Boswellia

Boswellia, also called Indian frankincense, has not been part of conventional medicine, and it has not been one of the most popular herbal remedies in the press, but it does have some properties that could provide substantial benefits for many chronic illnesses. Boswellia was, and it is still, an important herb in ancient Ayurvedic medicine and is known to be a safe and natural herbal remedy which will act as an anti-inflammatory agent to provide relief to the joints and muscle tissues that are stiff and painful. New research promises exciting results that appear to confirm this use, and it is said to relieve muscle pain and the joint pains and aches associated with arthritis, gout, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibrocitis, small joint disease, lower back pain and rheumatic conditions, without the side effects that are normally produced by the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications usually prescribed for these conditions.

Traditionally, Boswellia gum extract has been used for the treatment of diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, dysentery, diseases of the testes, and a myriad of other disorders. In a double-blind, placebo controlled trial, the use of Boswellia Serrata, taken three times daily, showed improvement in signs and symptoms of asthma, including reduction of asthma attacks. Boswellia Serrata liquid extract may have benefits for people who suffer from bursitis, tendonitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, collagenous colitis and seems to be superior over mesalazine for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Boswellia has shown results in the treatment of malignant glioma, an incurable brain tumor that causes swelling in the brain, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Additionally, Boswellia may help to relieve menstrual cramps and stimulate menstruation. Research has confirmed it use for treating wrinkles by improving tactile roughness and fine lines;decreasing oiliness and increasing the skin’s elasticity. Anecdotal reports and historical use suggest Boswellia herbal extracts promotes wound healing and may help skin ulcers, seborrhea and pimples heal.

Boswellia can help to support the immune system and may prevent infections in people with weakened immune systems and ease the symptoms of autoimmune conditions. Boswellia’s immunosupportive actions may be linked to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Boswellia is a fairly effective antioxidant and may protect against cellular damage from pollution, smoking, stress and poor diet. Antioxidants, such as Boswellia liquid extracts, can prevent several chronic diseases. Additionally, diets rich in antioxidants are helpful in preventing free radical damage to the heart and blood vessels. According to studies in India, Boswellia can also lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, two risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Boswellia has become a popular herb recently for its benefits in fighting inflammation, that involves many processes the body uses to help heal itself. It is most evident for sprained ankles where swelling and tenderness occurs. Inflammation that goes on day after day can lead to chronic problems such as arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s long history of use in India for arthritis shows that in combination with curcumin, or Cayenne extract, and Ashwaganda it is helpful for arthritis. Asthma sufferers noted less attacks and better measurable air movement through the lungs when treated with Boswellia. Ulcerative colitis is when bowels are plagued with chronic inflammation, and it too is found to benefit from Boswellia extracts.

Inflammation is becoming more recognized as the plague of developed nations everywhere. Diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory supplements, like Boswellia, might be the best line of defense. According to a report from the University of California at Berkeley, one of the foremost medicinal uses of Boswellia is in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Boswellia herbal extracts helps modulate the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, fibrositis, osteoarthritis, myositis and bursitis. Within two to four weeks after usage of Boswellia Serrata extract it was reported to lessen morning stiffness, pain and it improved grip strength. In another study those suffering with arthritic knees showed dramatic improvement within four weeks. As an herbal pain reliever, Boswellia is believed to help relieve fibromyalgia, which is a widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints throughout the body. This would make it an extremely useful supplement to improve mobility, without the after-effects of gastric irritation. Boswellia extract’s boswellic acid has such strong anti-inflammatory actions that it blocks transplant rejection factor as effectively as high-dose steroid drugs, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Boswellia is a natural remedy for reducing the symptoms of a torn ligament. Boswellic acid may have a number of effects on your body that may suppress inflammation and the pain associated with torn ligaments. It does this by inhibiting the production of  inflammatory molecules by the immune cells, slowing infilterating of fluid into tissues and reducing swelling.

Boswellia, or Frankincense, has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptic activities, which show some anti-cancer activities.According to the National Cancer Institute, bladder cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in men in the U.S. Boswellia may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for those suffering from bladder cancer. It seems to distinguish between healthy bladder cells and the cancerous ones as it zeros in and kills the cancer cells. This herbal remedy has also shown to be helpful in the battle against meningioma cells, melanoma cells, malignant glioma (which mainly appears as brain tumors), leukemia cells, hepatoma cells, colon cancer cells, and fibrosarcoma cells.

In a report published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, scientists revealed components of Frankincense not only inhibited the Epstein-Barr virus, but also was shown to be effective against three human neuroblastoma cell lines. Neuroblastoma cancers form in nerve tissue and most often affect small children, usually beginning in the adrenal glands, neck, chest and spine. .

It is also believed to rejuvenate “mature” skin by encouraging new cells and promoting oil production in dry skin. Boswellia rejuvenates the skin and prevents wrinkles, even in sun-damaged skin. It has been proven to be effective in bringing back a healthy complexion and reducing wrinkles and fine lines by supporting new skin cells. It stimulates blood circulation and helps oil production in dry, chapped, mature skin. It also soothes the allergic or irritative reactions of sensitive skin. Boswellia Serrata is effective against a range of bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus), and may a suitable treatment for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, ringworm, skin ulcers and boils. When applied to sores, inflammed areas and mild infections of the skin or mouth Boswellia fights the proliferation of harmful bacterias. Ayurvedic practitioners have recommended the herbal remedy, Boswellia, as a topical treatment for gingivitis, tooth decay, and oral ulcers. Mouthwashes containing Boswellia liquid tincture reduces pain, inflammation and infections associated with these conditions.

In May 2008, The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, it was reported the Boswellia can trigger changes in the brain associated with calmness, mental clarity, and positive mood. Boswellia may be a potential natural herbal treatment option for mild depression.

Disclaimer:  The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.