The incense tree is a unique representative of the plant world. The second name is sacred boswellia. It is from the resin of this plant that incense is made. Many are familiar with this substance. Frankincense has been used as an incense since ancient times. In addition, it is a component of many religious cults.
Description of the plant
First you need to figure out where the incense tree grows. It grows in Somalia, on the lands of Yemen, Oman. Boswellia is also found on Socotra, an island that has found fame as a botanical paradise.
Prefers Boswellia mountain slopes. Most often it can be found at an altitude of about 1,800 m above sea level. The plant belongs to Burzerov. It is a low-growing tree, shrub. It can reach a height of 3 to 5 m. The plant is distinguished by a paper bark resembling pine, as well as a strong trunk. The peculiarity of boswellia is that, having shed the old bark, it begins to be covered with a new one. Young shoots appear every year. They are initially covered with short yellow hairs. The leaves are pinnate, growing from whorls. They alsocovered with hairs.
The incense tree, the photo of which can be seen in the above article, blooms in spring - from April to May. From the axils of the leaves at the initial stage, brushes covered with buds appear. In full disclosure, the flowers consist of five petals, and red or dark yellow stamens are visible in the middle. To complete the description of the frankincense tree, it is worth mentioning the seeds. At the end of flowering, in places where there were previously buds, boxes of a light brown hue are formed. It is in them that the seeds of the plant are contained.
A trip to history
The incense tree, or rather, its resin, was widely used in ancient Rome. Here, boswellia was considered the best source of medicinal raw materials against lung and skin diseases. Frankincense was used to stop bleeding. After some time, the resin began to be used for the treatment of abscesses.
In ancient Egypt, frankincense was often added to masks to promote skin rejuvenation. Also, the substance was used to treat neurosis, syphilis, kidney infections and severe pain in the joints and bones.
Boswellia properties
Incense tree, the beneficial properties of which have been studied for many centuries, is widely used in traditional and folk medicine. The gum resin it contains:
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect that extends to all organs and systems of the body. This is due to the presence of boswellic acids in the composition. These substances block the activity of leukotrienes responsible forfor the development of inflammatory reactions.
- Reduces pain due to analgesic effect.
- Destroys pathogenic microflora.
- Improves the condition of the nervous system. Relieves depression.
- Allows you to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as restore their integrity. This greatly improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
- Helps alleviate the condition of those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. Frankincense is often used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and ulcers.
- Used as an antitumor agent. Gum-resin is often used in the complex therapy of certain forms of cancer.
- Has an antiallergic effect.
- Helps people with asthma.
- May relieve gout and rheumatism symptoms.
- Suitable for the treatment of inflammatory diseases localized in the oral cavity - periodontitis, caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, etc.
- Used as an antiseptic for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
Incense tree extract is used to treat many diseases. However, the best result is achieved with complex therapy.
Attention! Self-medication can be life-threatening. Any medicinal product, herbal or synthetic, must be prescribed by the attending physician.
Biochemical composition
All the healing properties of the incense tree are due to the biochemical composition of gum resin. It contains:
- 30-47% gum. Thisthe component consists of polysaccharides - galactose and arabinose, as well as galacturonic acid.
- Aromatic resins - 50%. They contain organic boswellic acids.
- Essential oils - 2-8%. The composition of these substances depends on the type of plant.
In what cases are preparations containing incense prescribed? After all, this substance has unique healing properties.
How can it be used
Boswellia preparations are produced by many manufacturers in the form:
- pills;
- capsules;
- extract.
Capsules - the optimal form for taking the drug inside. They contain dry extract of the plant. The shell is vegetable. In this form, the drug is absorbed faster, and the result is not long in coming.
Frankincense resin extract is often added to formulations intended for external use - in creams, gels, ointments. Often, these drugs are designed to eliminate inflammatory processes in the joints.
Use in therapy and for the prevention of diseases
Frankincense tree extract - loose powder without white impurities. It dissolves well in water, glycerin. Therefore, the component is often used for the production of many biological additives and medicines. Widespread use is due to the beneficial properties of plant materials.
Preparations containing boswelli extract are prescribed duringcomplex therapy of all kinds of arthritis - rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, etc., rheumatism, arthrosis. The substance is part of the preparations intended for both oral and topical use. The component helps to eliminate inflammation affecting the joints and cartilage.
Many studies have shown that Boswellia is non-toxic, unlike synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. The active substances of the extract of this plant block the production of leukotrienes. It is these substances that destroy cartilage tissue and damage joints.
It has been proven that the incense tree improves the work of chondroprotective compounds - chondroitin, glucosamine. The active substances contained in the plant have a positive effect on body tissues. This improves blood circulation in the joints.
Preparations with shrub extract are recommended for athletes. This is an excellent prophylactic that prevents damage to the joints and cartilage. The components of the plant extract improve vascular patency, blood circulation, which is important for patients with certain cardiovascular disorders.
It is worth considering that Boswellia can have a slight sedative effect, calming the nervous system. The extract is used for the manufacture of drugs intended to eliminate conditions that are characterized by anxiety and depression. If necessary, such drugs can replace "Glycine".
Against what diseases
Boswellia is used for:
- tumors;
- hemorrhoids;
- injuries, all kinds of bruises, non-life-threatening injuries, sprains and muscles;
- kidney disease;
- inflammatory processes;
- obese;
- ulcerative colitis;
- pain in the lumbar region, in the joints;
- diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract;
- varicose veins;
- gout, polyarthritis, arthritis, diseases of the spine;
- high blood sugar (for diabetes);
- problems with lipid metabolism;
- hepatosis of the liver (fatty) and with other lesions of the tissues of the organ and bile ducts.
Before using a medicinal product based on an extract of frankincense, it is necessary to visit your doctor. After all, only a specialist can identify the presence of pathology and prescribe complex treatment. Do not forget that herbal preparations, like synthetic ones, may be contraindicated.
Use in cosmetology
Dry extract of incense tree is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. This component dissolves well in glycerin. In addition, boswellia eliminates acne, soothes, removing signs of inflammation, tightens the skin.
Cosmetic products containing plant extract are used by both women suffering from dry skin and men. The component is contained in both daily care formulations and aftershave creams.
Contraindications
Not everyone can takepreparations based on frankincense extract. Contraindications - individual intolerance to the active components that are part of the biochemical composition of the medicinal raw material. Often the reaction is manifested by a mild rash on the skin or gastrointestinal disorders.
As for side effects, in practice, no negative manifestations from taking the drug based on Boswellia have been identified. In the course of studies on living beings, when the dosage was increased to 1-2 g per 1 kg of body weight, no changes in biochemical and other parameters were noticed.
Take with care
Before using preparations and dietary supplements containing components of the frankincense tree, it is worth studying the features of the application. Such remedies should be taken with caution by those suffering:
- multiple sclerosis;
- psoriasis;
- vitiligo;
- Parkinson's disease;
- oncological diseases;
- systemic lupus.
Consultation of specialists is also required for those who are prone to allergies, pregnant and lactating women.
