Relieve Your Aching Joints with Benefits of Boswellia serrata
The joints form an important part of human body. These connect the bones with each other, provide support among them and make movement possible. Joint pain is a bone joint condition that can affect almost any part of your body. Problems such as shoulder pain, lower body pain, body ache, aching ankles, knees, etc. all account to the problem with the joints. Interestingly, one out of every three adults are reported to be suffering from one or another kind of joint pain, and the pain only tends to get worse with age.
Shoulder and neck pain – It can be attributed to an injury or damage to the soft tissues present around the shoulders and the neck. An excessive use, bad posture, a sprain, a strain or continuously sleeping on the side might also cause this problem.
Lower Back Pain – It is usually caused by an accident or over exertion such as lifting a heavy object. A sedentary lifestyle, uncomfortable sleeping posture, etc. might also contribute to the same.
Knee Pain – Muscle strain due to heavy workout, osteoarthritis, knee arthritis etc could be some of the probable causes behind the aching knees.
Joint pain is not only extremely discomforting but makes you feel helpless at the hands of it. It can seriously affect your very quality of life. In some cases, it can even make moving about and doing the tiniest of things not only difficult, but dreadful as well.
What causes joints to ache?
While it can be caused owing to a recent or past injury, the same can also be attributed to a disease involving joint inflammation, such as arthritis.
In case of arthritis, the symptoms usually include stiff, sore and achy joints, which experience intermittent pains. The symptoms usually get worse as you age. Some other varieties of joint disorders include strain, sprain, fracture, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. These depend upon the symptoms, underlying factors as well as the severity of the problem. While in some cases, the problem may go away within days or weeks, others might take years to subside. Some, on the other hand, only tend to get worse with time.
Treatment Options
While there are a variety of medications and ointments available in the market that promise some relief, it is only temporary and the pain usually manages to come right back. Other means of treatment include physical therapies and massages. These also provide significant short term relief. Some alternative treatments for joint pains, such as those offered by Ayurveda, make use of herbs and herbal extracts in order to provide relief. Boswellia serrata is one such herb that does not disappoint.
Boswellia serrata – A boon for joints
Also known as Salai Guggulu or the Indian Frankincense, this is a renowned herb that has made a fine place of its own in the world of alternate healthcare. This tree is found in various regions of India, North Africa and the Middle Eastern nations. The gummy resin obtained from the bark of this tree is an important health promoting extract.
How Boswellia really works
The active components called boswellic acids found in this resin exhibit some significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties.
The regular massage of the affected joints using boswellia serrata essential oil, mixed with appropriate carrier oil helps provide relief from pain and discomfort. The analgesic activity of this extract is especially fast, which provides a quick and appreciable reduction in pain. In case of swelling, the boswellic acids have been observed to limit and inhibit the activity of inflammation causing cells. Besides, they also tend to regulate the body’s own immune response in order to reduce inflammation.
It must be noted that, unlike various other commercial, OTC drugs and NSAIDs, the effect of boswellia extract is believed to be more persistent and lasts longer.
It also reduces the stiffness associated with the joints, and promotes joints flexibility. Preventing loss of bone cartilage and wearing off of bone tissues are some other benefits that the boswellia extract offers.
Benefits of Boswellia serrata beyond joints
Interestingly, the same resinous extract also exhibits a range of other healing properties. It can cure the problem of dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, jaundice, asthma, bronchitis, oral sores, bad throat, irregular periods, excessive vaginal discharge, and several cardiovascular diseases. It is also a natural antipyretic and can bring down body temperature in case of fever.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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