The miracle of nature

Boswellia is one of the most clinically tested plants with anti-inflammatory action, which has been an invaluable part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Boswellia serrata is a tree that grows in the arid regions of India, North America and the Middle East. Already in ancient Indian medical books, salai gugul, Boswelle serrate discharge, is mentioned as it has been recommended for various problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, cancer. The extract has also been used in religious ceremonies in ancient Persia, Babylon, and Greece, and the plant is even mentioned in the Bible.

Boswellia resin has long been used for therapeutic purposes, as it has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, where it is mainly used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Recent scientific research confirms that the so-called α and β boswellic acids, which are unique to this plant species, are primarily responsible for the beneficial effect of boswellia on the body. Incensol also plays an important role, as it has been found that when smelling boswellia oil, incensol acts psychoactively, thus relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Today, boswellia extract is used mainly for its anti-inflammatory effects. Boswellia inhibits the action of inflammatory mediators by acting on the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase and in this way can help reduce inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, colitis, asthma and the like. Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a similar effect, but these work differently. The main advantage of boswellia is that due to its different action it does not accelerate the breakdown of glycosaminoglycans and does not irritate the stomach, and at the same time it is effective in various types of inflammation.

The use of boswellia extracts in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis helps reduce pain due to joint inflammation, increase joint mobility and elasticity, and alleviate movement problems.

Boswellia - incense

Musculoskeletal problems are among the most common problems. Muscle and joint problems affect all age groups, most commonly the elderly population. Although they are not life-threatening, they are very uncomfortable for those affected. The main goal of treatment is to alleviate ailments and improve movement. Species of the genus Boswellia are woody plants of tropical and subtropical origin. In the stem of the plant (Boswellia serrata) juice is created, which has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to relieve joint problems. Incense consists of 3 to 8 percent essential oil, 60-70 percent resin, and 27-35 percent rubber. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial activity. The chemical composition depends on the plant species of Boswellia.

INCENSE - BENEFICIAL AS 4000 YEARS AGO In our wider area, incense is known as holy smoke. However, this was not always the case: his benevolent power is a well-known thousand-year-old legend. From then until Ayuvedic medicine India developed again, so Western scientists took incense under a magnifying glass. However, there was no doubt: the royal gift is a beneficent means of the future in various ailments. The luster of resin from the bark of the tree became more precious than gold. Along with spices and jewelry, it became the most popular means of trade in the Orient. The path of incense between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west is well known. The main buyers were the Romans, who ignited the fragrant resin to their rulers. Incense was already used as a medicine at that time. The earliest evidence of its healing properties dates back to ancient Egypt. On one papyrus from 1600 BC. are records of honey and incense as healing ointments. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) used incense to heal wounds, Hildegard Von Bingen (1098-1179) for headaches, and Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) helped with large healing pieces of incense. With the development of modern medicine and chemistry, the soothing properties of incense have been forgotten. It is true that its soothing and relaxing scent is felt in every church, and its healing power came from oblivion at the end of the 20th century.

SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF INCENSE The active acid effect of the boswellia bush has shown that a certain structure of leukotrienes works in permanent and chronic ailments. In addition, incense shows a special beneficial effect on conditions in which the immune system is destroyed. It also has a beneficial effect on long-term therapies with cortisone and restores strength and strengthens well-being.

Boswellia essential oil Boswellia carterii

In the 1980s, a group of German scientists discovered that the burning of boswellia or smoking resins release ingredients that have a beneficial effect on human well-being and relax the spirit. It is therefore probably no coincidence that boswellia is still used as an incense in church ceremonies today, and its oil is indispensable in relaxation and meditation. Boswellia helps alleviate respiratory problems. Due to its intense and rich scent and low, slowly volatile notes, it is an important component in the production of home perfumes. Boswellia essential oil is also valued in cosmetic preparations, as it moisturizes, nourishes, tones and restores mature, dry and sensitive skin, and soothes and softens rough and cracked skin. In blends it goes well with: Bergamot,, Cypress, Rosemary, Mandarin, Lavender, Neroli, Ylang-Ilang, Vetiver, Brin…

In addition to reducing the inflammatory reaction, boswellia can also have a positive effect on the immune system, as it has an antimicrobial effect and has an anticancer effect. U.S. scientists are currently investigating the effects of combined brain tumor treatment with standard therapy and boswellia extracts compared to the effects of standard therapy alone. Interestingly, despite many positive effects, no side effects or toxicity of boswellia have been reported in research. So it seems that we now have a new effective dietary supplement available that will be able to give many patients a more varied and less painful summer vacation.

Safe and effective plant The effectiveness of boswellia is comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (cyclooxygenase inhibitors COX-1 and COX-2) - anti-inflammatory drugs, which are the first choice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It should be noted that the therapeutic effect of boswellia develops gradually (6-8 weeks) and persists for some time after discontinuation, while in cyclooxygenase inhibitors the relief of symptoms occurs earlier but also ceases as soon as we stop taking them. With long-term use of boswellia, no damage to the gastric mucosa can be detected, while this is one of the most common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in their long-term use.

Photos are taken from google.com.

Thank you for reading my article.

I wish you Happy Sunday.@Purebeauty.