How to Take Boswellia for Health

Boswellia is an herb that comes from the resin of the boswellia serratta tree. The common name for this herb is frankincense. Its use as a medicine dates back to ancient times. Today it appears in capsule form on the shelves of health food stores. Following a few simple steps ensures safe and effective use.

Instructions

1. Know its main use. Boswellia is scientifically proven to act as an anti-inflammatory. People use this herb to ease the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. Boswellia also reduces tissue inflammation in asthma, ulcerative colitis and Chrohn's disease.

2. Consider its proposed uses. Boswellia users claim it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Users also report the herb produces a general feeling of well being.

3. Obtain a standardized extract. Boswellia extract is available commercially as capsules standardized to contain 37.5 percent boswellic acids.

4. Take between 300 and 400 mg, three times daily. Spread the doses about eight hours apart.

5. Continue treatment for two to three months. Commercial preparations of this herb have no addictive ingredients. Some people with chronic inflammation use boswellia daily without incident.

6. Monitor for side effects. These are rare and include nausea, skin rash and diarrhea. If side effects develop, discontinue boswellia use.

Tips & Warnings

• Always inform the physician and pharmacist about use of boswellia and any other herb.

• Use only commercially available standardized extracts of boswellia. Crude preparations may not be safe.

• Young children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with liver or kidney disease should not take boswellia.