An image of the boswellia tree.
Screenshot of the Boswellia tree

 Boswellia (Boswellia serrate), or frankincense, is an herb that is derived from a large tree that grows in northern Africa, India and the Middle East. The dried resinous gum (guggul) obtained from the tree has been valued since antiquity for its therapeutic value. Traditional uses for boswellia include the treatment of: diabetes, fever, cardiovascular conditions, skin and blood diseases and many other disorders.

In India, the boswellia tree is known as shallaki. Among certain tribes, the shallaki are regarded as sacred, ancestral property and tribal families have guardianship over the trees to ensure they are not destroyed. The wealth of the family is determined by the number of shallaki over which it has guardianship.

 

Types of pain: that can be treated with Boswellia


  • Ulcers
  • Sciatica
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Lower Back pain

Indications and Dosing for Boswellia

Boswellia is available as standardized extract containing 37.5 to 65 percent boswellic acids, which is the preferred form to buy. It is also available in tablet form. If purchasing a topical cream look for one that has Boswellia serrate as the base and is standardized for boswellia acids.

An image of an closed boswellia pill bottle on a table.
 
An image of an open boswellia pill bottle with some of the pills spilled on the table


Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): for the best results, choose a general dosage and combine it with 50mg ashwaganda taken three times daily. Ashwaganda is is an important herb in the Ayurvedic herbal medicine system; while not specifically a pain reliever, it enhances the anti- inflammatory activity of boswellia and contributes some diuretic properties as well.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some practitioners recommend taking boswellia along with glucosamine for treatment of arthritis. Take 400mg boswellia three times daily.

General Dosing: For most conditions, take 400mg tree times daily if the supplement is standardized to 37.5 percent. If the supplement is standardized to 65 percent take 200mg three times daily.       


How Safe is Bosellia


 When taken by mouth: Boswellia serrata is likely safe for most adults. Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, and itching.