This is a herb that use almost every day with my patients Boswellia serrata, known more commonly as frankincense, is a branching tree native to India and Pakistan. Its resin has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, but it is more prized for its medicinal properties. I recall smelling different scents in church as a child during special religious ceremonies. Frankincense is one of the medical herbs from the bible. It is well researched in James Duke’s Medicinal Herbs from the Bible
In the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda, extracts of Boswellia were used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. And modern researchers have confirmed its benefits as an antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory compound. Most interesting, however, may be its potential to act as an alternative to opioids and other addictive drugs in the area of pain relief.
Numerous studies have shown Boswellia to be an effective pain reliever, especially in cases of joint pain associated with arthritis. A 2020 research review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies that evaluated seven randomized clinical trials involving 545 osteoarthritis (OA) patients found that the herb may help relieve pain and stiffness and improve joint function and concluded that “Boswellia and its extract may be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with OA.”
As an integrative physician I utilize herbs and supplements for many diseases with or without conventional medications. Herbs are just as effective. While more—and larger—clinical trials are needed to evaluate Boswellia before it can become a frontline treatment for pain