FRANKINCENSE - THE MIRACLE CURE OF INDIA

Table of contents

1. What is Boswellia serrata frankincense?
2. What health effects can frankincense have?
3. Can frankincense cure diseases such as asthma, rheumatism, Crohn's disease or even cancer?
4. Which frankincense is right for me? Where is the best place to buy frankincense?
5. Where is the best place to buy frankincense capsules?

1. what is Boswellia serrata frankincense?

Health according to Indian Ayurveda tradition

There are many secrets surrounding "Boswellia Serrata", the Indian frankincense tree. Most of us know frankincense primarily as a fragrance that emanates from essential oils or incense sticks. Frankincense is the resin of the frankincense tree, which can grow up to 8 meters high. The milky white to golden yellow, still liquid resin is found in the bark. The liquid is extracted by scratching the bark and air-dried into solid resin. In ancient times, it was not only used as a remedy, but also as a valuable means of payment - on a par with gold. Today, frankincense in capsules is fortunately much cheaper.

Egyptians, Greeks, Romans - they all swore by frankincense

The resin of the tree has been used in various advanced civilizations for thousands of years: On the one hand as incense in religious and spiritual rituals - on the other hand as a traditional remedy with many possible applications (e.g. acute or chronic inflammation).

In Indian "Ayurveda" (translated: "knowledge of life"), the use of incense has been an integral part of the repertoire for more than 5,000 years, and not only in India. The oldest references to the use of incense to treat the sick can be found on 7,000-year-old Egyptian papyrus scrolls.

Later, the Greeks and Romans also adopted incense in their everyday lives. Together they are said to have imported and consumed thousands of tons annually. The Romans made perfume from frankincense, as well as ointments and medicines. Frankincense made its triumphal march to Arabia, from where it spread to India and even China. Here, incense resin is still used today for the ceremonial worship of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

2 What health benefits can frankincense have?

Natural help for joints, digestion, respiratory tract and heart

Hippocrates and other Greco-Roman physicians used the essential resin of the tree to cleanse wounds, treat inflammation, joint and bone complaints, heart problems, respiratory diseases and digestive problems. The successes were probably numerous enough for the precious remedy to still be used in the Middle Ages - including by Hildegard von Bingen, Benedictine nun and polymath (1098-1179).

The importance of frankincense in terms of health and well-being has increased significantly in recent years. No wonder: more and more scientific studies are reporting positive results about frankincense.<

The following statements on the effects of Boswellia Serrata have been submitted to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for review:

- Boswellia serrata contributes to normal bone and joint function

- Boswellia serrata contributes to normal heart function

- Boswellia serrata contributes to the normal function of the respiratory tract

- Boswellia serrata contributes to normal gastrointestinal function

- Boswellia serrata contributes to the normalization of cholesterol levels

- Boswellia serrata contributes to the normalization of mental functions

- Boswellia serrata contributes to normal menstruation

- Boswellia serrata contributes to normal reproductive function

Even though dietary supplements generally have no side effects or interactions, frankincense should not be consumed by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers for precautionary reasons.

Scientific study "Bioavailability of frankincense"

One study looked at frankincense extract and its bioavailability in humans. Source:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15070181/

Scientific study "Frankincense and osteoarthritis"

Whether and to what extent frankincense helps with osteoarthritis was investigated in a study in 2007.source:https://www.ijp-online.com/article.asp?issn=0253-7613;year=2007;volume=39;issue=1;spage=27;epage=29;aulast=Sontakke

However, the statement "Frankincense tablets cure osteoarthritis", which can sometimes be found in advertising for frankincense products, is not serious and is also not permitted for legal reasons.

3. can frankincense cure diseases such as asthma, arthritis, Crohn's disease or even cancer?

Sure, there are suppliers of frankincense products who make such promises. Even if there are presumably studies in which frankincense helped to reduce inflammation in arthritis (chronic inflammation of the joints) or proved to be effective against cancerous tumors, such claims have not been clearly proven scientifically. Therefore, such claims about curing asthma, arthritis or cancer with the help of frankincense should be treated with caution and must not be used in advertising.

Frankincense is not a medicine - but as a dietary supplement it still helps people

Health-related claims about nutrients are a complex issue. Take, for example, the statement "Boswellia Serrata contributes to normal bone and joint function". This sentence is accompanied by a number of subjectively perceived "effects": one person no longer has pain due to "normalized" joint function, another feels more anti-inflammatory properties, the next feels mentally better, for example.

As with active ingredients in medicines, everyone reacts differently to nutrients. But the fact is: Food supplements can help with health complaints - and can be a sensible alternative without side effects. It is important to know this:

The success of dietary supplements, including frankincense capsules, depends on regular and often medium to long-term use. The quality and digestibility of the frankincense preparation is also very important. It is essential to pay attention to the ingredients, their composition and the origin of the product. This example of an incense product shows how the composition of the ingredients is correctly declared (see "Ingredients").

What do you think is better for your body? Medicinal products with synthetic active ingredients or tablets with natural nutrients? This is not to question the effectiveness of medicines in general. But sometimes less (and more natural) is more.

Scientific studies "Frankincense and joints"

Several published studies have looked at the effects of frankincense extract on joint health. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12622457/

4. which frankincense is right for me?

What is the difference between powder and extract?

Frankincense for oral intake is usually available as frankincense capsules, which contain frankincense powder or extract. The powder is the ground (pulverized) form of dried leaves, roots, seeds or similar. For the frankincense extract, the high-quality nutrients are removed (extracted), resulting in a much higher concentration of nutrients. This is particularly beneficial for antioxidants, for example.

Which dosage is perfect for me?

For good digestibility, capsules ideally contain frankincense with 45% boswellic acid (Indian frankincense). Very high boswellic acid concentrations of 60% and more (African frankincense) have the disadvantage of possible intolerance for sensitive stomachs or in combination with some foods. In contrast, frankincense extract with 45% boswellic acid allows you to distribute your daily dose more evenly throughout the day. This is also the recommendation of experts. Frankincense capsules have proven to be optimal. The amount of ingredients (mg) contained in capsules is always identical, making it easier to take. These are also available as frankincense combination capsules with a natural vitamin-mineral formula. Observe the respective consumption recommendations and do not exceed the recommended daily intake.

5 Where is the best place to buy frankincense capsules?

Beware of harmful substances in frankincense

There have been reports in the media about harmful substances in frankincense such as dimethyl mercury and methyl mercury, both of which are extremely hazardous to health and contain highly toxic organic mercury compounds. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the "tested quality" of the ingredients if you want incense extract that is guaranteed to be free of harmful substances. And very important: if you want to alleviate your symptoms in a gentle and traditional way, it is best to use "Indian" frankincense (generally more digestible than African frankincense), which is 100% natural. Artificial or nature-identical boswellic acids are also available, but these may have side effects.

The quality should have been tested in Germany or in the EU

Do you want to be sure that you are taking pure, natural and high-quality frankincense? Make sure that the products are subject to the strictest quality controls in accordance with EU laws. If the nutrients have also been tested in renowned German laboratories, you have found your trusted supplier! A little tip: Take a look at the online store reviews of the food supplement provider. On the one hand, customer opinions are important parameters, on the other hand, there are neutral institutions that rate the provider, such as "Trusted Shops" or "Top Shop".