Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal excerpt deduced from the Boswellia serrata tree. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic drug for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and seditious bowel complaint. As Boswellia increases in popularity, it's important to learn about potential side effects. Let’s explore what the research says about the safety profile of Boswellia.

What is Boswellia?

Boswellia is a branching tree found natively in India and regions of Africa and the Middle East. The gummy resin from the Boswellia tree is harvested and purified to make concentrated Boswellia serrata extracts used in herbal supplements.

The active ingredients in Boswellia resin are boswellic acids. These compounds have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Boswellia is commonly taken to help relieve joint discomfort, improve respiratory function, and reduce intestinal inflammation.

Health Benefits of Boswellia

Studies suggest Boswellia Serrata Powder can be beneficial for:

- Reducing pain, stiffness, and swelling in arthritis

- Improving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

- dwindling asthma symptoms like gasping and briefness of breath

- Reducing intestinal inflammation related to IBD

- Inhibiting inflammatory enzymes involved in inflammation and immune responses

- Providing antioxidant protection that supports overall health

Research confirms Boswellia’s anti-inflammatory effects can help with chronic inflammatory conditions. But more studies are still needed to evaluate Boswellia’s efficacy and optimal usage for different health issues.

Negative Side Effects of Boswellia

When taken as directed, Boswellia is generally well tolerated by most people. However, some minor side effects have been reported:

- Digestive issues - Can include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Taking Boswellia with food may minimize gastrointestinal effects.

- Skin rash - Allergic reactions are possible. Discontinue use if a rash develops.

- Headaches - Thought to be rare. Likely related to the herb's effects on blood vessels.

- Fatigue - May occur initially but often improves with continued use as inflammation reduces.

- Blood thinning - Boswellia may have mild anticoagulant effects in some people, increasing bruising or bleeding risk.

- Uterine stimulation - Boswellia may increase blood flow to the uterus. Pregnant women should avoid its use.

These side effects are generally mild and transient. More serious adverse effects are very rare. But there are a few key safety considerations when using Boswellia supplements.

Interactions With Medications

An important potential side effect of Boswellia Serrata Powder is interaction with certain medications, including:

- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs - Boswellia may boost their effects, raising bleeding risk.

- NSAIDs - Boswellia may add to the blood thinning effects of ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc.

- Immunosuppressants - Boswellia has immunomodulating properties that could interact.

- Sedatives - Boswellia may increase drowsiness from sedative medications.

- Antidepressants - Possible interactions related to neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Anyone on regular medications should consult their healthcare provider before taking Boswellia. Stop use if new symptoms develop after adding Boswellia.

Safety Precautions When Using Boswellia

Certain individuals should use Boswellia cautiously or avoid it:

- Pregnant/nursing women - Uterine stimulation makes it unsafe during pregnancy. Safety during breastfeeding is uncertain.

- Children - Lack of safety research in pediatric populations. Not recommended for those under 18.

- Bleeding disorders - May increase bleeding risk due to anticoagulant effects.

- Before surgery - Should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before surgery as it may interfere with blood clotting.

- Liver disease - Boswellia may cause additional stress to a compromised liver. Use with caution.

Starting with low doses, monitoring for reactions, and avoiding combinations with blood thinners can help reduce side effect risk. Periodic breaks from Boswellia are also sensible to allow the body rest.

Dosage Information

General dosing recommendations for Boswellia Serrata Extract Powder are:

- 300-500 mg per day for preventive wellness use.

- 600-1000 mg daily for therapeutic management of chronic inflammatory conditions. Divided into 2-3 doses.

- Take with meals to minimize stomach upset. Allow several weeks for full effects.

- Use the lowest effective dose based on your health goals. Follow label instructions.

For any new supplement, start low and increase slowly while watching for side effects. Consult your integrative physician for personalized dosage guidance.

Who Should Not Take Boswellia?

These individuals should avoid using Boswellia unless approved by their healthcare provider:

- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

- Children and teenagers under age 18

- People with bleeding disorders like hemophilia

- Those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications

- People with upcoming surgery or dental work

- Anyone with liver disease or liver impairment

- Individuals taking immunosuppressant drugs

For people with medical conditions or those on multiple medications,Boswellia may not be appropriate due to risks of interactions and complications. Check with your doctor first.

How Long Can You Take Boswellia?

There are currently no long-term studies establishing a maximum safe duration for taking Boswellia. But research to date suggests it can be taken safely for at least 8-12 weeks by healthy adults when used as recommended [1].

For chronic inflammatory conditions that require ongoing management, like arthritis, Boswellia can likely be taken much longer with periodic breaks and appropriate medical supervision.

Talk to your natural medicine practitioner about an appropriate regimen for your individual health needs. Regular check-ups will help ensure safe, long-term use.

Is Boswellia Safe To Use?

When used properly, Boswellia is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. Studies using doses up to 1,000 mg daily for up to a year did not report serious adverse effects [2].

However, mild side effects are possible and Boswellia does have some interactions to be aware of. There is also a lack of research on long-term use extending beyond a year.

Proper dosing, avoiding combinations with medications that increase bleeding risk, and monitoring for side effects can help minimize any safety concerns with Boswellia supplements.

Is Boswellia Safe For Kidneys?

There is limited research specifically on Boswellia's effects on kidney function. But normal boluses don't appear to pose a safety threat to the feathers in those with normal order health.

One study did find that giving people with habitual order complaint a supplement containing Boswellia, turmeric, and quercetin for 6 months didn't negatively affect their order function( 3).

However, until more is known, those with impaired kidney function should exercise caution with Boswellia. Work with your doctor to monitor kidney biomarkers if taking Boswellia supplements.

How Much Boswellia Can I Take Per Day?

Recommended daily doses of Boswellia extract range from:

- 300-500 mg per day for preventive, general anti-inflammatory effects.

- 600-1000 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses, for therapeutic management of chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Do not exceed 1,000 mg daily without medical approval. Always start low and increase the dosage gradually as needed. Use the lowest effective dose based on your health goals.

Can Boswellia Be Taken Daily?

For most healthy adults, Boswellia can be taken daily long-term when following appropriate dosing guidelines.

Research studies using daily supplementation for 6-12 months did not report any concerning adverse effects [2]. But taking periodic breaks from any supplement is a wise idea to give your body rest periods.

Boswellia is well suited for helping manage chronic inflammatory disorders like arthritis that require daily maintenance. But work with your integrative medicine doctor to determine an appropriate regimen tailored to your needs.

Conclusion  

Boswellia serrata is generally well tolerated when used properly. But mild side goods like stomach derangement, headaches, and skin rash are possible. It also has some relations with anticoagulant medicines and NSAIDs to be apprehensive of.

Certain individuals like pregnant women, those with bleeding disorders, kidney disease, or upcoming surgery should avoid Boswellia. Appropriate dosing, medical supervision, and monitoring for reactions are keys to safe use.

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if Boswellia supplementation is right for your health regimen. With professional guidance, Boswellia can be safely used to help combat inflammation and improve wellness.

Hubei Sanxin Biotechnology Co., Ltd. integrates the research and development, production and sales for many years. We are your reliable Boswellia Serrata Powder wholesaler. We can supply customized service as your request.

Email: nancy@sanxinbio.com

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21371638

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30220817

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24997318