11 Boswellia (Frankincense) Benefits + Side Effects

Boswellia resin or frankincense is an age old natural remedy and a tool for spiritual ceremonies. Folks have used it to relieve pain and inflammation, heal the joints, improve blood flow, and more. Modern research supports many of its traditional uses and reveals other potentials. Read on to learn the benefits, dosage, and side effects of Boswellia. What is Boswellia? Boswellia resins, also known as frankincense/olibanum, are obtained from Boswellia trees. Incisions are made in the trunks of the trees to produce exuded gum, which appears as milk-like resin and hardens into orange-brown gum resin [ 1 , 2 ]. There are many Boswellia species and varieties, including Boswellia sacra from Oman and Yemen, Boswellia carteri from East Africa and China, Boswellia frereana from Somalia and Boswellia serrata from India. Today the most traded frankincense is produced in Oman, Yemen, and Somalia. Boswellia resins have been considered throughout the ages to have a wealth of healing properties [ 3 ]. Snapshot Proponents: Great anti-inflammatory Protects the gut and skin Improves joint function May support cognition and mental health May help with diabetes Skeptics: May cause nausea and heartburn Has poor absorption Most benefits lack solid clinical evidence Since ancient times, frankincense has been used in Africa, China, India, and the Middle East for the prevention and treatment of various illnesses, especially chronic inflammatory diseases [ 3 ]. Resins from this herb have been traditionally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease [ 1 ]. Boswellia serrata is one of the most valued ancient herbs in Ayurveda. In the Indian system of medicine, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic agent [ 4 ]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frankincense of B. carterii is commonly used as a remedy for improving blood […]

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