Boswellia - Health benefits
Resin from the Boswellia tree, more commonly known as Frankincense, has a rich medicinal and religious history.
What is Boswellia Extract?
When we refer to Boswellia extract, we’re really referring to Frankincense; a sticky resin found in Boswellia tree bark used to make an herbal extract.
Where Do Boswellia Trees Grow?
There are about five species of Boswellia trees, found in India, Oman, Yemen, and areas in northern and western Africa, that most Frankincense comes from. The trees look similar to bonsai trees with twisted and knotty branches. They usually grow high on cliff edges in dry, mountainous regions, making extraction of Frankincense resin dangerous.
Boswellia’s Long Past and Various Uses
Boswellia resin, or Frankincense, has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It’s an extremely flexible substance with a multitude of uses. It can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or taken as a supplement.
In 3000 B.C., the Babylonians and Assyrians are believed to have burned it in religious ceremonies. It has been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 500 B.C. Ancient Egyptians used charred Frankincense as eyeliner. But perhaps most famously, Frankincense is believed to have been one of the gifts the Wise Men brought to the newborn Jesus.
The Many Medicinal Uses of Boswellia Today
In the modern world, Boswellia is used primarily as an anti-inflammatory, helping with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and asthma.
Many clinical studies on Boswellia extract have affirmed its efficacy. A 2003 randomized double-blind study tested its effectiveness at reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Compared to a placebo, “all patients receiving drug treatment reported a decrease in knee pain, increased knee flexion and increased walking distance. The frequency of swelling in the knee joint was decreased.” Not only did knee pain decrease after 90 days, but it also helped reduce the levels of a cartilage-degrading enzyme.
In addition, Boswellia can be an effective painkiller, may prevent the loss of cartilage, and may even help calm and alleviate symptoms of hay fever, sore throat, painful menstruation, syphilis, and pimples.
Boswellia May Be An Effective Cancer Treatment
Amazingly, studies have also found that Boswellia may fight breast cancer cells, and limit the spread of malignant leukemia and brain tumor cells. Naturally occurring acids in Boswellia extract act in a number of ways that may help to inhibit cancer growth, suppress the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, and prevent certain enzymes from negatively affecting DNA. Although more research is needed, the results so far are extremely encouraging!
Boswellia products can differ greatly depending on what they’re being used to treat, which means proper dosages can differ as well, and it’s best to purchase high-quality products from reputable sources. Dr. Khalili and his team of chemists spent the last 20 years performing extensive research and hundreds of clinical trials before releasing his breakthrough plant-powered pain relief cream with body-heat-activated technology.
Boswellia extract is effective, safe, and pleasant to the nose, making it a central ingredient in Dr. Khalili’s 100% vegan KhaliliTM Natural Pain Relief Cream.
