{"id":6983,"date":"2019-05-29T21:18:33","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T21:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6983"},"modified":"2021-11-09T16:30:16","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T16:30:16","slug":"15-health-benefits-and-traditional-uses-of-boswellia-serrata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-health-benefits-and-traditional-uses-of-boswellia-serrata\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Health Benefits and Traditional Uses of Boswellia Serrata"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There is a long tradition of people using natural remedies like Boswellia serrata to treat a wide range of different things. The health benefits have been understood for centuries and by plenty of cultures and civilizations, but it is becoming increasingly popular for people nowadays to look to the world of natural remedies to treat things they would traditionally have sought medical help to address. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The common name for this herb is frankincense, which obviously has significant Christian connotations, but is also legendary in plenty of ancient cultures and traditional medicinal practices for its effectiveness. Here you will find 8 examples of current uses of Boswellia serrata, most of which have been informed by the study of ancient cultures and based on the anecdotal findings and experience of centuries gone by. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with any natural remedy, research is encouraged prior to use. Here\u2019s where your research begins! On to the health benefits and traditional uses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Arthritis  <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The impact that Boswellia serrata can have upon inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis <\/a>and rheumatoid arthritis is probably what it is best known for in terms of health benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There have been a whole host of studies that have determined that the frequent use of this herb as part of a balanced diet and healthcare regime can actually inhibit the development of inflammatory enzymes within the body. These enzymes can cause inflammatory diseases to take hold, resulting in a range of symptoms from mild discomfort right through to excruciating pain. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people suffering from arthritis and the pain that it causes are choosing to use Boswellia serrata as their \u2018go-to\u2019 option for pain management, as it is a natural and holistic choice that steers away from the over the counter medicines and their associated side effects such as drowsiness and mood swings. For most arthritis sufferers, simply having something different to try can present an opportunity for hope.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Wound Healing<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the old Ayurvedic <\/a>tradition, this powerful herb has been used prominently. Its uses have included the healing of internal and external wounds, presenting a natural alternative and something which is founded on centuries of experience and trial and error. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The topical application of Boswellia serrata is able to stimulate blood flow and boost circulation which ultimately speeds up the healing process as blood travels to the site much more quickly under this stimulation. As it does this, Boswellia serrata also protects the site of the wound from becoming infected as it possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where internal wounds are concerned, Boswellia serrata can be consumed as a supplement or as a beverage, as when this is built into a recovery process, a person can move towards recovery much more quickly. Ulcers and abrasions inside the body are healed in much the same way that external wounds are remedied.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Immune System<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A much more contemporary finding related to Boswellia serrate is to do with the effect it can have on the immune system<\/a>. Lymphocytes and T-cells, found within the body, are vital components of the immune system which can determine just how severe illness is, and just how long it takes a person to recover from it. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boswellia serrata has been shown to boost the number and the performance of these components, meaning that regular consumption is a great idea when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system. Infectious pathogens and foreign substances that make their way into the body can be fought off more rapidly and effectively with a high-performing immune system, making Boswellia serrata something that everyone could benefit from supplementing with. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, this is a relatively new discovery regarding the potential health benefits of Boswellia serrata and so further studies are required, but all the early signs point to it being a fantastic tool in the maintenance and boosting of highly performing immune systems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Cancer<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a lot of detail and attention has been placed upon the impact that Boswellia serrata is able to have upon cancer cells within the body. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, with as many as a thirds of the Western population likely to be afflicted with some form of cancer at some point in their lives, and so any new research is always greeted with as much caution as excitement. Developments concerting Boswellia serrata should be given the same cautiously optimistic approach, however, recent research has shown that Boswellia serrata works quite differently on cancer <\/a>cells than was previously predicted. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrastingly to a lot of other cancer-fighting compounds and natural remedies, Boswellia serrata does not bring about automated cell death but stops the spread of cancerous cells instead. The significance of this is that it lowers the risk of tumor formation and makes cancer cell treatment more effective.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Headaches<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people don’t know that headaches <\/a>are actually a form of inflammation, but it is swollen capillaries in the head that usually cause headaches and migraines to occur. