Boswellia "joint Healer" - Properties And Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Boswellia serrata "joint healer"

What is Boswellia?

Boswellia (Indian incense) is a small tree that grows in hot tropical climates. The maximum tree height reaches 8 meters. They belong directly to the Burzer family, evergreen trees with a characteristic flowering. There are about 30 subspecies of the Boswellia series. However, real incense can only be obtained from specific varieties.

By cutting the trunk of the Boswellia sacra tree, you can get a viscous, odorous liquid. When solidified evenly, the substance turns into incense. It has long been used in the production of incense, without losing its popularity to this day. All religious rituals are performed with fragrant incense. The first mentions of the incense tree are seen in the Gospel.

Boswellia serrata is another type of plant from which an odorous resin can be obtained. Latin name - Boswellia serrata. The substance is distinguished not only by its characteristic aroma, but also by its medicinal properties. For three millennia, Indian medicine has been practicing this method to get rid of ailments and inflammatory processes. Compared to the previous species, Boswellia sacra has a more persistent incense smell. Boswellia serrata copes better with diseases and has a beneficial effect on human well-being. The plant has confirmed its positive effect on joint problems, nervous diseases and disorders, inflammation of any nature.

An odorous liquid that solidifies in air is also released from Boswellia papyrifera (papyrus boswellia) and frereana (Coptic incense). Aromatic resins are easily extracted from the tree - the trunk is notched. This cutting does not cause much harm to the plant, and a person has the opportunity to benefit from a pale liquid with a resinous consistency.

Content:

• Useful properties of Boswellia
• 3 scientifically proven benefits of Boswellia serrata
• The secret of the beneficial properties of Boswellia
• How is Boswellia taken and where to buy it?
• Contraindications

Useful properties of Boswellia

A unique plant is very useful, due to the presence of a huge amount of biologically active components. Boswellia is capable of:

• Produce an analgesic effect, significantly reducing unpleasant painful sensations.
• Provide an anti-inflammatory effect that extends to all systems of the human body due to the presence of boswellic acid, which blocks the activity of leukotriene hormones responsible for the formation of inflammatory processes.
• It has a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microflora.
• Normalize the functioning of the nervous system, relieve depressive conditions.
• Restore the integrity of blood vessels and strengthen their walls, improving blood circulation.
• To alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, it is included in therapy in the treatment of stomach ulcers and other ailments.
• Serving as an anticancer agent, Boswellia is often included in the treatment regimen for certain forms of cancer.
• Provide antiallergic effect.
• Relieve asthmatic conditions.
• Reduce the clinical manifestations of gout and rheumatism.
• Enter into complex therapy in the treatment of inflammation in the oral cavity (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease).
• Provide an antiseptic effect for individual catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

3 scientifically proven benefits of Boswellia serrata

1. Osteoarthritis. Separate studies prove that taking Boswellia extract (ApresFLEX (Aflapin), Wokvel, 5-Loxin) can reduce pain by 65% and significantly improve the ability to move in patients with osteoarthritis of the joints. Other experiments show that the use of combined preparations with Boswellia extract and other plant components improves the symptoms of the above disease.
2. Damage to the skin after radiation therapy. Research shows that regular application of a skin cream with 2% Boswellia extract (Indena SpA from Bosexil) during special therapy prevents widespread reddening of the skin.
3. Ulcerative colitis. The use of Boswellia in some people has a beneficial effect on the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. The effect of the extract is equivalent to the prescription drug sulfasalazine. Selected cases have shown that it can cause remission in 70-82% of patients.

The secret of the beneficial properties of Boswellia

The positive effect on the human body is due to the unique chemical composition of Boswellia, which is extracted from a tropical tree. If we take into account the percentage, then the resin represents 50-66%, and the gum - 35-47%. Essential oils in the composition from 3% to 8%, depending on the number of the first two components. All components contain substances that have specific healing effects.

Terpenes

Terpenes are components related to carbohydrates, they are found directly in essential oils. Terpenes help to restore skin cells and internal organs, and also stop the development of the inflammatory process.

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are found in gums. They replenish energy reserves and have a wound healing effect. Polysaccharides are characterized by an enveloping property. They include galacturonic acid, a polyfunctional compound. The acid is essential for the extracellular matrix. The components also contain arabinose and galactose, which are direct participants in metabolic processes.

Boswellic acids

These substances deserve special attention. Boswellic acids are anti-inflammatory and are very beneficial for the joints. They minimize the risk of leukocyte penetration into the interarticular fluid and cartilage tissue, preventing their possible destruction. An experiment carried out on rats showed that boswellic acids do not allow degenerated cells to grow, therefore, they are very effective in the fight against cancer. The substances also protect the liver, therefore they serve as an excellent hepatoprotector.

Incensol acetate

Incensol acetate is released when incense burns. Inhaling the aroma of this substance, a person relaxes and completely calms down. This effect on the body explains the use of incense to achieve a state of relaxation.

There is no special secret of the plant's uniqueness; its beneficial components contribute to this. Boswellia resin specifically addresses specific health problems and has a beneficial effect on well-being, mood and emotions.

How is Boswellia taken and where to buy it?

Manufacturers produce a unique plant in the following variants:

• Capsules.
• Tablets.
• Dry extract.

The most comfortable and easily digestible form are considered capsules with Boswellia extract in a soft vegetable shell. They dissolve quickly, so a positive effect on the patient's condition is observed instantly. You can buy Boswellia as a dietary supplement at ru.iherb.com.

Contraindications

It is scientifically proven that Boswellia extract has a wide range of beneficial properties. Of the contraindications, one can point out one fact: the plant is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance to biologically active elements from the Boswellia composition. The body of such patients may react badly to the intake of the extract, an allergic rash or stomach upset may occur.

Before using supplements and preparations based on medicinal boswellia, it is necessary to consult a doctor and analyze the medical picture.

This recommendation especially applies to people suffering from:

• Vitiligo.
• Systemic lupus.
• Psoriasis.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Oncological diseases.
• Multiple sclerosis.

Expert advice is also recommended:

• Nursing mothers;
• People with allergic reactions;
• Pregnant women.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).