Boswellia

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Boswellia or Frankincense is best known for supporting healthy connective tissue and joints

Hypoallergenic, research-based dietary supplement recommended for arthritis and inflammation.

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Boswellia Is A Natural Way To Supplement Joint Heath & Alleviate Inflammation & Pain

Boswellia is often known from the resin it produces called frankincense. It is commonly used in formulas for arthritis, where it is valued for alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. It has centuries of traditional uses; in Avurvedic medicine it is known as sallaki and is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In martial arts, frankincense is traditionally used in topical herbal liniment formulas to reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent arthritis. I have used a formula in studying both iron arm and iron palm, where it is a crucial part of training for healing and preventing arthritis, and has served me very well over many years.

Boswellia aka FrankincenseChronic joint inflammation is found in conditions like osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis that commonly display a surge of inflammation and oxidative stress, which results in progressive joint alterations and often disabling symptoms in the spine and extremities.

Osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by destruction of articular cartilage and erosion of the bone by chemicals called pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). They mediate the synthesis of MMP-13 which degrades collagen, a biochemical hallmark of arthritis.

There are a wide range of medicines from nonsteroid and steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers, including opioids, to potent biological drugs that target inflammatory and immune factors, like TNF-α inhibitors. We hear more and more about the potential serious consequences and potentially dangerous side effects of these drugs. Therefore, we look to more natural alternatives like Boswellia.

A 2010 study in Phytotherapy Research found Boswellia frereana (frankincense) suppressed cytokine effects of inflammatory substances in articular cartilage. The authors concluded, “Due to its efficacy we propose that B. frereana [Boswellia frereana (frankincense)] should be examined further as a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritis.

A 2014 study in Minerva Medica . found Boswellia extract was effective in the supplementary management of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. It was able to increase walking distance and reduced the need for other drugs or tests. The authors noted significant improvement in all target measurements evaluated in just 4 weeks.

A 2015 study in in Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica found Boswellia (150 mg/3 times daily) was effective for work-related stress hand arthritis (without inflammatory signs). At just 2 weeks, the decrease in pain was significant and the hand became more usable. A further study indicated Boswellia extract in capsules was effective in the management of symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis at 12 weeks and is safe and well tolerated.

The beneficial effects of frankincense are numerous, in fact, a National Center for Biotechnology Information Search database search for “Boswellia” brings up 565 results to date. Suffice to say, it should be an important part of natural supplements for joint health.

There are many brands, however, I will recommend the brand the I take personally. You can do your own research, but I do recommend a trial of pure frankincense without mixing in formulas for at least 2 weeks.

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Author Bio

Stephen Ornstein, D.C. has treated thousands of neck, shoulder and back conditions since graduating Sherman Chiropractic College in 1987 and during his involvement in Martial Arts. He holds certifications as a Peer Review Consultant from New York Chiropractic College, Physiological Therapeutics from National Chiropractic College, Modic Antibiotic Spinal Therapy from Dr. Hanne Albert, PT., MPH., Ph.D., Myofascial Release Techniques from Logan Chiropractic College, and learned Active Release Technique from the founder, P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART, CCSP.