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lots of people the world over suffer from headaches and migraines on a regular basis and will be all too aware of the impact that they can have on a person’s day-to-day life. Early research into the Ayurvedic application of the herb revealed some very interesting findings. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it is not enough to claim Boswellia serrata as a miracle cure just yet, or as the defeater of all headaches, the research showed in no uncertain terms that the use of this handy little herb can have a long-lasting and soothing impact upon the vast majority of headache sufferers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When afflicted with a headache, most people will either reach for the medicine draw or hit the sack, however, further research into the headache-killing capabilities of Boswellia serrata could potentially bring about a sizeable scene change.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Skin Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whilst it is true that the main nutrient content of this herb<\/a>, Boswellia acid, is limited to its active ingredients, there are some antioxidant abilities that reside in the herb that have potential benefits for the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a crowded marketplace full of over the counter creams and ointments for skincare, it can often be hard to choose the right treatment for any specific condition, and as a result of this, a lot of people are reverting to traditional treatments and natural remedies, with Boswellia serrata providing just one of those options. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used widely in Ayurvedic medicine, this herb has been proven to be a great reliever of skin inflammation and irritation. This enables it to actively improve the appearance of the skin in general by tackling some things which affect the skin. To be specific, Boswellia serrata can help to reduce the signs of wrinkles and blemishes, as well as increase the natural boost and elasticity of a person\u2019s skin.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Stress<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although the evidence is anecdotal and no doubt distorted as a result of the years gone by, there is evidence from Ayurvedic tradition which details the use of Boswellia serrata as a reliever of anxiety <\/a>and even chronic stress levels. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Words like stress and anxiety seem to be creeping into the public consciousness at an alarming rate these days, and so anything that has the potential to help address these issues should be given a thorough examination. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traditionally, the burning of the herbs would release fumes that could be ingested in order to relieve stress, similarly to how cannabinoids work, but more recent uses of Boswellia serrata as something to treat stress and anxiety have seen people apply it directly to the skin, almost like a vapor rub or as a calming ointment. It is a widely used essential oil, famed for its calming qualities, so perhaps this should all come as little surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Muscle Strength<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Part of the positive effect that Boswellia serrata has on muscles is that it reduces the inflammation <\/a>within the joints during and after exercise. This is particularly useful in the recovery stage and can actually speed up the timeframe in which a person can get back into the gym for their next workout. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In doing so, Boswellia Serrata can also provide a platform whereby a person can ensure that they put themselves through more intense workouts with increased energy sources that are regularly replenished. All of this leads to a higher rate of muscle tissue metabolism, breakdown, and repair which can make the whole exercising process much more rewarding. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for a boost in endurance and energy whilst training, sipping on a Boswellia serrata infused beverage could give you the natural kick you\u2019ve been looking for. The fitness industry is flooded with chemically formed performance enhancers, but many are looking to tradition and to the natural world for the only boost they need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Stops Inflammatory Bowel Disease <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammatory Bowel Disease<\/a> (IBD) describes a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive system. Problems like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect millions of Americans, causing a drop in quality of life. People dealing with IBD notice a range of symptoms from cramping and pain to indigestion and gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In severe IBD cases, the affected individual might develop complications to the condition, resulting in adverse health events in surrounding organs. People with IBD need to manage their diet carefully. By controlling the food they eat, they limit the amount of discomfort and attacks of the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplementing a healthy diet with Boswellia Serrata can help to relieve the symptoms of IBD. Studies show that boswellic acids improve IBD markers without creating any adverse health effects in surrounding organs. Therefore, supplementing with Boswellia Serrata may prove itself a useful natural treatment for resolving these chronic digestive conditions’ symptoms and effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Asthma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in every thirteen Americans suffers from the effects of asthma<\/a>. That’s 25-million people in the country dealing with this respiratory condition. Asthma cases in children and adults s increasing, with a significant rise in affected individuals from the eighties to 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An asthma attack can vary in intensity and duration. In some cases, the person might have a mild asthma attack where they recover by themselves. In other situations, the affected individual might be unable to recover their breath without an inhaler’s assistance. In severe cases, the affected individual may need medical care to help them recover from the effects of an asthma attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors and medical science are at a loss to explain how asthma occurs, and experts believe it’s either an allergic reaction or an autoimmune disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, there is convincing research showing the benefit of Boswellic acid in the treatment of asthma. Research shows boswellic acid suppresses