Boswellia herb is known as Indian frankincense, because it is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a very good anti-inflammatory herb, and suggested for people suffering from pain and inflammation problems like osteoarthritis. Keep reading, to learn more on boswellia, its uses and cautions one should take while using this herb.
Boswellia also known as Indian frankincense is derived from the boswellia serrata tree, which originated on hills of India, it has been used to treat a wide variety of disorders related to inflammation and joint-related problems. It can be used to treat many illnesses and chronic conditions. Its traditional use include back pain treatment and intestinal problems. It is considered to provide the same relief as over-the-counter medicines provide for pain and inflammation problems. Using this herb one can get rid of many disorders, without having to take medications like ibuprofen, that tend to upset the stomach.
Benefits
The active ingredient in this herb are the boswellic acids, which provide the anti-inflammatory response, which is critical to deadening the pain felt in conditions like arthritis. These constituents of boswellia work specifically in two different ways, one is to reduce inflammation in case of arthritis, where the boswellic acids block white cell activity in the damaged tissue, inhibiting the inflammatory response and thus enhance blood flow to the joint region. These activities promote increased joint mobility and ease stiff joints, which is an often experienced condition during morning by people suffering from arthritis.
The active ingredient in boswellia is contained in the gummy resin of the boswellia serrata tree. This resin called salai guggal, is used to make many commercial medicinal products that provide relief from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and problems like chronic back pain and other inflammatory conditions. It comes in many forms, depending upon the condition it is used to treat. Some forms of boswellia come in pills, tablets, capsules, topical creams, etc. The topical application of boswellia extract containing creams are more favored by people suffering from arthritis and lower back pain.
Precautions
If you are starting any boswellia ingredient-containing medication, then always consult your family physician. Because, there is a possibility that it might interfere with your pre-existing medication. Though side effects are quite rare, some of them include nausea, skin rash, and diarrhea. People suffering from immune disorder should not take this herb, unless it is recommended by a doctor. If you are suffering from any inflammatory disease, then the doctor should keep a watch on the medications you are taking and its effects.
Dose
As mentioned above, it comes in various forms of tablets, capsules, topical ointments, and creams. Most remedies using boswellia for joint pain, will come with a standard proportion of the extract which is 60% of the boswellic acids. Boswellia doesn’t have an RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance), because it is not an essential nutrient, but most doses contain around 150 to 550 mg of the active ingredient, boswellic acid which is supposed to be taken three times a day. Oral doses are usually taken for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, and topical applications are used everyday with a gap of 4 to 6 hours. Creams and ointments are continued to be used, till the pain persists. One needs to use any herbal medicine regularly, because the body needs time to allow a build up of the supplement, so that is works effectively. Hence, if you are going for any boswellia medication take it for 4 to 8 weeks for complete effect.
Boswellia is known to effectively provide relief from many pain and inflammation-related disorders. However, it is important that you consult your doctor before you start using any boswellia herb-based medications, to prevent any side effects.
Disclaimer: This HolisticZine article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
