Boswellia- The Anti-inflammatory Herb
In Ayurvedic system of medicine, boswellia serrate or simply boswellia is recommended for treating arthritis. The boswellia is usually found in the dry hilly areas of the Indian subcontinent.
The gummy resin extracted from the bark of the boswellia tree is used for treating several health disorders.
Medicinal uses of boswellia
The resin extracted from the bark of boswellia tree is known as boswellia serrata or Indian frankincense. Boswellia serrata is rich in Boswellic acid. Studies have shown that boswellic acid is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. It could be used as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are often recommended for treating arthritis.
Reduces arthritis pain
Boswellia serrata is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. The herb is blessed with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits activities of the anti-inflammatory enzyme COX-2. Unlike common pain relief medications, boswellia does not harm the gastric mucosa or the mucous membrane of the stomach.
Besides reducing joint inflammation and pain associated with inflammation, boswellia serrata could reduce joint stiffness by elevating the synovial fluid level in the joints. This herb could improve blood circulation in the joints. It could prevent destruction of connective tissues.
Boswellia gum resin could also be taken for treating all types of body pain. It could reduce backache. Some herbalists recommended boswellia for treating musculo-skeletal disorders.
Boswellia dosage for treating arthritis
Arthritis patients could take 300 to 400 grams of boswellia serrate, three times daily, for reducing joint inflammation and pain. For best results, select boswellia supplements or capsules containing 60 per cent boswellic acid.
Treats ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Boswellia extract could heal the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The anti-inflammatory property of the boswellic acid could cure intestinal inflammations associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Moreover, boswellic acids present in boswellia serrata could inhibit chemical reactions that might trigger inflammation.
Promotes weight loss
Some health experts suggest that boswellia supplements might be taken to promote weight loss. This herb contains large amounts of gugglesterone, a type of plant steroid. Gugglesterones could increase the metabolism rate of the body by boosting thyroid gland efficiency. The high metabolism rate helps the body to burn excess calories.
