Indian Frankincense Provides Relief for Arthritis

Indian Frankincense, otherwise known as Boswellia Serrata, continually proves a relief for individuals experiencing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Research published in BioMed Central's Arthritis Research & Therapy showed that patients taking the extract showed a drastic improvement in as short a time as seven days.

Symptoms such as stiffness and pain in the joints and limited range of motion are all associated with osteoarthritis – especially in the weight-bearing joints such as the ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders and wrists.

In this particular randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 70 individuals, who had no success with other arthritis treatments in the past, were chosen.

The study, led by Siba Raychaudhuri from the University of California, Davis said, "The high incidence of adverse effects associated with currently available medications has created great interest in the search for an effective and safe alternative treatment".

Boswellia serrata has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for joint health and inflammation and this study proves that the benefits are real.

The authors also went as far as to say, "In this study, the compound was shown to have no major adverse effects in our osteoarthritis patients. It is safe for human consumption and even for long-term use".

What’s even more eye-opening is that there are actually 20 different species of Frankincense. Boswellia Serrata is the most common form, but there is supposedly a species called Boswellia papyrifera that is ten times more potent! Boswellia papyrifera is mostly found in Northeast of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia) and on the Arabian Peninsula.

Clearly there is much to learn about this fascinating resin and its healing properties.