Doctors recommend boswellia for arthritis

Boswellia also known as Shallaki is actually a large branching tree found in India and the Middle East. When the bark is peeled away, a gummy oleoresin oozes out. It is the extract of this resin that is used for medicinal purposes.

Boswellia is a well-known ayurvedic herb used for treating arthritis. Boswellic acid in the gum resin has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. In fact boswellia is even applied externally to reduce inflammation. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, boswellic acid also has an analgesic, sedative effect and improves immunity.

The remarkable properties of boswellia have prompted western medical science to subject it to various studies. It has been found that Boswellia serrata extract may be as effective as a selective COX-2 inhibitor for osteoarthritis pain relief.
Eileen Klein, M.D., FACP with Summit Medical Group indicates that anti-inflammatory herbs such as boswellia may inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.

Find out more on Boswellia facts and properties.

Boswellia Benefits | Other Benefits of Boswellia

Yesterday we talked about Boswellia's well known benefits in joint care and joint pain relief. However Boswellia or Shallaki as it is known in Sanskrit, is attributed with several other benefits as well.

In Ayurveda, Boswellia is classified as part of the Guggal group all of which are gum resins - an important one being Guggul. In fact Boswellia is also known as salai guggul or guggul's cousin. This group of herbs has a wide range of benefits.

Boswellia benefits

Boswellia's most important benefit is its ability to relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation

Boswellia also helps to lower cholesterol and tri-glyceride levels.

Boswellia in conjuction with Ashwagandha is very useful in osteoarthritis and arthritis pain relief as Ashwagandha helps in stress relief and is a rejuvenator and anti-inflammatory

Boswellia is helpful in treating colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Boswellia has also been proven beneficial in Crohn's Disease

Studies are also being conducted which shows boswellia's benefits in cancer and leukemia treatments.