Boswellia is aromatic, traditionally used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies. There is something holy about it. It is also popularly known as Indian frankincense. Additionally, people have also used it for its health benefits.

Boswellia is a resin derived from a moderately sized tree. It commonly grows in dry and mountainous regions of India, the Middle East, and Africa. The resin derived from the tree is processed, and what is left mostly contains resin and some essential oils¹.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in its health benefits. It contains many unique, organic compounds, multiple terpenes, and boswellic acid that are responsible for lowering inflammation. Additionally, terpenes also have antioxidant properties¹.

Health Benefits of Boswellia Serrata

Although Boswellia can help in a range of health conditions, but it is particularly good for inflammatory conditions like joint disorders.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a defensive mechanism. However, too much inflammation may become harmful, too. Hence, it is sometimes important to reduce inflammation. This reduction in inflammation can be achieved in many ways. Boswellia may modulate immune responses and reduce the production of inflammatory mediators.

Studies show that Boswellia is quite good at reducing oxidative stress and suppressing the production of various inflammatory mediators¹.

This ability to reduce inflammation may be particularly helpful in joint disorders, but not only. Due to its ability to reduce inflammation, Boswellia may have numerous other health benefits. It may help fine-tune immune responses, reduce pain, improve mood, enhance sleep quality, reduce stress, and much more.

Supports Overall Joint Health

Joint disorders are among the leading causes of disability among adults. They might not be life-threatening but cause significant pain and distress. The two leading causes of joint issues are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatic arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune condition, whereas OA is mainly a wear-and-tear disease. Both conditions are characterized by inflammation and high oxidative stress.

Boswellia may help support joint health. It would not cure these conditions but make living with these joint disorders much easier. It may slow down the progress of these joint issues and reduce pain and inflammation. It not only reduces inflammation but also helps protect the joint by lowering oxidative stress².

Since joint disorders tend to be chronic, taking pharmacological drugs every day may harm health. Hence, it is a good idea to consider natural treatments. One such natural option is Boswellia Serrata. One of the effective ways of taking it daily is through health supplements. Thus, Zenkgo advanced joint support supplement contains Boswellia Serrata along with many other beneficial phytoextracts.

May Support Gut and Skin Health

Bloating, abdominal pain, and gut motility changes are all too common. Functional gastrointestinal disorders and leaky gut syndrome are common causes of chronic gastric issues. These issues are among the leading causes of visiting primary care centers. However, doctors are pretty helpless in managing these disorders, as modern medicine has little understanding of why some people frequently experience these gut issues.

These conditions appear to occur due to many reasons like poor digestion, food intolerances, changes in gut microbiota, leaky gut, inflammation, stress disorder, and more. Studies show Boswellia may help with these minor and chronic gut health issues. It is also good for gut microbiota³.

Additionally, it may also boost skin health and have anti-aging effects. These effects might be due to its antioxidant properties, ability to lower inflammation, and boost health. In recent years, Boswellia has been increasingly added to cosmetics. It can prevent aging and acne and enhance skin moisture levels and suppleness⁴.

Alleviates Occasional Tension

Mood disorders like anxiety and depression are on the rise. They are chronic mental health issues and quite challenging to manage. Even prolonged drug therapy may fail to help in most instances. Therefore, preventing these issues in their early stages is always good through practicing mental relaxation techniques and reducing mental tension.

Boswellia can be good both as a part of aroma therapy and when ingested. It helps people relax and improve their mood. Studies show that oral intake of Boswellia is also quite good for tension relief. Moreover, it is also good for the immune system, thus helping improve both mental and physical well-being⁵.

Summary

Boswellia is a multi-faceted natural remedy that requires further research. Fortunately, it is now increasingly used to reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and fight oxidative stress. It is equally good for ingestion and aroma therapy. It is particularly good for managing joint pains, reducing inflammation, gut health, and improving mood.

References

1. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011;73(3):255-261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507
2. Umar S, Umar K, Sarwar AHMdG, et al. Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(6):847-856. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2014.02.001
3. Suther C, Daddi L, Bokoliya S, et al. Dietary Boswellia serrata Acid Alters the Gut Microbiome and Blood Metabolites in Experimental Models. Nutrients. 2022;14(4):814. doi:10.3390/nu14040814
4. Alraddadi BG, Shin HJ. Biochemical Properties and Cosmetic Uses of Commiphora myrrha and Boswellia serrata. Cosmetics. 2022;9(6):119. doi:10.3390/cosmetics9060119
5. Adake P, Chandrashekar R, Rao S. Potentiating antidepressant action of Boswellia serrata in acute models of depression: a preclinical study. Indo Am J Pharm Res. 2013;3:4407-4412.