5 Health Benefits of Boswellia You Need to Know

“Ayurvedic medicine is ancient, and its resurgence is necessary because we do need the proper balance in our medical approach.” — Maya Tiwari

Considering chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death across the globe. It is no surprise that nearly 60 percent of Americans live with at least one chronic condition. This is also why millions of people continue to look for alternative remedies. Especially in terms of pain.

Boswellia has received a lot of attention. More commonly known frankincense, this plant-based extract may seem like a “new” option. However, prized as one of the most valued herbs in traditional Ayurveda medicine, its history dates back thousands of years.

Boswellia serrata may offer the support you’re looking for. Whether you suffer from arthritis, IBS, or simply want to boost your body’s natural immune system.

What Is Boswellia?

The most common type of Boswellia is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. Traditionally found in the Middle East as well as in parts of Northern Africa. Boswellia has been used by herbalists for centuries. There are around 25 species, of Boswellia. Boswellia serrata is the most well known in regards to its medicinal properties.

In Ayurveda, it is used to treat everything from pain to heart disease. Being similar to turmeric in regards to the conditions it treats and its mechanisms of action, Boswellia offers users anti-inflammatory benefits — which mainly come from the terpenes, boswellic acids, and antioxidant compounds found in this extract.

More specifically, the boswellic acids found in this extract appear to inhibit the pro-inflammatory enzyme known as 5-Lipoxygenase, in addition to others causes of inflammation. It is also believed to be anti-proliferative, which means that it is able to inhibit cell growth and the overall impact of tumor cells.

Since Boswellia yields few side effects and is fairly nontoxic, it continues to interest researchers, as they uncover its beneficial properties. In fact, it is now a key area of focus across a range of clinical trials, including those that aim to target various forms of cancer.

5 Key Benefits Associated with Boswellia

Boswellia is known as an effective anti-inflammatory herb and in turn, it can help improve a wide range of conditions. Traditionally, it was used to treat everything from respiratory infections to blood diseases and is now a key topic among modern researchers.

The following five benefits are just some of the ways in which Boswellia may help you improve your long-term health and overall quality of life.

1. May improve symptoms of arthritis

Being an effective pain reliever and a natural anti-inflammatory, Boswellia can also reduce swelling and improve mobility in arthritis patients. This is of particular interest to patients who are currently taking NSAIDs, as prolonged use may cause a range of negative side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding.

While Boswellia can improve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, it has been shown to be particularly useful in osteoarthritis of the knee. Several studies have documented this relationship, as Boswellia was shown to reduce knee-jerking, pain, and swelling while improving overall mobility.

As stated by the Arthritis Foundation, Boswellia may reduce inflammation and effectively treat symptoms of arthritis. In addition, it may prevent cartilage loss while inhibiting the autoimmune process. They recommend that you look for products that contain 60 percent boswellic acids, as this is the active ingredient. Dosage is typically 300 mg to 400 mg, three times daily.

2. Supports asthma patients

A growing number of asthma patients are looking for alternative remedies, especially in terms of long-acting maintenance. Since asthma is often characterized as an inflammatory disease, Boswellia has been extensively studied — particularly in relation to histamine, a compound released during an inflammatory or allergic response.

As stated in Nutraceuticals, Boswellia serrata may be effective when aiming to control inflammation, in addition to the contraction of airway smooth muscle in asthmatic conditions. It may also inhibit histamine release in a dose-dependent manner, reducing the impact of bronchoconstriction and the production of mucus.

If you would like to reduce your reliance on the number of inhalations you use, you should discuss this supportive, complementary treatment option with your physician.

Please note: Boswellia has been shown to help with a range of respiratory issues, including respiratory infections. It is believed that by improving blood flow, Boswellia allows antibodies to reach the problematic area sooner, enhancing the recovery speed.

3. Reduces symptoms associated with bowel diseases

Boswellia has been extensively studied in regards to bowel diseases, including Crohn’s and IBS. Not only can this herbal extract help target these inflammatory bowel conditions but it may also help you maintain immune activity in the lining of your digestive tract.

Considering more than 4 million people around the world are affected by IBD, it is becoming a clinical challenge in regards to effective treatments. In one key study, published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, the researchers found that Boswellia may act as a promising alternative approach when aiming to manage IBS symptoms, namely, cramps, bloating, altered bowel movements, and abdominal pain.

In a separate study, Boswellia was also shown to protect the intestinal epithelial barrier from inflammatory damage. They concluded that this remedy offers a safe option for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

4. May help target cancer cells and soothe chemotherapy side effects

In 2018, an estimated 1,735,350 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States alone. Of these, the most common cancers are breast, lung, prostate, colon, skin, bladder, and kidney cancer. Today, the main types of cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. However, researchers continue to focus on new treatment options, including the use of Boswellia.

Related: What Is Cancer and How Does Cancer Develop?

In one study, published in BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, it was concluded that similar to the previous findings in relation to human bladder cancer cells, Boswellia may also act as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer patients. It is believed to support immune function and lower inflammation, interfering with cytokine production while better regulating antibodies, white blood cells, and T-cells.

Perhaps one of the most promising effects is the way in which Boswellia combats the painful side effects associated with radiation and chemotherapy. Once again, this is due to Boswellia’s ability to reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly in regards to joint pain, digestive issues, swelling in the brain, and migraine headaches.

5. May help prevent autoimmune disease

One of the oldest uses of Boswellia is treating a range of autoimmune conditions. Including the conditions discussed above (arthritis, bowel diseases, and asthma). Its benefits do not stop there, as Boswellia may not only reduce the severity of symptoms bit actually help prevent these diseases.

Autoimmune reactions occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This means that in order to prevent, and in some cases reverse autoimmune disorders, you need to get your immune system under control — without solely relying on medications that end up suppressing immune function.

Interfering with autoimmune development, Boswellia helps your body naturally fight off a wide range of threats, including toxins, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. More specifically, Boswellia has been shown to target the overproduction of leukotrienes, which plays a direct role in the formation of autoimmune diseases.

Should You Take Boswellia?

You do not need to have arthritis or cancer to benefit from Boswellia and other natural remedies. Although this extract is typically used for chronic inflammatory ailments, it can also be used in regards to general health support.

With deep roots in Ayurvedic medicine, Boswellia is now strongly supported by the modern medical and scientific community. Whether you would like to improve your digestive health or benefit from healthy inflammation management, Boswellia can support your wellness regimen.

The key is to optimize your cellular and overall health today so that you can reduce your risk of complications in the future. After all, Bill Gates hit the nail on the head when he said, “Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.”