{"id":2324,"date":"2020-08-13T09:05:11","date_gmt":"2020-08-13T08:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=2324"},"modified":"2025-05-31T08:38:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T07:38:09","slug":"boswellia","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/boswellia\/","title":{"rendered":"Boswellia"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":5589,"parent":0,"menu_order":-211,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"98c5d38c-75d6-414e-ac8e-c2a920e80b99","beyondwords_preview_token":"91e6c90a-b48e-45b4-8c79-34a75bd18be3","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[218],"conditions":[685,694,701,699,698],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,17,16,206],"western_action":[992,990,993,996,1003,1010,1017,1024,1025],"chinese_action":[1045,1043],"ayurvedic_action":[1109,1093,1095,1059,1112,1091,1082],"energetics_action":[1510,1499,1512,1498,1557,1561,1622,1533,1546,1487,1559,1520,1534,1379,1554,1543,1519,1558,1560,1619,1547,1552,1556,1497,1539,1562,1617,1522,1492,1550,1504],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-2324","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-boswellia","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-reproductive-system","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-aromatic","sense-hot","sense-resinous","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-analgesic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-carminatives","western_action-expectorant","western_action-nervine","western_action-vasodilator","western_action-vulnerary","chinese_action-invigorate-the-blood","chinese_action-regulate-the-qi","ayurvedic_action-vajikarana","ayurvedic_action-sandhaniya","ayurvedic_action-shirovirechan","ayurvedic_action-anuloma","ayurvedic_action-vedana-sthapana","ayurvedic_action-rasayani","ayurvedic_action-lekhaniya","energetics_action-acrid","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-blood","energetics_action-bones","energetics_action-circulatory","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry-quality","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-fat","energetics_action-heart","energetics_action-heating","energetics_action-hot","energetics_action-kapha-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-light","energetics_action-liver","energetics_action-muscle","energetics_action-nervous","energetics_action-nervous-channel-srotas","energetics_action-penetrating","energetics_action-pitta-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-plasma","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-pungent-post-digestive-effect-vipaka","energetics_action-reproductive","energetics_action-reproductive-channel-srotas","energetics_action-spleen","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-vata-constitution-dosha","energetics_action-warm-temperature-chinese","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20200813","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Indian frankincense reduces inflammation in the body","latin_name":"Boswellia serrata<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Burseraceae","herb_summary":"Boswellia is a source of incense, that has long traditions for use in inflammatory disease. Modern research shows it is also useful for modern long-term health problems.","key_benefits":"Arthritis\r\nAsthmatic conditions\r\nPain (linked to inflammation and congestion)\r\nWound healing","how_does_it_feel":"Boswellia resin requires a high content of alcohol for extraction into liquid (ideally 90%). For this reason, it is more conveniently available as a tablet or capsule. If you can find either form and take a little in your mouth you will be struck by the powerful acrid, resinous and bitter tastes that linger uncomfortably. Above that there is a significant aromatic high note due to its content of essential oils which give boswellia its use as incense.\r\n\r\nBoswellia is clearly stimulating, and this can be felt in increased warming or circulation, and also as a mental stimulant. From what we now know about how key ingredients cross into the central nervous system we can better understand the ancient link between incense and its spiritual and psychological applications.","hdif_image_1":5589,"hdif_image_2":5590,"hdif_image_3":12775,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18,16,206],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Consider boswellia as a natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It can be tried for long term inflammatory joint problems like osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, especially when any pain is relieved by heat. There is a long tradition in India of combining boswellia with turmeric for this purpose.\r\n\r\nThere are both traditional reputations and modern research to consider using it in chronic lung problems, especially if there are asthmatic elements.\r\n\r\nThe ability of this plant when externally applied to exposed tissue to reduce inflammation and to aid granulation means that\u00a0 it is useful for both pain and\u00a0 inflammation for improved wound healing.\r\n\r\nThere is new and so far little explored potential of boswellia in managing inflammation in the gut. An affect in reducing disturbances of gut flora (the microbiome) is also possible.","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_5589\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Boswellia Boswellia (Boswellia serrata<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBoswellia has the dual energetic reputation of being both heating and cooling. It heats by stimulating circulation and cools with its anti-inflammatory action.\r\n\r\nBoswellia resin contains triterpene constituents collectively known as \u2018boswellic acid\u2019. This fraction has anti-inflammatory properties that is quite distinct from conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. NSAIDs reduce enzymes called cyclo-oxygenases (COXs) that produce prostaglandins. However they leave unchanged an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) that produces leukotrienes, which can damage the stomach wall (and induce asthma). Boswellic acid inhibits 5-LOX (not COX) and can therefore protect the gut wall from damage and also improve asthmatic like respiratory problems.\r\n\r\nThere is a persistent traditional reputation for boswellia affecting the brain and central nervous functions. It has had a long-term connection with the spiritual realm and religious ceremony. It is also used in psychiatric and mental conditions.\r\n\r\nWe now understand that unusually among anti-inflammatory remedies that some of its constituents can cross the \u2018blood-brain barrier\u2019 meaning it can access the brain. This puts boswellia into contention for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, depression, dementia, and even chronic fatigue, all linked by elements of \u2018neuroinflammation\u2019.","tradtional_uses":"In traditional Indian medicine boswellia is used as a stimulant and expectorant (internal use) and an astringent and anti-in\ufb02ammatory agent (topically).\u00a0\u00a0 It was used for pulmonary diseases, especially if chronic, rheumatic disorders, diarrhoea, dysentery, painful periods and liver disorders. It is also used for general weakness and to improve appetite.\r\n\r\nThe plants essential oils are said to support the spiritual body and work where we would now place the pituitary and hypothalamus gland.","what_practioners_say":"

