What is Boswellia and How It Can Benefit One’s Health?

People across the globe turn to natural remedies for common ailments every single day. Many of the illnesses and issues that plague everyday life have been treated with naturally found compounds for as long as we have existed as a society. 

That is why learning about some of these common supplements and remedies can be a huge benefit to our daily lives and sense of wellbeing. One of these amazing natural remedies we will explore today is Boswellia. 

Boswellia holds a significant place in various cultures and medicine that uses range from traditional remedies to modern supplements. But what exactly is it? Let's dive into the world of Boswellia and explore its many facets.

Boswellia: An Introduction

Boswellia is a resin derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, found mainly in India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. 

Boswellia resin is commonly referred to by another name--frankincense. Or rather Indian Frankincense. This rich resin is typically dried out and ground into a very fine powder and used in all kinds of medical practices and rituals across the world. 

It may be ingested, or simply burned as an incense as well. However in western society it is most often taken in capsule form as a nutritional supplement.

The Origins of Boswellia

To understand what Boswellia is, we need to look at its origins. The Boswellia tree is well adapted to thrive in arid and harsh environments. Its wood is split to release resin, which is then collected and used for several purposes. It is extracted in a similar manner to extracting maple sap.This resin is what we refer to as Boswellia.

The Benefits of Boswellia 

Boswellia supplements are taken for a whole host of reasons depending on you and your needs. The research shows that Boswellia can potentially help to treat a range of illnesses and ailments ranging from mental to physical and can promote good health and well-being. 

While some of these uses are a bit shaky on their in depth research, many of them have quite a bit of evidence backing them up. For example:

Reduces Inflammation

A study from 2019 shows that Boswellia itself is strikingly effective in treating inflammation across the board. However, the study took the time to focus on the effects on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that there was a pretty significant reduction in pain and inflammation in rats with RA. This showed a lot of promise in using capsules of boswellic acid for RA treatment. 

But, the benefits don’t stop there. The reduction in inflammation spans across a whole variety of ailments as well. Osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even inflammation related to asthma have been found to respond well to Boswellia in general. 

What this means is that those who are suffering from pain or symptoms related to inflammation can consider Boswellia capsules to be a viable aid in their treatment. While the findings showed that Boswellia was not as effective in reducing inflammation as more powerful pharmaceuticals; it still showed that Boswellia used as a supplement to medication is a huge added benefit. 

Inflammation is the leading cause of symptoms in more illnesses than you may know. Illnesses such as Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, advanced acne, etc., all stem from extreme inflammation. This is the primary target for treatment using boswellic acid and Boswellia extract as a supplement. 

Cancer Treatment

Whenever someone makes the claim that something helps to treat cancer, it can come off as a bit of a ‘buzzword topic’. That’s because cancer is such a devastating issue that millions across the world face and deal with themselves or as a loved one to a cancer patient. But, there is actually some evidence to suggest that Boswellia can be beneficial in some cancer treatments. 

An important study on different treatments of pancreatic cancer cells showed that Boswellia was actually very effective in treating the cells and reducing the formation of cancer cells in the pancreas. 

Other studies have shown that Boswellia can help to treat cancer cells in the breast, and fight the formation of malignant tumors in the brain as well as the skin. Both ingestion and topical application of Boswellia extract have shown to be useful in helping to combat the formation and spread of cancer cells in a variety of ways. While this is still early phase research, the results are astounding and hopeful.

Joint Health

A common use of Boswellia is in supporting joint health. Its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in easing discomfort from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce pain and swelling and enhancing mobility.

Respiratory Function

For those with respiratory issues, Boswellia can be a source of relief. Its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be helpful in managing asthma and bronchitis, providing a natural approach to respiratory care.

Boswellia's versatility in addressing a wide array of health concerns makes it a valuable natural resource. Its multi-faceted benefits extend from physical to mental well-being, underlining its significance in holistic health practices.

