Tell me about...Boswellia Boswellia is a medium-sized branching tree found in the dry areas of India. Unlike many herbal products, the boswellia tree does not have to be killed to utilize its medicinal properties. The healing effects of boswellia come from its resin, which can be tapped and then purified for use in herbal preparations. Boswellia resin has been used for thousands of years as a part of ayurvedic medicine. The resin is usually grouped with other resins, which are collectively referred to as guggals. Boswellia resin consists of essential oils, gum and terpenoids. The terpenoid portion contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to act much like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), but without the unwanted side-effects. Small double-blind studies suggest that boswellia extracts may be beneficial in treating ulcers, colitis, arthritis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions. How much boswellia should I take? Standardized boswellia extracts (37.5-65% boswellic acids) are recommended by most practitioners. For rheumatoid arthritis, many practitioners recommend 150mg of boswellic acids taken taken three times daily. Treatment with boswellia generally lasts eight to twelve weeks. What forms of boswellia are available? Boswellia can be found as an extract or powder. What can happen if I take too much boswellia? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take? Boswellia is considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side-effects may occur, including diarrhea, skin rash and nausea. At the time of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with boswellia. More links
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