\"\"<\/strong>Inflammation<\/h3>\r\nUseful in inflammatory diseases, especially of the joints (osteo and rheumatoid arthritis), lungs (especially asthma), inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn\u2019s<\/a> and ulcerative colitis<\/a>) and skin (e.g. psoriasis<\/a>).\r\n

Gut health<\/h3>\r\nBoswellia can be considered in long-term inflammation gut disease, like Crohns and ulcerative colitis or any other persistent low gut problem with inflammatory or dysbiosis elements.\r\n

Pain<\/h3>\r\nAll types of pain, specifically arthritic or post trauma where there is inflammation and congestion. Energetically applied to cold and damp types of pain and swelling (i.e. where the pain is relieved by heat).\r\n

Women\u2019s health<\/h3>\r\nA traditional remedy in the treatment of fibroids, cysts, painful periods with clots and pain caused by congestion in the uterus.\r\n

Men\u2019s health<\/h3>\r\nA specific herb for impotence and sexual debility; it brings blood to the reproductive organs and therefore facilitates issues such as erectile dysfunction.\r\n

External uses<\/h3>\r\nUsed to hasten the healing of wounds, broken bones and bruises, especially if there is local inflammation.","research":"\"\"\r\n\r\nFrom laboratory studies it appears that boswellic acid inhibits the inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) with little effect on cyclo-oxygenase (COX). COX enzymes produce inflammatory prostaglandins and are the main target of conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. 5- LOX generates leukotrienes. These are also potent inflammatory agents that particularly are involved in asthmatic problems, but perhaps even more significantly in damage to the gut wall. One reason conventional NSAIDS can damage the stomach is that they upset the COX\/LOX balance and allow more leukotrienes to be produced (1). Boswellia\u2019s mechanism of action is therefore quite distinct from NSAIDs and are not likely to have their complications.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOther immunological and anti-inflammatory mechanisms have been identified, including the inhibition of NFkappaB activation and consequent down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and decrease of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-gamma (2). There is additional evidence pointing to an intriguing possible role on another anti-inflammatory marker, cathepsin G, this demonstrated against placebo ex vivo, that is in blood taken after oral consumption (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA double-blind trial on 48 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee with a boswellia extract or placebo for a period of 120 days, revealed that boswellia treatment significantly improved the physical function of the patients by reducing pain and stiffness compared with placebo. Radiographic assessments showed improved knee joint gap and reduced spurs. Boswellia also significantly reduced the serum levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker associated with osteoarthritis (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nInflammatory mediators are strongly associated with ischaemic stroke. Unlike NSAIDs, boswellic acids cross the blood-brain barrier and there is a case for appropriate modulation of inflammatory pathways in aiding stroke recovery. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial randomized 80 ischaemic stroke patients within 72 hours of onset of neurological signs, for a month follow-up. Patients who were allocated to the boswellia group had a significant recovery in neurological function during the 1-month follow-up, compared with the placebo. The levels of plasma inflammatory markers were significantly decreased after 7 days of intervention in TNF-\u03b1, IL-1\u03b2, IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPatients irradiated for brain tumours often suffer from cerebral oedema and are usually treated with dexamethasone, which has various side effects. To investigate the activity of boswellia a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot trial was conducted. Forty-four patients with primary or secondary malignant cerebral tumours were randomly assigned to radiotherapy plus either boswellia 4200 mg\/day or placebo. Compared with baseline and measured immediately after the end of radiotherapy and treatment, a reduction of cerebral oedema of >75% as measured by MRI was found in 60% of patients receiving boswellia and in 26% of patients receiving placebo (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLocal effects in reducing inflammation has been supported in an uncontrolled clinical trial that showed boswellia can reduce the use of topical corticosteroids and is able to reduce skin rash and other superficial symptoms after radiation for breast cancer (7).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Indian frankincense can grow up to 15 metres and is a popular avenue tree in Indian cities.","additional_information_right":{"illustration":9024},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Boswellia serrata is a deciduous, medium-sized tree native to the dry hills of India, especially Rajasthan and Gujerat. The leaves are opposite, sessile and have serrated edges.\r\n\r\nFlowers occur in auxiliary racemes, shorter than the leaves, are small, aromatic and white. The fruit is three-angled, splits into three valves and contains a single compressed seed. The resin is extracted at the hottest time of year as an exudate from the branches: when the bark is cut, the secretion exudes and solidifies to a gum-like consistency after exposure to the air.","common_names":"