Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) – Oil That Relieves Joint Pains!
Boswellia comes in about twenty to twenty five different varieties, out of which, boswellia serrata, also known as Shallaki or Salai Guggulu, makes the cut for being incredibly healthy and therapeutic in nature. Also known as the tree on which the good old Indian frankincense grows, it is native to Northern regions of Africa, Middle East and particularly to the land of India. While the extract that we obtain from the gum resin demonstrates incredible joint healing properties, similar is the outcome of using the Boswellia serrata essential oil which is produced after steam distillation of its gum resin. Owing to the immense range of benefits this particular oil offers, Boswellia serrata has remained especially popular among various traditional systems of medication across Asian and African regions, including Ayurveda – the age old system of healing by natural means.
Relieves Joint Pains Effectively
Boswellia contains some significant anti-inflammatory as well as anti-analgesic properties which work rather more quickly and effectively when compared to other herbs known to offer similar set of benefits. That is precisely what allows it to reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide relief from sore, stiff and achy joints. It also helps increase the power of mobility among people suffering from chronic joint ailments. Boswellia, therefore, works as a promising alternative medication to treat painful joint conditions.
How Boswellia Works
5-Lipoxygenase, also known as 5-LO, is a particular pro-inflammatory enzyme which is responsible for causing swelling and inflammation in our body. At the same time, it also promotes the production of health damaging free radicals, and paves way for dislocation of calcium, which further affects our bone health and increases the chances of inflammation. The gentle application of boswellia serrata essential oil on and around the affected area seeps right into the body and inhibits the production of this very enzyme. Besides, by inhibiting the formation of leukotrines, it controls the condition of chronic inflammation. The presence of several terpenes, including mono-, di- and tri-terpenes, along with various boswellic acids and a good variety of antioxidants make the boswellia extract all the more effective, especially in terms of its anti-inflammatory actions. Therefore, there is no wonder as to why this particular essential oil is especially recommended to people who complain of suffering from joint pains, including arthritis mainly the osteoarthritis.
Inflammation Relief
However, thanks to this very constitution, the extract can cure a whole host of other inflammatory conditions as well. Let us have a look at some of these:
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- In case of asthma, boswellia extract helps in providing relief from inflamed airways, clears our lungs and makes way for smooth breathing.
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- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another condition wherein the sheer effectiveness of boswellia can be especially observed.
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- Boswellia serrata also looks after our overall gastrointestinal health.
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- Various respiratory disorders, owing their origin to swelling, can also be cured with regular use of this amazing extract.
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- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia prevents cartilage damage as well as the production of cartilage damaging enzymes, thus providing prevention against certain types of cancer.
- Besides, it is also useful in the treatment associated with the heart disease.
Boswellia – A Better Choice
Boswellia extract can either be taken orally, or the essential oil may be used as a topical ointment for gentle massage or application on the affected area. Both are known to be equally effective, although the latter is known to provide relief rather quickly. As opposed to the use of NSAIDS, which result in a gradual articular damage, Boswellia essential oil is an all-natural choice which is free from side-effects. This is often used as a topical ointment for a gentle massage on the affected area. However, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil of your choice, such as sesame seed oil, eucalyptus, rosemary, etc. And although boswellia is increasingly becoming more popular than turmeric (particularly in relieving joint pain and stiffness) and similar other herbs in terms of healing capabilities, yet when used together, turmeric and boswellia extract could prove to be magically effective at providing relief, all but naturally!
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About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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