What is Boswellia and How Can It Help Me?

People around the world turn to natural remedies every day for common ailments. Many of the problems we face in life have been treated with natural compounds for as long as we’ve been a society.

That’s why learning about some of these common supplements and remedies can be a big help to our daily lives and sense of wellbeing. One of these natural remedies we’ll be looking at today is Boswellia.

Boswellia is used in many cultures and medicine from traditional remedies to modern supplements. But what is it? Let’s dive into the world of Boswellia and explore its many faces.

Boswellia: An Overview

Boswellia is a resin from the Boswellia serrata tree, found mainly in India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. Boswellia trees are found in these regions and are harvested for their medicinal resin.

Boswellia resin is also known as frankincense. Or Indian Frankincense. This rich resin, also known as boswellia serrata gum and boswellia serrata gum resin, is valued for its therapeutic properties. It’s usually dried out and ground into a fine powder and used in all kinds of medical practices and rituals around the world.

It can be ingested or burned as incense as well. But in western society it’s most often taken in capsule form as a nutritional supplement. Boswellia extracts and boswellia serrata extracts are the processed forms used in modern supplements.

Where Does Boswellia Come From

To understand what Boswellia is we need to look at its origins. The Boswellia tree is well adapted to thrive in dry and harsh environments. Its wood is split to release resin, which is then collected and used for various purposes. It’s extracted in a similar way to extracting maple sap.This resin is what we call Boswellia.

Benefits of Boswellia

Boswellia supplements are taken for many reasons depending on you and your needs. The research shows that Boswellia can help with a range of illnesses and ailments from mental to physical and promote good health and wellbeing, including pain relief.Research shows that Boswellia is effective for inflammation related conditions, with scientific studies supporting its benefits for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Some of these uses are a bit sketchy on the research but many of them have a lot of evidence behind them. For example:

Reduces Inflammation

A 2019 study showed that Boswellia itself is very effective in reducing inflammation across the board. But the study took the time to focus on the effects on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that there was a significant reduction in pain and inflammation in rats with RA. This showed a lot of promise in using boswellic acid capsules for RA treatment. Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation so it’s a good option for managing various inflammatory conditions.

But that’s not all. The reduction in inflammation spans across many conditions as well. Osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and even inflammation related to asthma have been found to respond well to Boswellia in general.

So those who are suffering from pain or symptoms related to inflammation can consider Boswellia capsules as an aid in their treatment. While the study showed that Boswellia was not as effective in reducing inflammation as stronger pharmaceuticals; it still showed that Boswellia used as a supplement to medication is a big bonus.

Inflammation is the underlying cause of symptoms in more illnesses than you know. Illnesses such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic colitis, advanced acne etc. all stem from extreme inflammation. This is the target for treatment using boswellic acid and Boswellia extract as a supplement. Boswellia may be particularly beneficial for those with active Crohn disease and can help maintain remission in chronic inflammatory conditions.

Cancer Treatment

When someone says something helps to treat cancer it can come off as a bit of a ‘buzzword topic’. That’s because cancer is such a big issue that millions around the world face and deal with themselves or as a loved one to a cancer patient. But there is actually some evidence that Boswellia can be helpful in some cancer treatments.A study on different treatments of pancreatic cancer cells showed that Boswellia was effective in treating the cells and reducing the formation of cancer cells in the pancreas.

Other studies have shown that Boswellia can treat cancer cells in the breast and fight the formation of malignant tumors in the brain and skin. Both oral and topical application of Boswellia extract have been shown to be helpful in combating the formation and spread of cancer cells in many ways. While this is early phase research, the results are impressive and promising.

Joint Health

Boswellia is commonly used to support joint health. Its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in relieving osteoarthritis pain and discomfort from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, reducing pain and swelling and improving mobility.

Respiratory Function

For those with respiratory issues, Boswellia can be a relief. Its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be helpful in managing bronchial asthma and bronchitis, a natural approach to respiratory care. Studies suggest that Boswellia may help treat bronchial asthma by reducing leukotriene levels which helps decrease airway inflammation and bronchial constriction. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties make it a good option for those looking for a natural approach to bronchial asthma.

Boswellia’s versatility in addressing many health concerns makes it a valuable natural resource. Its benefits extend from physical to mental well-being, making it important in holistic health practices.

Boswellia and the Immune System

Boswellia serrata extract is gaining recognition not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but also for its ability to support and modulate the immune system. The boswellic acids in boswellia extract, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), have been shown to influence immune responses in the body. This immunomodulatory effect means that boswellia serrata can help balance immune activity which is beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.A clinical study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that boswellia serrata extract reduced inflammation and improved symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, making it good for immune related health conditions. Beyond modern research, boswellia serrata has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine where it has been used to treat various health conditions including digestive and kidney diseases. This traditional use further supports its reputation as a herbal extract for immune system health and overall well being.

If you are considering boswellia serrata extract for immune support or to manage specific health conditions, always consult a healthcare professional to ensure it’s right for you.

Boswellia and Liver Health

For liver health, boswellia serrata extract has a great safety profile. Unlike some herbal supplements that have been linked to drug induced liver injury, boswellia serrata has not shown such risks in clinical studies. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found that boswellia serrata extract did not cause significant elevation of liver enzymes, thus it is safe to use even in individuals with liver diseases.

In traditional medicine, boswellia serrata has been used to support both liver and kidney health and there have been no reported adverse effects on liver function from its use as a dietary supplement. However, as with any supplement, consult a healthcare professional before taking boswellia serrata extract especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions or managing other health conditions. This ensures that taking boswellia will be both safe and effective as part of your wellness routine.

