How are you supposed to know what Boswellia is good for if you don’t even know what it is? Don’t worry; many people are unfamiliar with this powerful herb, at least in terms of how it benefits health.

You likely know it as frankincense, but never realized that it possessed anti-inflammatory properties and can boost your overall health and well-being.

Boswellia serrata is a tree that is primarily found in India and produces oils that have been used for centuries to fight inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. Long before medications were developed for these serious diseases, boswellia was the go-to resource and successfully treated many inflammatory-related conditions.

Today, many anti-inflammatory supplements contain boswellia oil as research continues to uncover its potential.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Boswellia extracts and oils possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Terpenes and boswellic acids in particular are very protective of your body’s cells.

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Even if you have not heard of them, terpenes are likely familiar to you. These are the aromatic compounds found in other healing foods such as peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. The strong aromas of terpenes protect the plant, and their antioxidant powers protect them from environmental damage.

The protective abilities of the terpenes in boswellia extend to your body when consumed, as they control inflammation and remove damaging free radicals. Boswellia supplements are thought to be more effective that traditional anti-inflammatory medications because they are easier on your digestive tract.

Many NSAID medications are known to cause digestive trouble over time, but boswellia is gentle and better able to preserve the lining integrity along your gut.

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Boswellia protects your body from inflammation in places other than your gut. An unhealthy digestive tract can trigger the inflammatory response, but it can spread through the body causing damage to every organ.

Inflammation in the brain can lead to cognitive decline and mood alterations, so boswellia can protect your mental as well as your physical health by reducing the spread of inflammation.

Help With Arthritis

There are several types of arthritis, but they have one thing in common: inflammation. As a strong anti-inflammatory agent, boswellia protects your joints from damage and swelling.

Studies have found that when compared to traditional arthritis medication, boswellia performs better, making it a preferred arthritis treatment option. Because boswellia is a natural substance, you also don’t have to worry about potential side effects that come with medications.

Arthritis is marked by inflammation in the joints that causes swelling, muscle jerking, and intense pain. Movement can become restricted, and the inflammation degrades your cartilage and destabilizes the joint.

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In tests, boswellia was shown to improve these symptoms and improve mobility. The combination of anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties protect and heal at joints at the same time, getting you up and moving much faster than medications.

Protection From Infections

The common cold gets its name for a reason. A healthy adult will still catch a cold at least once or twice a year as a result of meeting some bacteria or virus.

Stress, being tired, or a poor diet can weaken your immune system, allowing these pathogens to take control. The next thing you know, you have a respiratory infection and the coughs, sneezing, and sinus pain begins.

Boswellia helps with colds and respiratory problems by eliminating phlegm and reducing inflammation along your respiratory passages. When combined with carrier oils, such as coconut oil, boswellia oil can be applied topically to relieve asthma, sinus pains, and other respiratory complications.

The coconut oil helps speed up absorption, allowing boswellia to remove mucous and clear passageways faster.

Boswellia has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure the common cold and for increasing blood circulation. By improving blood flow through your body, antibodies can reach the problem sooner and recovery occurs faster.

As an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral agent, boswellia not only protects you from bacterial and viral infections, but it can speed up your recovery time too.

Prevent Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by uncontrolled inflammation due to your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues in error. Boswellia has been used for centuries to treat autoimmune conditions like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma.

Supplemental boswellia provides immune support by increasing immunoglobulins and antibodies that work to fight bacteria, viruses, and environmental toxins.

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Supporting the immune system helps to control inflammatory responses so that autoimmune disorders can be prevented. By directly inhibiting specific inflammatory markers, boswellia supplements limit inflammatory response to those that are necessary.

For individuals that already have autoimmune disorders, boswellia acts to control the inflammation so symptoms are not as severe. In some cases, they can even be reversed as damaged tissues are allowed time to heal.

Fights Cancer

Cancer is one of the scariest diseases we face because it can affect anyone and there is no definitive cure. Treatment options and therapies are available that have proven effective in stopping the spread of cancer, but these also come with unpleasant side effects.

Boswellia is a more natural option that has been shown to target cancer cells without damaging the nearby healthy cells.

Boswellia extracts exert influence over the genes in your body that promote healing, and, when used in conjunction with cancer treatments, they can ease most of the unpleasant side effects. By supporting your immune system so it is better able to fight diseases like cancer, and by promoting repair and healing as well as targeting cancerous cells, it is easy to understand why boswellia has been used for centuries as a natural medicine.

The Bottom Line

Research has shown that when combined with other anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric (curcumin), the benefits are even greater. Their co-occurring phytochemicals help to reduce toxicity in the body, leading to advanced protection from inflammation and enhanced recovery of any inflammation-related symptoms.

Boswellia may not be common, but it should be a product you take note of. Successfully used for centuries to control inflammation and treat disease, boswellia has earned a place in modern health practices.

As an essential oil or supplemental capsule, boswellia can easily be integrated into your life. Add ancient healing powers to your modern life and protect your health today with boswellia serrata.

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