Boswellia is an ancient herbal remedy made from the Boswellia serrata tree. Boswellia has been used traditionally in herbal medicine as a remedy for inflammatory conditions, respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Today, there are similar proposed uses for boswellia herbal supplements, such as helping to treat arthritis and inflammatory bowel disorders. Before you begin taking boswellia to treat any kind of health condition, consult your doctor about the correct dosage and potential risks.
Description
Boswellia is a tree native to India that's used in medicinal remedies for the gummy resin found in its trunk, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Boswellia resin has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India to help treat arthritis, pulmonary diseases, ringworm, dysentery and diarrhea. The main active constituent in boswellia is called boswellic acid, which appears to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic actions, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Boswellia seems to have similar functions as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The herb is most often used in the form of an extract in capsules or tablets, standardized to contain 37.5-percent boswellic acids, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Other standardized extracts can contain up to 65-percent boswellic acids.
Benefits
The main benefits of boswellia supplements involve helping to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Supporting the treatment of asthma is another proposed use for boswellia. Boswellia's purported anti-inflammatory actions lend the herb's possible efficacy in treating these conditions, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The herb, however, isn't normally used in the treatment of arthritis, asthma or any other related health condition, so don't take boswellia except under the advice of your healthcare provider.
Potential Uses
Boswellia may also have potential benefits for people who suffer from bursitis, Crohn's disease and tendonitis, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Boswellia could possibly help in treating ulcerative colitis and collagenous colitis. Additionally, boswellia may help to relieve menstrual cramps and reduce inflammation relating to a variety of other medical conditions, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. No widely accepted or conclusive scientific research supports the use of boswellia for treating any of these medical conditions, however.
Dangers
No serious side effects have been reported in clinical trials using boswellia standardized extracts, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. But no comprehensive safety testing has been performed on boswellia herbs or extracts either. Further, the safety of boswellia remedies is unknown in children, people with liver or kidney disease and pregnant or breastfeeding women. In rare cases, people have reported side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and skin rashes after taking boswellia, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Discuss these and other potential dangers or drug interactions with your doctor before taking any form of boswellia.
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