Gout and Boswellia Serrata

Discover how this powerful herb called boswellia serrata can help with your gout

Boswellia serrata is a moderate to large sized branching tree of family Burseraceae which grows in the dry mountainous regions of India, Northern Africa and Middle East. Boswellia Serrata or frankincense has been used for centuries and has also been referred in the Bible many times as well as ancient Egyptian writings.

It is also highly regarded in India and is part of Ayurvedic medicine. It was one of the gifts that were given to baby Jesus from the three wise men that included gold, frankincense and myrrh. This powerful herb is known for providing pain relief from joint inflammation, arthritis and gout. In addition, it may help you with bursitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and helps clear dry or chapped skin. It can also be used to make incense, skin care products and cosmetics!

But guess what? It is mostly known to help people who suffer from arthritis like osteoarthritis or gout. Boswellia serrata is a natural pain killer since it has active ingredients like boswellic acids (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) that are super powerful anti-inflammatories that actually prevent inflammatory white cells from getting into the damaged tissue. They also increase blood supply to the inflamed joints helping repair any damage caused by the inflammation or gout attack and help stimulate the growth of cartilage.

A 2003 study showed that osteoarthritis of the knee patients who took boswellia serrata saw a notable decrease in the frequency of swelling in the knee joint. In another 2006 study published in “The Indian Journal of Pharmacology”, Dr. Sontakke and researchers reported that 66 patients who suffered from osteoarthritis had experienced pain relief after taking boswellia extract. Too bad there are no studies with gout patients as of this time. Heck, here’s a study where boswellia herb also helps dogs with their issues of pain from arthritis of the spine!

Some gout sufferers have experimented and stated that during a gout attack a potential herbal remedy can include boswellia extract, curcumin, devil’s claw and yucca instead of taking drugs like colchicine. Obviously the herbs won’t help as quickly as colchicine but you should experience some type of pain relief within 24 to 48 hours they claim.

Another popular combination is taking boswellia in combination with celery seed and ginger. Others say try it with quercetin. Do consult your doctor beforehand in case of any allergic reactions or any bad combinations with your prescription drugs. You can also take boswellia extract in the form of a tablet or pill found on online health stores or at your local health store. There is also boswellia cream that can be used for pain relief from stiff joints. Anybody out there who can add to this post by telling us about your experience with boswellia serrata, please comment below!