditions.

Uses of Boswellia Extract

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia extract has been used for pulmonary disorders like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing disorders that are made more severe by inflammation in the airways.

Some evidence suggests that Boswellia may help people with asthma by reducing the number of attacks and improving acute dyspnea and ronchi. However, the Natural Medicines Database states that more research is needed to validate effectiveness.

Another purported benefit of Boswellia supplements is mood enhancement and promoting a feeling of well-being. According to historical sources, this herb was used as a psychoactive substance during religious rituals.

It was said to improve emotional well-being and enhance spirituality. Some research studies have shown anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects of Boswellia when given to laboratory animals.

While many attribute the elevation in mood to chemical reactions in the brain, some relate it to the elimination of the inflammation and discomfort associated with joint pain.

Individuals who are constantly in pain due to arthritis or fibromyalgia, may be in a much better state of mind when the pain and discomfort are relieved. When pain is relieved, blood pressure returns to normal, stress levels are reduced and mental clarity may be improved.

Boswellia herb extract has also been used in the treatment of certain forms of cancer, due to the cytotoxic effects of boswellic acids. In studies on patients with brain tumors undergoing radiation treatment, using a 4200 mg dose per day of Boswellia extract resulted in reduced cerebral edema and tumor volume.

Research is still preliminary and it is too early to determine what benefits Boswellia serrata may have in the treatment of other forms of cancer. Most of the research so far has looked at in vitro cancer cells and there is limited human data available.

Boswellia Benefits for Inflammation

Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition marked by wear and tear on the joints. Patients with this condition typically experienced swelling and pain at the joints, as well as stiffness and impaired functionality.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Boswellia serrata may be effective for reducing symptoms of this condition. In multiple clinical trials, it has been shown to reduce pain scores, improve functionality and decrease inflammation.

Different standardized preparations of Boswellia are available. These products may contain different concentrations of active ingredients and may require different dosages. As such, Boswellia needs to be taken according to both the package directions as well as the doctor’s instructions.

Depending on a person’s height, weight and overall health, the recommended dosage for most adults is 200 to 400 milligrams, three times a day. Larger doses (1,000 – 2,500mg) are available from commercial sources and are meant to be taken once a day, but should only be used under doctor supervision.

Children have also used Boswellia for inflammation, but you should consult with doctor to determine the appropriate dosage.

Boswellia Benefits for Skin

Topically, Boswellia is applied to the skin to slow down the aging process and to prevent certain forms of damage. Components in Boswellia herb extract have been shown to improve skin quality and elasticity, in some studies.

Preliminary clinical trials have used a 0.5% Indian frankincense cream applied to the face of women with visible skin damage. The topical formulation was found to improve roughness and reduce fine surface lines, but no effects were observed on skin pigmentation or course wrinkling.

More research is needed to determine the benefits of Boswellia creams for long-term use on the skin. Initial studies did not include a placebo group, which means the results cannot be validated.

Risk of Boswellia Side Effects

Boswellia is rated as Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Database, when used orally at appropriate dosages. Clinical studies have found no serious adverse reactions when using the herb for up to six months.

Boswellia may cause some side effects when used in conjunction with certain medications. It may interact with Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications. It may also interfere with the effects of immunosuppressant drugs or drugs metabolized by the liver.

At low dosages typically found in foods, Boswellia is rated as Likely Safe for pregnant and lactating women. However, Pregnant women should avoid Boswellia in larger medicinal doses as it could have abortifacient effects. It may increase blood flow to the uterus, causing heavier than normal periods.

If you are interested in using this supplement, consult with a doctor to learn more about the potential side effects and contraindications for use. Your doctor can also tell you how to safely use this herb and to maximize boswellia serrata benefits for your health.

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