In Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system or originating in India, boswellia has been used for centuries to treat dozens of common conditions. Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia is renowned for its rich, clean fragrance and its anti-inflammatory properties. Few studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of scented boswellia for medicinal purposes, but it remains popular as an incense, perfume, aromatherapy component and internal medicine. Consult your health care provider before using boswellia if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Incense
Tree resins including myrrh, amber, copal and boswellia have been used for thousands of years as incense. Scented boswellia fragments may be ignited to create a pleasant-smelling, nontoxic smoke. Boswellia incense may be used in spiritual or religious rituals to "cleanse" a room of negative energy or facilitate meditation. In Western markets, boswellia incense is most commonly used as a natural potpourri to fill a room with an inviting, soothing scent.
Antidepressant
Aromatherapy practitioners may use scented boswellia as a complementary treatment for depression and anxiety. Traditionally, healers have valued boswellia for its ability to lift the spirits and enable relaxation. A 2008 study published in the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology suggested that boswellia may act as a natural antidepressant and anxiolytic. Mice exposed to scented boswellia displayed brain changes similar to those associated with calmness and relaxation
Arthritis Treatment
Ayurvedic practitioners have traditionally valued boswellia as a holistic treatment for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. A review by the Arthritis Foundation suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. However, there is still insufficient evidence of its overall efficacy. Fortunately, boswellia supplements are generally safe and associated with few side effects. The Arthritis Foundation recommends scented boswellia capsules containing at least 60 percent boswellic acids. After checking with your doctor, consider taking 300 to 400 milligrams of this natural resin three times daily for relief from burstitis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
According to the University of Michigan Health System, scented boswellia may help to treat ulcerative colitis--a chronic, debilitating form of inflammatory bowel disease. In theory, this resin's inflammatory properties can soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to fewer episodes of diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, the Health System warns that there is only preliminary evidence to support this medicinal use.
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