Boswellia Serrata may be better known as frankincense, which is mentioned several times in the Bible. It was popular in ancient Egypt and India for its use in mummification, cremation and treating topical wounds. Boswellia is still used today in several different ways. It is an anti-inflammatory that also has anti-cancer properties and the ability to alter immune function. This is due to the oleo gum resin found in the herb. Boswellia is sold as a dietary supplement and has a relatively low risk of side effects associated with its use.
What is Boswellia Serrata ?
Boswellia Serrata is a herb that is found in dry mounainous regions of India, Northern Africa and Middle East. Gum resin extracted from the Boswellia serrata tree is popularly known as Indian Frankincense. Other common names of Boswellia serrata are Salai guggul or Shallaki (Sanskrit). Boswellia Serrata has been since long, generally used in folk medicines of Asia and Africa for the treatment of a number of health problems. Some early Ayurvedic doctors correlated long life and astounding strength of elephants to their large intake of Boswellia.
It is also known as “Gajabhakshya” in Sanskrit language. In Ayurveda, Boswellia has been used in treating arthritis and other inflammatory problems. Shallaki powder is used in various traditional Ayurvedic remedies to treat arthritis, diarrhea, ringworm, fever, skin diseases, cough, vaginal discharge, hair loss, jaundice and as tonic to liver.
Boswellia, which is available in the form of capsules is found to be very effective in treating various chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. As you all know that Boswellia may be used for treating certain types of cancers, such as blood and breast cancer. The anti-inflammatory effects of boswellia serrata can be attributed to the acids present in it that prevent the formation of leukotrienes which cause inflammation.It is also known by other names such as, Indian frankincense, Boswellin serrata resin, Boswella, Boswellie, Boswellin, Indian olibanum,Resina boswelliae.
What are Boswellia Serrata health benefits?
Boswellia Serrata is a wonderful natural herbal extract with a multitude of health benefits. It is a super food that is found to have extraordinary anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Boswellia serrata uses derives from its varied health benefits. The following are a few of the many boswellia serrata benefits:
Boswellia for arthritis and osteoarthritis
As you all know that Boswellia Serrata extract shows that it is useful in treating the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis. It contains anti-inflammatory properties. Pastly, few of the patients treated with boswellia serrata extract reported significant reduction in their knee pain and swelling. It also helps in reducing the levels of an enzyme that causes cartilage degradation and thus increase mobility and endurance.
Boswellia for asthma relief
Boswellia serrata has the ability to reduce the levels of leukotrienes that are responsible for causing contraction of bronchial muscles. Generally Boswellia Serrata has few antioxidant properties that shows result on bronchial asthma, and patients experienced considerable reduction in the symptoms of asthma after taking the extract. Thus it can be used in treating bronchial asthma.
Boswellia fights cancer
The strong acids that are found in boswellia extract or boswellia supplement play an important role in inhibiting the growth of cancer. These acids help in preventing various enzymes from causing damage to the DNA. Few boswellic acids are effective in suppressing the growth and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. The Boswellia Serrata also may help in destroying advanced breast cancer cells as well as preventing the spread of blood and brain tumor cells.
Boswellia may prevent atherosclerosis
As you all know that Boswellia Serrata has the properties that have ability to block 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which is a harmful pro-inflammatory enzyme. An increase in the level of this enzyme leads to an increase in the levels of leukotriene products, which causes the white blood cells to stick to the arterial walls. Moreover, leukotrienes may also lead to vascular permeability and the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). All these effects may further result in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, which plays an important role in causing heart attacks. So the use of Boswellia Serrata is beneficial in lowering the risks of heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
Boswellia lowers cholesterol
Few properties that are present in this boswellia serrata herb is capable of lowering the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides and increasing the good cholesterol or HDL levels.
Boswellia and brain health
It is proven that the ability of boswellia serrata to alleviate depression. It also helped in enhancing memory by interacting with neurotransmitter signaling cascades and inflammatory mediators. It has anti-inflammatory properties so Boswellia serrata has been found to reduce swelling and inflammation of the brain caused by brain cancer.
