It’s another splendid day to talk about some of the health benefits of Boswellia serrata.
Boswellia is a tree with several species including Boswellia serrata. Boswellia serrata is popular in traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda.
Other names of Boswellia serrata are Boswellia, Indian Oli-Banum, Salai Guggul, Gajabhakshya, and Sallaki.
This is a list of the health benefits of Boswellia serrata.
1. Boswellia Serrata Has Anti-inflammatory Qualities
We’ll mention this particular effect of Boswellia serrata several times.
This plant has natural compounds that show anti-inflammatory qualities like boswellic acids and terpenes.
It is also found to have a compound called AKBA that works the same way as NSAID drugs. You can check “Frankincense’s Efficacy In Treating Osteoarthritis” for more information about this.
2. May Help Improve The Health Of The Brain
Consuming Boswellia serrata may help maintain or even improve the health of your brain.
It’s said that it can be useful in treating depression and stress and also improving your memory and mood.
Some of these effects are linked to this herb’s anti-inflammatory qualities.
According to this study (Oral Herbal Therapies For Treating Osteoarthritis), researchers noticed a significant effect of Boswellia serrata on the group that consumed it compared to the placebo group.
3. Boswellia Serrata Has Antiviral Qualities
In traditional Chinese medicine, Boswellia serrata is used to treat viral infections like colds and flu.
Some of the studies that suggest this are “Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin Extract Inhibit Chikungunya And Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Infections” and “Protective Essential Oil Attenuates Influenza Virus Infection.”
4. May Aid In Treating Arthritis
Boswellia serrata is a popular traditional medicine to treat arthritis or osteoarthritis.
It seems that it has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities that are useful for treating these conditions.
Furthermore, some even say that it can also reduce the substance that causes degradation of the cartilages.
This can prevent joint stiffness and promote endurance and mobility.
5. Boswellia Serrata May Support Diabetes Management
Research suggests that consuming Boswellia serrata for 12 weeks can significantly improve the body’s blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and insulin levels.
More of this can be read in this article (Effect Of Boswellia Serrata Supplementation On Blood Lipid).
6. May Support Digestive Health
Boswellia serrata is also used to protect the health of your gut.
Its anti-inflammatory qualities can help enhance and protect your gastrointestinal tract.
Furthermore, it can significantly prevent the formation of gastric ulcers.
It can also be useful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. More of this effect can be read in this study (Boswellia Serrata Extract For The Treatment Of Collagenous Colitis).
Another herb that can support gut health is Verbena hastata. You can read more about its health benefits in this article.
7. Boswellia Serrata Enhances The Immune System
Boswellia serrata may help enhance the functions of the immune system.
It’s said that it has significant positive effects on lymphocytes and T-cells which are the main players in the body’s immunity.
You can check this study (Modulation Of The Immune System By Boswellia Serrata Extracts) for more information.
To add more, Boswellia serrata’s antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities improve the body’s fighting chance against diseases.
8. May Relieve Symptoms Of Asthma
The extracts from Boswellia serrata may help you relieve some symptoms of asthma.
It’s said that it can inhibit or reduce the levels of leukotrienes. This is a compound that’s partly responsible for the inflammation of bronchial muscles.
Patients claim that consuming Boswellia serrata extracts helps in reducing symptoms or treating bronchial asthma.
9. Boswellia Serrata May Help Manage Menstrual Periods
Boswellia serrata essential oils can help improve the symptoms from menstruation.
It can reduce abdominal aches, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and nausea.
10. May Be Good For The Skin
Women for generations have used Boswellia serrata as part of their skin beauty regimen.
They claim that it has anti-aging qualities. And that it has astringent qualities that have a tonic effect on the skin.
Some even suggest that it also helps in the healing of scars and wounds.
11. Boswellia Serrata May Help Prevent Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease wherein the walls of the arteries develop lesions. The buildup can cause the narrowing of the arteries.
Boswellia serrata has certain qualities that work well in stopping harmful enzymes that cause inflammations.
Too many of these enzymes in the body can cause white blood cells to stick to the arterial walls that can lead to Atherosclerosis.
12. May Have Antibacterial And Antifungal Qualities
Boswellia serrata has been traditionally used to treat fungal infections and ringworms.
These days, it’s even used as capsule supplements because of these qualities.
13. Boswellia Serrata May Improve Cholesterol Levels
Anecdotal claims will tell you that Boswellia serrata can help manage your cholesterol levels.
They say that it can reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol in the body.
14. May Help With Losing Weight
Boswellia serrata may help you lose some of those pounds.
It’s suggested that it can stimulate the functions of your thyroid.
This can boost your body’s metabolism to burn calories for energy and also prevent storing unwanted calories which can lead to weight gain.
Conclusion
It’s surprising to know that several trees can give different health benefits. Boswellia serrata is not an exemption.
This herb is popular for its anti-inflammatory qualities. This is also my favorite health benefit of Boswellia serrata.
What’s the health benefit you need or like on the list?
It’s nice knowing the health benefits, but you should still talk it over first with your doctor or medical professional if it’s safe for you to consume Boswellia serrata.
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Thank you!
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