The Science Behind Boswellia's Benefits

Understanding the science behind Boswellia’s benefits will give you an idea of how it works. Here are the key points:

• Boswellic Acids: The main active ingredients in Boswellia are Boswellic acids. These acids reduce inflammatory molecule synthesis, lowering inflammation and its symptoms. Clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract through oral administration, showing significant benefits in inflammatory conditions.
• Antioxidant Properties: Another benefit of Boswellia is its antioxidant properties. All of these combine to make it a shield against the cell destroying free radicals.* Analgesic Effects: Boswellia’s boswellic acids also contribute to its analgesic effects, relieving pain and discomfort.
• Other Bioactive Substances: Besides boswellic acids, Boswellia has other bioactive substances that enhance its therapeutic value.
• Terpenes: Among these are terpenes, aromatic compounds found in Boswellia that can have many health benefits.
• Resin Components: The resin in Boswellia is a complex mixture of compounds that may work together to provide additional benefits.
• Essential Oils: Boswellia resin also contains essential oils that contribute to its aroma and play a role in its potential therapeutic effects.

A lecithin based delivery form has been shown to improve the bioavailability of Boswellia extracts, increasing its absorption and effectiveness. The scientific rigor of Boswellia research is supported by double blind trial and placebo controlled trial designs, so results are reliable. Many studies are placebo-controlled and show the safety and efficacy of Boswellia. Research published in med res, eur j med res, and planta med supports Boswellia’s benefits and safety profile. Multiple studies have shown the same results, consistently showing Boswellia’s effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain.

Side Effects of Boswellia Serrata

While research shows Boswellia is great at relieving and treating many conditions, not everything is without drawbacks. Boswellia can cause some minor side effects that may not be pleasant and that you should be aware of.

In some cases Boswellia has been linked to nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes and acid reflux. These side effects are rare and not life threatening. However they should be noted in case they occur and you may need to stop taking Boswellia in your daily supplement routine. Boswellia may also affect blood flow, particularly to the uterus, which could have implications for pregnancy and may increase the risk of miscarriage.

In general Boswellia is safe to use daily for extended periods of time. However, when taken in excess or for too long there may be manifested results such as above. Just be careful and always monitor your regime and results.

Key Points to Remember

Drug InteractionsBoswellia may interact with certain medications. If you are on medication or have pre-existing conditions, consult a healthcare provider before adding Boswellia to your regime.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking Boswellia supplements. This will ensure the mother and the child are protected from any potential risks.

Allergies

Individuals with allergies, especially to tree resins, should be cautious with Boswellia. If you’re prone to allergies, avoid this supplement or consult a healthcare professional.

Always err on the side of caution when introducing any new supplement to your regime. So use Boswellia responsibly by being aware of its risks and contraindications.

How to Take Boswellia

When it comes to herbal therapy or any supplement regimen, you will always get different answers and suggestions. This is because dosing herbal supplements can largely depend on your own tolerances, physical condition and the potency of the herbal supplement itself.

In general you will find that most manufacturer guidelines suggest you take between 200-300mg of Boswellia 2-3 times a day. This will give you the best results and minimize the risk of side effects. However, this can be increased gradually depending on your needs and condition.

Most manufacturers will have on them a general suggestion for the dosage needed for their product. This is because different capsules will contain different amounts of Boswellia. So read the instructions before you start dosing any herbal supplement or vitamin anyway.

Always consult a doctor before adding any supplement to your diet. This is especially true for those who are pregnant, may become pregnant or have pre-existing medicines that they are on. This will reduce any potential risk from Boswellia.

Buying the Right Boswellia Products

A better purchase can be achieved when you take the time to choose Boswellia supplements. Here are a few practical considerations to guide your selection:

• Product Quality: Look for reputable brands that offer high quality Boswellia supplements. Check for third-party testing and certifications to ensure purity and potency.* Directions: Follow product label or healthcare professional.
• Type: Choose the type that suits you.
• Price: Shop around.* Reviews: Read reviews.

Considering the above will help you find a product that meets your health needs and is good value and reliable.

Gluten Free Boswellia

If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, finding safe supplements is top priority. The good news is that many boswellia products are gluten free as they are derived from the gum resin of the boswellia serrata tree. However, some boswellia supplements may contain gluten due to cross contamination during manufacturing or added gluten containing ingredients.

To ensure you’re getting a gluten free boswellia product look for supplements that are certified by reputable organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Support Association (CSA). Always read product labels carefully and check for any mention of gluten or wheat based fillers. Many manufacturers now offer gluten free boswellia serrata supplements in various forms including capsules, tablets and powders making it easier to incorporate this herbal preparation into your daily routine.

As with any dietary supplement, always consult a healthcare professional before taking boswellia especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. This will help you enjoy the benefits of boswellia serrata while maintaining your gluten free lifestyle.

Join Tribe Organics on Your Wellness Journey

At Tribe Organics we are passionate about natural, high quality supplements that support health and wellbeing. Our Boswellia Complex is a great example of this, a natural solution to support your body’s healing and maintenance processes.

But the journey doesn’t stop at Boswellia. Our range of supplements are designed to complement and enhance your wellness journey. From natural energy boosters to stress relievers, our products are formulated to help you achieve and maintain optimal health.

Need personalized advice or have questions? Our knowledgeable team is here to help! Contact us and we’ll guide you to the right supplements for your unique needs.

Conclusion

Boswellia is a natural remedy with a rich history and many health benefits. If you have RA and osteoarthritis, IBS, asthma and more you can improve your quality of life with boswellia capsules.