The resin of the Boswellia tree is used to make frankincense, also called olibanum. This tree is found in India, Africa, and the Middle East, where it grows in dry, hilly areas. Frankincense has a pungent, woody aroma and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or taken as a supplement.
Frankincense, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, appears to provide several health benefits, ranging from improved arthritis and digestion to reduced asthma and better oral health. It may aid in the treatment of certain cancers.
Here are five scientifically validated benefits of frankincense, as well as seven fallacies about it.
- It has the potential to alleviate arthritic symptoms.
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties that may help lessen arthritis-related joint inflammation. Researchers believe that frankincense can inhibit the production of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory substances. Terpenes in frankincense, such as boswellic acid, appear to be the most potent anti-inflammatory chemicals. In humans, frankincense extract has been shown to help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms Frankincense was consistently more effective than a placebo at reducing osteoarthritis pain and improving mobility in a 2018 study. However, the evaluation found that the majority of the studies were of poor quality and that more research is needed.
2. It has the potential to promote intestinal health.
The anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense may also assist with appropriate intestinal function. In a 2017 study, frankincense was found to improve abdominal pain, bloating, and even associated depression and anxiety in persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when used in conjunction with other herbal treatments. This resin appears to be very efficient at alleviating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, one of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases. Boswellia extracts administered daily for four weeks relieved symptoms in persons with mild ulcerative colitis who were in remission, according to research. In rats with colitis, Boswellia extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
3.Asthma relief
For generations, frankincense has been used to treat bronchitis and asthma in traditional medicine.
According to research, its components may inhibit the formation of leukotrienes, which cause asthmatic bronchial muscle constriction.
Th2 cytokines, which can induce inflammation and mucus overproduction in patients with asthma, may be affected by Frankincense. During four-week research, patients who received a daily dosage of 500 mg Boswellia extract in addition to their conventional asthma treatment used fewer inhalations of their regular drugs. Furthermore, when patients were given 200 mg of a supplement containing frankincense and the South Asian fruit bael, the results were positive (Aegle marmelos)
- Keeps your teeth in good shape
Frankincense has been shown to help with dental hygiene and gum disease prevention. It appears that the boswellic acids it contains have high antibacterial capabilities, which could aid in the prevention and treatment of oral infections. Frankincense extract was found to be effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a bacteria that causes aggressive gum disease, in a test tube research.
5.It's possible that it has anti-cancer properties.
According to test-tube experiments, the Boswellia acids in it may inhibit cancer cells from spreading. According to a review of studies, Boswellia acids may help restrict cancer growth by preventing the production of DNA in malignant cells. Test-tube studies have shown that frankincense can kill cancer cells in the breast, prostate, pancreas, skin, and colon.
Overall, these data suggest that frankincense extract may aid in the regeneration of crushed sciatic nerve by improving sciatic nerve function, boosting GAP-43 expression, and promoting SC proliferation. However, the precise process has yet to be determined. More research is needed to determine the role of frankincense extract in peripheral neuropathy.