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Boswellia

What Is It?
Boswellia, also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. For centuries, traditional Indian healers have taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark's gummy resin, called salai guggal. Modern preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike conventional NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen--the accepted treatments for joint inflammation--boswellia doesn't seem to cause stomach irritation. It also may be effective for back pain and certain chronic intestinal disorders.

 

Health Benefits

Research has identified specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients in this herb, which are commonly referred to as boswellic acids. In animal studies, these acids have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in several ways. They deter inflammatory white cells from infiltrating damaged tissue. They improve blood flow to the joints. And they also block chemical reactions that set the stage for inflammation to occur in chronic intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Specifically, boswellia may help to:

Ease osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Boswellia can be taken internally as well as applied topically to affected joints to relieve inflammation associated with these joint disorders. This may lessen morning stiffness and increase joint mobility. In a study of 175 patients with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling joint disease, 122 participants experienced reduced stiffness and inflammation two to four weeks after starting on a boswellia regimen.

 

Decrease back pain. Boswellia's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that boswellia is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well.

 

Control certain inflammatory bowel diseases. Boswellia appears to reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, both painful intestinal disorders. And it seems to accomplish this without the risk of further gut irritation associated with many conventional pain relievers. In a 1997 study of ulcerative colitis sufferers, 82% of those who took boswellia extract (350 mg three times daily) experienced a complete remission of their disease.

Forms tablet cream capsule

Dosage Information

For arthritis and most other ailments: Take 210 to 240 mg of boswellic acids three times a day.

For back pain and other areas of aching or stiffness: Take 150 mg boswellic acids three times a day. Or rub a pea-sized amount of cream into the area where the pain is concentrated every four to six hours. Continue as long as needed.

Special tip:

Look for products standardized to 60% boswellic acids.

Be sure to check out our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Boswellia, which lists therapeutic dosages for specific ailments at a glance.

Guidelines for Use

Traditionally, boswellia is taken internally for eight to 12 weeks and the cream is used as long as needed.

 

General Interaction

There are no known drug or nutrient interactions for this herb.

 

Possible Side Effects

Boswellia doesn't typically cause side effects when taken at recommended dosages.

 

Rare side effects include diarrhea, nausea and skin rash.

 

Cautions

All inflammatory joint conditions should be closely monitored by a doctor.

 

Avoid taking boswellia for much longer than the suggested eight to 12 weeks, as much still remains to be learned about this herb and its effects despite its extensive use in India.

 

Don't take more than the recommended daily dosage unless a doctor advises you to do so.

 

Consult your doctor before taking boswellia if you're pregnant or your immune system is compromised in any way.

 

Ailments
Dosage
Arthritis
400 mg (standardized to contain 60% boswellic acids) 3 times a day
Back Pain
250-400 mg (standardized to contain 40-65% boswellic acids) 3 times a day. Or rub a pea-sized amount of boswellia cream into the affected area every 4 to 6 hours for as long as needed.
Chronic Pain
250-400 mg standardized extract 3 times a day
Crohn's Disease
400 mg (standardized to contain 60% boswellic acids) 3 times a day
Rheumatoid Arthritis
400-800 mg 3 times a day
Sports Injuries
210-240 mg 3 times a day.
 

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