Boswellia
Boswellia is a genus of trees in the order Sapindales, known for their fragrant resin which has many pharmacological uses, particularly as anti-inflammatories. The Biblical incense frankincense was an extract from the resin of the tree Boswellia sacra, and is now produced also from B. frereana.
Contents
Essential Oil: Frankincense
Frankincense is the bomb.
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Some studies suggest that boswellia may have some anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, but large-scale, industry-independent clinical trials are needed. Sounds like it's time for the disclaimer:
This page DOES NOT CONSTITUTE medical advice. Consult your physician, etc.. |
Having said that, here's a look at several findings that ARE backed by available research:
Osteoarthritis
For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2015, researchers analyzed previously published trials testing the effects of herbal supplements for osteoarthritis. Their analysis of studies involving boswellia found evidence that it reduced pain (as measured by a pain scale) and improved physical function compared to a placebo.
Asthma
Boswellia may help reduce the need for inhalation therapy in people with persistent asthma, suggests a small 2015 study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.
Participants in the study (who had mild-to-severe persistent asthma) received either inhalation therapy with an oral boswellia supplement or inhalation therapy alone.
After four weeks of treatment, those who took the Boswellia supplement in addition to the inhalation therapy had a decrease in the number of inhalations needed compared to those who had inhalation therapy alone.
Crohn’s Disease
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that a boswellia extract may not help people with Crohn’s disease who are in remission. After 12 months of treatment with a boswellia extract, there was no significant difference in relapse time, severity of symptoms, or maintenance of remission.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In a 2007 study involving 31 people with collagenous colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic diarrhea), researchers found that taking a boswellia extract three times daily for six weeks was not more effective than a placebo when comparing clinical remission, lab testing, or quality of life.