Boswellia

In the dry hilly areas of India lived a moderate to large branching tree that many people believed it as “the wonder tree” for its inflammatory properties.  Such tree is known as boswellia or boswellin, and many called it as the “Indian frankincense”. 

For many centuries, the traditional healers of India have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory qualities of the boswellia bark’s gummy resin, which is called salai guggal.   Such gummy resin is produced from the boswellia tree when its trunk is tapped.  The purified extract of such resin is now prepared for modern healing. 

The boswellia supplements now came in a form of pill or tablet, cream, and capsule which basically contain the purified extract of the boswellia resin.  Such boswellia supplements are now used for the purpose of reducing inflammation that is associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Most of the modern healers believed that unlike the traditional NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like the ibuprofen, which are agreed treatments for joint inflammation; the boswellia does not seem to cause certain stomach irritation.  Aside from that, the boswellia is also effective for back pain as well as for particular chronic intestinal disorders.

As it is mentioned above, the boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties. Such certain active anti-inflammatory ingredients of the boswellia herb are commonly known as boswellic acids.  Numerous animal studies are conducted to show the effectiveness of the boswellic acids, and in one of the studies it was shown that such acids in the boswellia herb have potential for reducing inflammation in so many ways.   It is then noted that the boswellia acids daunt the inflammatory white cells from sensitive damaged tissue. 

For further interest, the boswellia acids are belived to enhance the blood flow to the joints and they greatly hinder the chemical reactions that put the level for inflammation   to surface in chronic intestinal disorders like the ulcerative colitis as well as Crohn’s disease.

In general, the boswellia has the potential to ease osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms since it can be applied internally and topically to affected joints in order to relive the inflammation that is related with such joint disorders.  Boswellia also helps to decrease back pain, and it controls the particular inflammatory bowel diseases from spreading. 

In terms of the standard for taking the boswellia supplement, it is recommended by most experts that for those who have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, about 150 mg of the boswellic acids must be taken three times a day.   It is also believed that the treatment of several disorders with boswellia usually lasts from eight to twelve weeks.  And for those who have ulverative colitis, boswellia is taken with 550 mg of its extract three times a day.

Many people preferred taking the boswellia extract not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but for the reason that it is generally safe when it is applied as directed.  Among the common side effects for taking the extract of this wonder herb are just diarrhea, skin rash, and nausea.  But, for those who have any inflammatory joint condition, the guidance of the physician is highly needed.  Lastly, for those who want to purchase a boswellia extract, just look for products standardized to 60 percent boswellic acids.