inflammatory enzymes from closing the airways by inhibiting cytokines’ secretion, the markers leading to the onset of inflammation. The Boswellic acid blocks the allergic reaction causing the initial asthma attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future studies on the compound may prove Boswellia as a useful complementary supplement used to treat asthma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Parkinson’s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Approximately 60,000 Americans receive a Parkinson’s<\/a> diagnosis each year. More than 10-million people worldwide live with the disease, and most people receive their diagnosis before they turn 50-years old. Men are 1.5X more likely to develop the disease than women, and experts expect there to be more than 1.2-million Americans diagnosed with the condition by the end of 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with Parkinson’s disease find they experience symptoms in a slow progression. The symptoms start as a mild shaking and stiffness and progress into a total disconnection of the brain’s control over the motor system. People with advanced Parkinson’s disease may find it difficult to speak and walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research on Boswellia in a 2019 study shows the supplement may be effective in assisting with the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In animal st8udies, the use of Boswellia provides an anti-inflammatory effect, nourishing the body with antioxidants that scavenge free radicals from the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Menstrual Cramps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who have heavy or painful periods can benefit from supplementing with Boswellia. Menstrual cramps vary in intensity from person to person.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some women experience severe cramping and pain, accompanied by a heavy flow. Others have light periods with mild or no cramping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain why some women are more badly affected by others with menstrual cramps. Women who experience severe menstrual cramping may find they need to miss days off work or school because of the pain and discomfort. Many people resort to the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatories to ease symptoms related to the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who have issues with severe menstrual cramping can supplement with Boswellia to help relieve the pain symptoms. Studies show that Boswellia has an anti-spasmodic effect on the body, reducing the intensity of cramping and spams associated with menstruation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When taken daily, Boswellia helps limit the inflammation associated with the hormonal changes in the reproductive system., As a result, women experience less pain and cramping during menstruation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Crohn’s Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already covered how Boswellia can assist with IBD. However, it’s important to focus on the supplement’s particular ability in resolving issues with Crohn’s disease. More than 3-million Americans deal with the effect of Crohn’s disease<\/a> in their lives. Many people find they have to eat a specialized diet to control the adverse effects of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boswellia extract shows promise in helping people living with Crohn’s control the inflammation in the digestive tract caused by the disease. As a result, the affected individual finds they experience less intensity in their symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research published in the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Journal shows Boswellia extract has little effect on helping people with Crohn’s currently in remission. After 12-months of treatment, the supplement loses its impact in managing the condition, even with increasing the dose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, people living with Crohn’s disease may need assistance from their doctor with recommending Boswellia use. Always ensure you tell your doctor about any supplements you add to your diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Boswellia Side Effects and Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boswellia Serrata is a natural herb <\/a>extract with plenty of benefits for enhancing your health. However, you can have too much of a good thing. Like with every other substance on earth, too much Boswellia extract can have an adverse effect on your health. Even water can cause health issues if you drink too much of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Boswellia Serrata, consuming too much of the extract in a single sitting leads to side effects like acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea. Some people may also find they develop skin rashes when applying the extract to their skin with a carrier oil. To test if you are allergic to the oil extract, dab some on some gauze and wipe it on the inside of your wrist. If no redness or swelling occurs after 15-minutes, you are not allergic to the oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boswellia also has anti-inflammatory properties, and it may interact with other drugs like NSAIDs. Talk to your doctor before adding it to your supplement program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Boswellia Dosage <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no recommended medical dosage for using Boswellia Serrata supplements or oil extracts. All the dosages in the research vary, and there seems to be no standardized dosage for the supplement. Even the supplement manufacturers recommend taking encapsulated or oil products at different doses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, in osteoarthritis studies, subjects received 100 to 1,000 mg of Boswellia extract. Others received 300 to 600 mg of Boswellia extract in combination with other medicinal herbs. Further research shows Boswellia extract is used at 350 mg three times daily in treatment for ulcerative colitis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was further research involving a topical cream containing 2% Boswellia extract used for the treatment of skin during radiation therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, finding an accurate dosage for the supplement is challenging. If you’re going to use Boswellia, make sure you start with a low dose and build into it. Most studies suggest the upper threshold to be in the 1-gram per day range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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