The Science Behind Boswellia's Benefits

Understanding the scientific basis for the advantages of Boswellia sheds light on its effectiveness in promoting health. Here are the key elements that explain how Boswellia works:

• Boswellic Acids: The main active elements in Boswellia are Boswellic acids. These acids reduce inflammatory molecule synthesis, lowering inflammation and its associated symptoms.

• Antioxidant Properties: Another beneficial aspect of Boswellia is its antioxidant properties.  All of these things combine to make it a shield against the cellular-destroying free radicals.

• Analgesic Effects: Additionally, Boswellia's boswellic acids contribute to its analgesic effects, offering relief from pain and discomfort.

• Other Bioactive Substances: Beyond boswellic acids, Boswellia contains an array of other bioactive substances that enhance its therapeutic potential.

• Terpenes: Among these substances are terpenes, aromatic compounds found in Boswellia that can have various positive effects on health.

• Resin Components: The resin found in Boswellia is a complex mixture of compounds that may work synergistically to provide additional benefits.

• Essential Oils: Boswellia resin also contains essential oils, which not only contribute to its distinct aroma but also play a role in its potential therapeutic properties.

The Side Effects of Boswellia Serrata

While research shows that Boswellia is pretty exceptional at relieving and treating a variety of illnesses, not everything comes without drawbacks. Boswellia can cause a number of minor side effects that may not be pleasant, and that you should be aware of. 

In certain cases Boswellia has been linked to causing nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, and acid reflux. These side effects are rare, and not life threatening. However they should be noted in case they manifest and you may need to stop taking Boswellia in your daily supplement routine. 

In general Boswellia is perfectly 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 those above. It’s important that you do it carefully and always keep an eye on your regime and results.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind

Drug Interactions

Boswellia could potentially interact with certain medications. If you are currently on medication or have pre-existing health conditions, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before incorporating Boswellia into your routine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a physician before beginning to take Boswellia supplements. This will guarantee that the mother and the child are protected from any potential consequences.

Allergies

Individuals with allergies, particularly to tree resins, should be cautious with Boswellia. If you're prone to allergies, it's advisable to avoid this supplement or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

It's always better to err on the side of caution when introducing any new supplement to your health routine. Hence, use Boswellia responsibly by being fully aware of its potential risks and contraindications.

How to Dose Boswellia

When it comes to herbal therapy or any supplement regimen, you are always going to face differing 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 that you take between 200-300mg of Boswellia 2-3 times per day. This will produce the best results and reduces the risk of negative side effects. However, this can be increased incrementally depending on your needs and condition. 

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

It’s important to note that you should always consult a physician before adding any supplement into your diet. This is especially true for those who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or have any pre-existing medicines that they are on. This helps to reduce any potential for negative impact from Boswellia.

Buying the Right Boswellia Products

A more satisfactory purchase can be achieved when one takes the time to choose Boswellia supplements. The following 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.

• Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the product label or as advised by your healthcare professional.

• Form: Boswellia supplements come in various forms. Hence, choose the form that best suits your needs and preferences.

• Price: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal without compromising on quality.

• Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and testimonials to get insights into the product's effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Carefully considering the aforementioned will enable you to select a product that not only meets your health needs but also offers good value and reliability.

Partner with Tribe Organics on Your Path to Wellness

At Tribe Organics, we are passionate about providing natural, high-quality supplements that promote health and well-being. Our Boswellia Complex is a prime example of this commitment, offering a natural solution to support your body's healing and maintenance processes.

Yet, the journey doesn't stop at Boswellia. Our extensive collection 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 assist you! Contact us, and we will guide you towards the right supplements for your unique needs.

Conclusion

Boswellia is a natural remedy with a fascinating history and a wide range of health benefits. Those who suffer from RA and osteoarthritis, IBS, asthma, and more can all improve their quality of life through supplemental treatment with Boswellia capsules. 

Consult your doctor and see if Boswellia is safe to take with your current condition, and you can potentially feel the benefits of Boswellia sooner rather than later!