Boswellia - A Herb To Take Note Of

Hello and welcome back, this week we have a post by the returning Mr Daly on a wonderful, useful and Magickal herb known as Boswellia.

We hope you enjoy the read as we already have!

Upon looking for information on what I've come to belive as a fascinating, ancient and useful herb I was met with a distinct lack of information. But here are my findings.

Boswellia, a versatile and traditional medicinal herb, has been used for centuries in various cultures for its therapeutic properties. With its rich history and proven benefits, boswellia continues to be a popular choice to those who know about it.

Traditional medicine has long recognized the healing potential of boswellia. It has been used to address a wide range of health concerns, including inflammation, pain management, and respiratory issues. The resin extracted from the Boswellia tree contains active compounds that have shown promising results in clinical studies that show it can also reduce the loss of cartilage and can even have some beneficial factors in fighting cancer and if mixed with turmeric it is said to have synergistic partnership and enhances the healing properties of both.

A few of the conditions with solid evidence are.

• Osteoarthritis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
• Asthma

There are different types of boswellia available, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Boswellia serrata is one of the most commonly utilized species due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to alleviate joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. But its primarily Boswellic acid that is the unsung hero as the existing research shows that it can prevent the formation of molecules called Leukotrienes which are responsible for and identified as a major cause of information forming in the body.

I found a paper based on the study of the resinous part of Boswellia (but annoyingly I lost the link) however this excert is from that paper. Just for the record I'm not claiming ownership of this and I will update with credit where credit is due once I find the link, but here it is for informatipnal purposes only. "Boswellia serrata possesses monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids and four major pentacyclic triterpenic acids i.e. β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. These acids inhibit the formation of 5-lipoxygenase which is the enzyme that produces Leukotrienes." The most powerful of these four acids is thought to be acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. However as always there are multiple people and groups researching this and some other research suggests there are other herbs that are more effective but not enough is known on these at the time of writing this so I'll leave you to have a look for yourselves and if you find anything good please do leave a comment so we can all learn together.

Another type of boswellia is Boswellia sacra, also known as frankincense. This indian variety has been used for centuries in many different cultures religious ceremonies and is renowned for its calming and grounding effects on the mind and body. This has been and is still being used in ceremonies for purification, consecration, as an aid for meditation, protection, enhancing spells and its use has even been quoted in the bible over 20 times. Also in the Egyptian legend of the phoenix is said to have been carrying this herb and in ancient Arabic and Judaism it was even considered to be a treasure. With a history so rich and uses so many, this herb should be known globally.

In recent years, research on boswellia has gained momentum as scientists uncover more about its potential health benefits. From supporting respiratory health to promoting healthy digestion, boswellia offers a holistic approach to wellness and in a 2003 study on Osteoarthritis it was shown that 30 patients who suffered from knee pain where prescribed Boswellia and all reported less pain and overall better flexibility and ability of the joints. In other studies on Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and IBS, all studies conducted have shown a good response to the herb and any negative effects greatly reduced, in some case completely removed.

But as with all good there is usually some side effects and unfortunately Boswellia is no different, the following are some of the possibilities. 

• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Rashes
• Increased menstrual flow
• Diarrhoea 

As with alot of medicine it is always advised to speak with your pharmacy and/or GP due to even the best medications and medicines may not be suitable for all but also keep in mind alot of mainstream off the shelf and over the counter medications also come with the same kind of possible side effects and they are taken by millions of people on a daily basis without much thought and minimal side effects, relatively speaking.

As traditional medicine continues to merge with modern science, the use of boswellia remains relevant and valuable in addressing various health concerns. Its natural properties make it an attractive alternative or complementary option for those seeking effective and time-tested remedies.

Whether you are looking for relief from inflammation or seeking overall wellness support, exploring the different types of boswellia can provide you with a range of options tailored to your specific needs.

Until next week, many thanks for your time and interest, stay safe and be strong ❤️