The Effects of Boswellia on Blood Pressure

Boswellia has become a popular and healthy alternative to traditional medicine for certain medical conditions. However, history shows that this compound has been used in Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine for over 3,000 years. 

Its resurgence in the home remedy spotlight is thanks to new information following a few studies that tested the plant’s potency. Although the following information about Boswellia is true and accurate, it doesn’t come from human clinical trials but rather from cell or animal models. 

With that said, the few studies conducted on the effects and benefits of Boswellia were conducted using people. One group was given a placebo, while the other was given pills containing Boswellia resin in powder form, with Boswellic Acid as the active ingredient. 

The studies featured people who suffer from some medical condition (in this case, Asthma). Around 70% of those who received Boswellia pills instead of the placebo reported feeling better and experiencing fewer Asthma symptoms.  

However, people have been wondering what effects (if any) Boswellia has on blood pressure and whether it’s wise to take it in combination with other blood pressure management medication. 

In this article, we’ll talk about Boswellia’s effects on blood pressure and other use cases where it may be a viable and effective alternative to traditional medication. 

Should you Take Boswellia if Your Blood Pressure is High?

Boswellia has shown some form of blood circulation improvements, but the evidence isn’t entirely clear-cut. All we know right now is that in most cases, Boswellia should not be taken in conjunction with blood pressure-increasing medication such as Ibuprofen. 

It also shouldn’t be taken if you’re currently taking steroids to counteract the symptoms of Arthritis. 

There’s still a necessity for clinical trials to confirm these benefits, but it is well-noted that Beta-Boswellic-Acid is an inflammatory compound. Also, remember to consult with your doctor about taking Boswellia to see whether or not it’s a good idea, especially if you’re already taking medication. 

Other Uses for Boswellia

Boswellia’s main strength comes from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. High levels of BBA (Beta-Boswellic-Acid) can cause confusing effects in your body, so it’s advised to only take Boswellia with low levels of Beta-Boswellic-Acid (not to be confused with Boswellic Acid).

Some other proven medical conditions whose symptoms are alleviated by the use of Boswellia include: 

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions in the world. We do not have a cure for asthma; instead, people have to use inhalers constantly, and others may even need to take additional medicine. 

In a promising study done in 2015, people with mild and severe asthma were given inhalers with a Boswellia supplement. Others were given just the inhalers; no oral Boswellia supplement. 

After the four-week testing period, the group with the Boswellia-enhanced inhalers reported using their inhalers less often than was the case with the group using inhalers without Boswellia. Although this isn’t quite a clinical trial, the study’s results reaffirm the claim that Boswellia is effective at alleviating some of the symptoms of Asthma.  

Osteoarthritis

Boswellia also seems to aid in helping patients suffering from Osteoarthritis. This claim appeared in 2014 following a research review of the effects of herbs and plants used to treat Osteoarthritis. 

The subjects reported feeling less pain and being in better physical condition, thanks to Boswellia. Those who were given a placebo experienced no improvements. Again, more trials are needed to confirm these benefits fully, but Boswellia's current prospects for treating Osteoarthritis are promising. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis is joint inflammation. It prevents proper motor abilities, pain, and overall quality-of-life loss. Rheumatoid Arthritis medication focuses on reducing inflammation in individuals suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Unfortunately, we don’t have a cure for this type of Arthritis which, similarly to Asthma, causes people to live with it. The elderly are most affected by RA and experience the most significant loss of quality of life. 

The most common medications for RA include NSAIDs and steroids. However, if a person cannot take either of these, they can try Boswellia supplements. Remember that Boswellia’s ability to alleviate RA symptoms is weaker than traditional medication, so, if possible, it should be taken in conjunction with them. 

With that said, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking Boswellia because we still don’t have enough information about its interaction with certain modern pharmaceuticals. 

IBC (Inflammatory Bowel Conditions)

Research suggests that the combination of Curcumin/Turmeric and Boswellia can relieve pain in certain bowel conditions. Evidence also points toward its potency in improving gut health. Surprisingly, it seems to show potency in reducing some mild lung symptoms of those with Covid-19. 

Now, as for the study of Boswellia on IBCs, it was as follows. In the study, people suffering from diverticulitis were given 500mg of the Curcumin-Boswellia mixture twice daily for 30 days.

Once the time has passed, 21/27 people felt less pain than before taking the mixture. Some started feeling relief after just ten days of treatment. 

In another study, researchers tested a Curcumin-Boswellia blend on colon cells. The results seem to point to the mixture’s ability to protect the gut lining. 

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a neural condition that affects the elderly, and we have no cure for it. The only treatments currently available are meant to limit the symptoms of this disease while giving patients better quality of life. 

In a 2019 study on the effects of Boswellia on Parkinson’s symptoms, researchers found that Boswellia could be an effective alternative for treating this disease. Boswellia’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties seem to reduce the speed at which brain cells degenerate, but more research is needed to justify these claims. 

Boswellia Side Effects

Boswellia, as great as it is, can cause certain side effects that may put people off from consuming it. Most of them are annoying, but there are rare cases where medical intervention is needed. Here are some of them:

• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Acid Reflux
• Bloating
• Allergic Reaction 

Boswellia Interactions with Other Medications

While some people can safely take Boswellia with other medications (such as NSAIDs and steroids), others cannot. There are also certain medications that Boswellia badly interacts with, a situation that should always be avoided. 

Here are the interactions you should know of: Boswellia can increase blood flow in the uterus, and it isn’t recommended for nursing or pregnant women. People with Gastritis or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) should also avoid taking Boswellia. 

Additionally, Boswellia interferes with blood clotting, according to two reports by people who were taking Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner, and Boswellia. Therefore, it is recommended not to take Boswellia for two weeks after surgery. On top of that, do not take Boswellia if you’re taking other blood thinners without consulting your doctor. 

As for the dosage, there is no concrete dose at which Boswellia is most effective; it all depends on what you’re treating. However, most arthritic studies used doses between 100mg and 1,000mg of Boswellia extract. If Boswellia was combined with other herbs, the dose was between 300mg and 600mg. 

Bottom Line

While some people can safely take Boswellia with other medications (such as NSAIDs and steroids), others cannot. There are also certain medications that Boswellia badly interacts with, a situation that should always be avoided. 

Here are the interactions you should know of: Boswellia can increase blood flow in the uterus, and it isn’t recommended for nursing or pregnant women. People with Gastritis or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) should also avoid taking Boswellia. 

Additionally, Boswellia interferes with blood clotting, according to two reports by people who were taking Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner, and Boswellia. Therefore, it is recommended not to take Boswellia for two weeks after surgery. On top of that, do not take Boswellia if you’re taking other blood thinners without consulting your doctor. 

As for the dosage, there is no concrete dose at which Boswellia is most effective; it all depends on what you’re treating. However, most arthritic studies used doses between 100mg and 1,000mg of Boswellia extract. If Boswellia was combined with other herbs, the dose was between 300mg and 600mg.