Boswellia
Boswellia is an extract of the resin from any of four trees: Boswellia Sacra, Frereana, Serrata, and Papyrifera. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly known as the incense frankincense. Most high quality Boswellia comes from Oman, Yemen, and Somalia where it grows in the hot and dry climate. Although there are four different species of Boswellia tree, the most common in the West is Boswellia Sacra, since the products of the other species are generally bought entirely by Middle Eastern states.
Boswellia extract is a preparation of the gum, or resin, of the tree. It is procured by creating a wound in the tree, usually stripping off a piece of bark from the trunk, which causes the tree to secrete a resin to protect itself. Several weeks later, when enough resin has been created, it is scraped off and purified through various techniques to produce a condensed extract with various healing properties. Today, Boswellia is considered a plant of great interest to the Western scientific community. It is still being studied for possible applications and effectiveness in treating various conditions, but early results have been promising.
Boswellia has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine, a form of medicine native to India. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used to treat various conditions, such as arthritis, bronchitis, and ulcers. Scientific experiments have verified what Ayurvedic medicine has long known: isolates from Boswellia have been proven to be effective as an anti-inflammatory medicines. It has also been shown to be as effective as many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, without the harmful side effects. Boswellia has been studied for its use in treating asthma, and has been reported as a promising medicine in the European Journal of Herbal Medicine.
Western science has concluded that the benefits from Boswellia come from the anti-inflammatory triterpenoids known as Boswellic Acids. These acids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-tumor properties of Boswellia. As a result, Boswellia has become known as an effective additive for products that soothe muscle aches and joint pains, especially arthritis.
Boswellia extracts can be taken internally in a pill or tablet form, or applied externally to the skin in the form of a cream or gel. Side effects from this extract are very rare, but can include skin rash and nausea. While there are no proven dangers for pregnant women or people with weak immune systems as a result of AIDS or other diseases, it is generally recommended that those people use caution with all medicines.
Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
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