Boswellia for treating type 1 diabetes
Boswellia Serrata contains anti-inflammatory properties that has been found to benefit people who are generally suffering from type 1 diabetes mainly due to the fact that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where insulin deficiency and beta-cell death are caused by chronic inflammation. The type 1 diabetes generally shows that boswellia serrata herb helps in preventing an increase in the level of blood glucose along with preventing the destruction of pancreatic cells.
Boswellia Serrata was also found to suppress various inflammation markers such as Interleukin-1A, Interleukin-1B, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6, Interferon-gamma and Tumor necrosis factor alpha. Generally extracts obtained from the gum resin of Boswellia prevent the destruction of pancreatic cells by inhibiting the production or action of cytokines associated with inducing islet inflammation in an autoimmune process.
Boswellia promotes digestive health
Although anti-inflammatory properties present in Boswellia Serrata herb is not only safe, but is also found to improve and protect the health of your gastrointestinal tract. The Boswellia Serrata herb can inhibit the formation of gastric ulcer formation by as much as 51 percent. You can have this Boswellia in the form of capsules or supplements.
Boswellia for inflammation bowel disorders
Boswellia Serrata has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. As you all know that boswellia produces similar results as mesalazine, a medicine used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. The Boswellia serrata resin shows improvements in patients suffering from chronic colitis in comparison to known pharmaceuticals.
Boswellia and skin benefits
Boswellia has been widely used in the beauty industry as an effective anti-aging ingredient. The acids present in this Boswellia Serrata extract promote the rejuvenation of skin cells. Boswellic acid has astringent properties and it provides a tonic effect on the skin. Since it is a natural ingredient, Boswellia does not cause any side effects and hence is perfect for any types of skin. Boswellia serrata herb has been found to have the power to rejuvenate skin and produce a more beautiful and younger looking skin.
As you know that women who are using Boswellia Serrata capsules for their skin results by developing beautiful skin that was very smooth, supple and less oily within 30 days. Boswellia also promotes faster healing of wounds, sores and scars on the skin.
Boswellia for treating ringworm
Boswellia Serrata has an anti-fungal and also anti-bacterial properties so, it can be used for the treatment of ringworm and other fungal infections. Which can be treated easily and you can have Boswellia Serrata in the form of capsules or supplements.
Boswellia helps with weight loss
Boswellia serrata contains a high level of guggulsterones, which are extremely helpful in promoting weight loss. It also stimulates the thyroid and improves the functioning of this gland, leading to an increase in the amount of calories burned. Boswellia is an important ingredient in several over-the-counter supplements for weight loss.
For Joint Stiffness
Boswellia has been a staple natural medicine to manage joint stiffness and aches. Its anti-inflammatory properties block leukotriene synthesis which is mainly responsible for age related health issues like joint problems, lung diseases, digestive problems and more. Boswellia restores healthy joint function by improving blood supply to the joints. In addition, Boswellic acid has been found to prevent the breakdown of connective tissue.Thus, joint stiffness which is a common concern for arthritis patients can be treated naturally without any side-effects.
Helps Enhance Your Mood
Another benefit of this amazing Boswellia Serrata herb is promoting mood enhancement and a feeling of well-being. In fact, as all know that this herb is also used as a psychoactive substance during religious rituals because of its abilities to enhance spirituality.
As you know that boswellia has an active component called incensole acetate, which has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects by lowering inflammatory reactions, especially those that target the brain and speed up cognitive decline.
Apart from this above Boswellia Serrata is also used for deal with depression and stress. It contains very strong antidepressants which can change the mood of a person. In addition to this, it improves a person’s metabolism. Lastly, it contains anti aging properties that slows the aging process. These are just some benefits of Boswellia. There is no doubt Boswellia is a valuable herb that was once considered more valuable than gold. Start using Boswellia today and transform your life.
Boswellia Serrata supplementation may be a solution for many problems in the body. It provides very similar benefits to traditional medications, but without any known deleterious side effects. When used in conjunction with other natural compounds such as curcumin and clove extract, and of course a healthy balanced lifestyle, Boswellia could play a key role in keeping your inflammation levels under control.
Above all are the benefits of boswellia serrata. You can have Boswellia Serrata in the form of capsules.
Very informative! Thank you for sharing. 😁
Hi Daphne, I am glad you liked the article
Thanks for such helpful information .
Hello,
Glad to hear that.