Reviving the Ancient Healing Wisdom of Frankincense (Boswellia)

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:11:06 +0000

News Editors via Natural News – Frankincense oil may receive most of the fame and glory, but the humble Boswellia tree from which it is derived, can also create another powerful natural medicine. Oil and extracts of Boswellia have been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health conditions. (Article republished from GreenMedInfo.com) While many of us are familiar with the meditative, cleansing, and enchanting aromas of incense, the very word itself contains the powerful natural medicine from which it is derived. Frankincense, meaning “true incense” is a resin that comes from any tree species that belongs to the genus Boswellia. Spreading their branches through the Middle East, Africa, and India, this tree’s roots run deep in ancient usage and text. While all Boswellia species can produce frankincense, Boswellia serrata is the supernal species that is adorned in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Unani for producing exceptional extracts. Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years Boswellia has a documented history of usage that dates back thousands of years, but it is quite possible this radical resin shared an evolutionary history with humans that greatly precludes our current estimates and archived paleoanthropological data. Just as fashion follows a circular cycle, with skinny jeans now the “newest rage”, so too is it time for a Boswellia revival and resurgence. Currently, there are 30 clinical studies on pubmed.gov, and 28 of those studies used B. serrata (the other 2 studies did not list a specific Boswellia species in their abstract). With a strong modern-day scientific backing, coupled with traditional use, Boswellia is a bright beacon pushing contemporary usage of natural medicines onward and upward. A few of its best-known therapeutic roles today include treating chronic health conditions like asthma, arthritis, cancer, and gastrointestinal issues. It has also been shown to reduce edema (swelling) from brain tumors after patients underwent radiotherapy [Kirste, 2011]. “RESULTS: Compared with baseline and if measured immediately after the end of radiotherapy and BS/placebo treatment, a reduction of cerebral edema of >75% was found in 60% of patients receiving BS and in 26% of patients receiving placebo (P = .023). These findings may be based on an additional antitumor effect. There were no severe adverse events in either group.” [Kirste, 2011] According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in just 8 years (from 2001-2009), the prevalence of asthma jumped from 20 million people to 25 million people. That trend only seems to be increasing and if we extrapolate the data to 2017 there will be 30 million people with asthma, which is almost 10% of the population. Commonly used drugs, like inhaled corticosteroids or oral steroids may be effective, but at what cost? Serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, cataracts, behavioral and mood changes, plus immunosuppression, are just to name a few [Dahl, 2006]. One of the reasons asthma is difficult to treat is because it involves an inflammatory enzyme pathway called the 5-LOX (arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase). Through a series of biochemical reactions, this enzyme produces substances called leukotrienes from the oxidation of lipid substrates, predominantly from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid [Safayhi, 2000]]. When leukotrienes are overly expressed, our immune system is excessively activated, and we enter a state of chronic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic diseases like asthma. One of the beautiful mechanisms by which Boswellia exhibits its benefits is through the prevention of degradation and oxidation to these fatty acids, thus reducing the inflammatory changes in the first place. Boswellia has also proven to be efficacious in other chronic illnesses like inflammatory bowel diseases. Collagenous colitis, which falls under the IBD umbrella, is characterized by chronic diarrhea and is typically treated with a polypharmacy approach. In a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical study, B. serrata extract (BSE) was found to be superior in remission rates (63.6%) versus placebo (26.7%) after a six-week treatment [Madisch, 2007]. In a clinical study on chronic colitis, the remission rates were thirty percent higher in the Boswellia group (14 out of 20 patients) versus the anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug sulfasalazine (4 out of 10 patients) [Gupta, 2001]. In a clinical study on breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, a Boswellia cream was found to significantly reduce the skin-damaging side effects [Togni, 2015]. Radiotherapy can cause extreme irritation, inflammation, itching, pain, and redness, which can severely alter a patient’s quality of life [Shaitelman, 2015]. Managing these disruptive side effects is typically done with steroids to reduce the immune response, but why risk the consequences when Boswellia is a much safer alternative? While Boswellia extract may be a formidable force, so too are the volatile oils (essential oils) derived from the gummy resin. There are four main species of Boswellia There are four main species of Boswellia from which high-quality frankincense oils are extracted: B. sacra, B. carteri, B. frereana, and B. serrata. While the chemical constituents may vary by species, in general, frankincense oil contains beneficial terpene compounds (limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene) [Woolley, 2012]. Human data may currently be limited on essential oil applications, but animal and cellular studies have elucidated some of the mechanisms responsible for these anti-cancer properties. Frankincense oil has demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties against various cancer cell lines, including pancreatic cancer (which generally has an overall survival rate in humans of less than five years) [Ni, 2012]. Without applying reductionist principles to the innate wisdom of this plant, Boswellia probably has countless ways by which it improves health and restore balance. Whether you prefer a Boswellia extract or frankincense essential oil – caveat emptor (buyer beware) – as the purity and efficacy of products can vary greatly. Make sure to do your research and work with a company you know and trust. Read more at: GreenMedInfo.com To read the original article, click here

