Content
Boswellia, or incense tree, belongs to the genus of dioecious plants. A representative of the Burzer family is found in the tropics of Africa and Asia. Some valuable species grow in the mountains of Saudi Arabia and Somalia. They give incense, which is a fragrant gum-resin. Boswellia properties and contraindications are proven by scientific research.
What it looks like and where it grows
Boswellia is a shrub as well as a small tree. In total, there are about 30 plant species. The following types of Boswellia give gum resin:
- frereana;
- sacred;
- serrated;
- papyrus.
The plant can have either one or two, three trunks up to 6 m high. They are covered with a thin bark, which is easily separated from the surface. Her color is:
- reddish;
- ashy;
- grayish green.
The structure of the bark of the sacred tree resembles parchment. It has a fast recovery.
The leaf plates are complex and pinnate. They usually grow in small groups at the ends of branches. The sheets are characterized by jagged edges. Young plates of the sacred tree are slightly lowered.
During flowering, racemes appear on the branches of the plant. They include small yellowish flowers with many red stamens. A frankincense or sacred tree has capsule-like fruits that are filled with small seeds.
Boswellia frankincense is obtained by applying notches to the trunk during the growing season of a tropical plant. The substance is one of the oldest incense. For thousands of years, frankincense, along with myrrh, has been used in Christian rituals.
It is noteworthy that the aromatic mass was also used in Ayurveda, which belongs to Indian medicine. Frankincense resin has been used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Boswellia composition
The gum-resin of the sacred tree is of value. The product includes:
- galacturonic acid;
- polysaccharides such as arabinose and galactose;
- aromatic resins;
- essential oils.
The biologically active substances included in the composition determine the beneficial effects of incense on the body.
Useful properties of Boswellia
The gum resin secreted by the sacred or incense tree has the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetic;
- antibacterial;
- calming;
- antineoplastic;
- antiallergic.
The use of Boswellia incense contributes to:
- a decrease in the severity of the inflammatory process, which is explained by the presence of special acids in the resin;
- reducing intense pain;
- destruction of pathogenic flora;
- normalization of the psycho-emotional state;
- strengthening the vascular walls and restoring their integrity;
- improving the functioning of the digestive system;
- prevention of tumor development;
- relief of climacteric symptoms.
Gum-resin of sacred boswellia is effective in the following pathologies:
- diseases of the oral cavity, for example, periodontal disease, caries, gingivitis;
- asthma;
- allergy;
- malignant tumors;
- stomach ulcer;
- violation of blood circulation;
- depression;
- joint diseases.
Frankincense has an antiseptic effect on respiratory tract infections.
Preparation and application methods
There are various forms of sacred boswellia dietary supplements:
- tablets;
- capsules;
- dry extract.
Alcohol tincture
The solution is used for respiratory infections. For its preparation, the resin of the incense tree is dissolved in alcohol. The tincture is taken orally to treat ARVI, eliminate stomach pain and constipation.
Smoke
Frankincense is also called olibanum or smoking gum. The vapor of the heated hardened resin has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state. Incensol acetate, which is part of frankincense, affects the receptors of the brain, which is manifested by the appearance of a feeling of euphoria, calmness, and security.
Boswellia extract
These products are suitable for external and internal use. The optimal dosage form is considered to be capsules that include sacred boswellia extract. The soft vegetable shell contributes to the rapid dissolution and good absorption of the active ingredients.
In accordance with the instructions for use, dry Boswellia extract can be added to ointments, creams and gels to enrich their composition. The tool increases the effectiveness of medications.
Boswellia sacred essential oil
The product is obtained by steam distillation of the solidified resin. An essential oil made from Boswellia contributes to:
- normalization of the nervous system;
- stimulation of skin regeneration;
- resorption of inflammatory elements;
- destruction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- suppression of tumor growth;
- improving joint mobility;
- decrease in pressure;
- reduction of pain syndrome;
- recovery of the body after radiation therapy;
- stimulating the function of the liver and uterus.
Inhalation of the solution has a calming effect. Its use is compared to the effect of taking antidepressants. The product helps to relieve nervous tension, improve memory, and raise muscle tone.
The solution can be poured into an inhaler. It is added to bath water for relaxation and rejuvenation. Massaging the lymph nodes in the neck and feet with oil can help reduce fever. They are cauterized with ulcers in the oral cavity accompanying stomatitis.
Boswellia application
Some medicines and dietary supplements sold in pharmacies contain tropical incense tree extract. It looks like a white, crumbly powder, soluble in both water and glycerin.
Often, preparations from gum-resin are used in the complex therapy of joint diseases:
- arthritis;
- arthrosis;
- rheumatism.
The effectiveness of using sacred Boswellia is due to its properties. Frankincense-based preparations are intended not only for external but also internal use.As a result of scientific research, it has been found that products containing natural extract are less toxic than other medicines. Dietary supplements include components that prevent the development of inflammation and cartilage destruction.
Supplements containing the active components of boswellia are useful in diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They help improve blood circulation. The presence of a sedative effect is essential, which is important for anxiety and depression.
Application in cosmetology
Boswellia dry extract is widely used to improve skin condition. The main indications include:
- flabbiness of the face;
- acne;
- acne.
Resin-based granules are dissolved in glycerin or water for subsequent treatment of the skin. The product perfectly relieves irritation after shaving.
Contraindications to the use of Boswellia and side effects
The resin of the tropical sacred tree has been used for centuries. However, boswellia can be harmful as well as beneficial. Frankincense products are not used in the following cases:
- individual intolerance of the constituent components;
- pregnancy;
- lactation.
Side effects of sacred boswellia include:
- rash;
- disorder of the digestive system.
It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements containing frankincense resin for the following pathologies:
- vitiligo;
- Parkinson's disease;
- malignant tumors of any localization;
- psoriasis;
- systemic lupus;
- multiple sclerosis.
Collection and procurement
Boswellia incense has unique properties. The collection of resin is carried out in the last days of February or early March. Several cuts are made on the trunks of incense trees that have reached the age of eight. The resin is collected and then sorted when the mass is dry and covers the entire trunk.
The best pieces of incense from the sacred tree are considered selected. They are slightly dusty or translucent. Frankincense has the following color options:
- white with slight yellowness;
- pinkish;
- lemon yellow.
The product of poor quality of the sacred tree looks like a coalesced dark brown mass of uneven consistency with foreign inclusions. Such incense is considered ordinary.
Conclusion
Boswellia properties and contraindications should be considered before taking preparations containing the resin extract. In ancient times, incense, obtained from the resin of a sacred tropical tree, was valued on a par with precious metals. The resin is produced by plants that are eight years old. It hardens under the influence of air, forming translucent pieces with a balsamic aroma. Frankincense smoke has a calming effect on the nervous system. The use of sacred boswellia resin can be carried out in the form of essential oil and alcohol solution. The funds are used for aromatherapy sessions. Joint rubbing and inhalation are highly effective, which have a minimum of contraindications.
