How to use frankincense or dhoop to treat arthritis

Want relief from arthritis pain? Use frankincense or dhoop.

Read this article in HINDI.

Frankincense is widely used in India as an air freshener and also for religious purposes. The resin from the bark of Boswellia serrata tree is also known as dhoop and is burnt to release the fumes which have a peculiar smell. Frankincense is often light yellow in colour and is widely used in perfumes and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy. It is believed that burning frankincense and inhaling the fumes brings good health.

Even though it is regularly used, its medicinal properties are not well known. Frankincense is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for relief from arthritic pain. In a study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, participants were given extracts from the Boswellia serrata tree and it was found that the extracts improved joint health and reduced pain in patients within seven days. Frankincense contains an active compound called 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid which inhibits the activity of an enzyme that causes inflammation and hence reduces the inflammation . The researchers concluded that frankincense extract prevents the degradation of the cartilage in between the joints, which is a symptom of arthritis. [1]

Benefits of frankincense or the resin from the Boswellia tree for arthritis.

Not just the Boswellia tree but also the resin or the dhoop from the tree can relieve one from the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The resin contains boswellic acid which helps in inhibiting the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that causes inflammation. The study also reported no side effects or drug interaction of the resin. [2]

How to use frankincense for arthritis?

Frankincense tablets and capsules are available in the market but remember that it is one of the herbal remedies to treat arthritis and you MUST consult a doctor before taking them.

References

1. Krishanu Sengupta, Krishnaraju V Alluri, Andey Rama Satish, Simanchala Mishra, Trimurtulu Golakoti, Kadainti VS Sarma, Dipak Dey and Siba P Raychaudhuri. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis Research & Therapy2008;10:R85. DOI: 10.1186/ar2461.

2. Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia Serrata, A Potential Antiinflammatory Agent: An Overview. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;73(3):255-261. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.93507.

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