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12 Science-Backed Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with POWERFUL Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 08:00:02 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India and is more than 3,000 years old. It is an all-natural modality, using herbs and spices to prevent diseases and health conditions from developing in the first place. By taking a whole-person approach, it focuses on balancing mind, body, and spirit for better health. In fact, many Ayurvedic herbs have been studied extensively and now have solid scientific backing as effective remedies for many health conditions. Ayurvedic Herbs Can Improve Your Health in Multiple Ways Ashwagandha Several studies have shown that ashwagandha promotes healthy cortisol levels and normal inflammatory processes that occur in response to stress. Cortisol is called the “stress hormone.” By supporting a healthy stress response, ashwagandha can help lower levels of anxiety and improve sleep quality for people who suffer from anxiety and stress. Bitter Melon Bitter melon supports normal blood sugar levels and boosts insulin secretion, which is the hormone that stabilizes blood sugar levels. According to research, this tropical vine is not only a good remedy for blood sugar problems, but it is also packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Boswellia This herb, also called Indian frankincense, is a potent anti-inflammatory, but research has also shown that it is very effective for reducing pain. Studies also show that Boswellia improves range of motion and mobility, especially in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. It also helps prevent gingivitis and oral infections. Brahmi Studies have found that Brahmi can improve memory, learning rates, information processing, and attention. It is also effective in treating ADHD symptoms such as restlessness, lack of self-control, and impulsivity. Cardamom This “queen of spices” has powerful scientific data recognizing it for its ability to maintain normal blood pressure. Besides supporting blood pressure, inhaling the essential oil also helps to boost oxygen uptake in the lungs during a strenuous activity like exercise. Cumin Studies have shown that this earthy spice provides many health benefits, including boosting digestive enzyme activity. It promotes faster digestion by speeding the release of bile in the liver. In addition, cumin also helps ease fat digestion and relieves symptoms of IBS such as bloating and abdominal pain. Gotu Kola Also called the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is very effective at relieving anxiety symptoms. According to one study, it also reduced stress and depression when subjects took gotu kola instead of antidepressants for 60 days. Licorice Root Licorice root has several healing properties, and there are plenty of studies to back it up. For example, it reduces inflammation and helps to protect the body from bacteria and viruses. It is also beneficial when dealing with upper respiratory infections. Triphala (amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki) The Ayurvedic remedy triphala is a combination of three medicinal fruits: haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla. This mixture is often used to ease constipation and decrease inflammation that is caused by arthritis. Studies have also shown that it limits the growth of certain cancer cells and may even prevent them. Turmeric Turmeric is a well-known spice and herbal remedy that is one of the rare substances embraced by practitioners of Western medicine. This is because of the abundance of scientific support that shows its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory. In fact, it has been shown to be just as effective as some drugs used to reduce inflammation – but without the unpleasant side effects. Incorporate Natural Remedies Into Your Lifestyle for Their Mighty Benefits Many natural remedies work just as well as conventional drugs but don’t have harmful or unpleasant side effects. However, before beginning a new supplement routine, including herbal remedies or Ayurvedic medicine, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you won’t encounter any allergic reactions or drug interactions. The beauty of these natural treatments is that they can be taken in supplement form, but many can be made into teas or used to flavor your favorite foods. Their versatility makes it easy to incorporate them into your lifestyle. Sources for this article include: Herbs.News PhytoPharmaJournal.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Boswellia Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Reviving the Ancient Healing Wisdom of Frankincense (Boswellia)

12 Science-Backed Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with POWERFUL Health Benefits