Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata): Natural help for inflammation & cancer

Veröffentlicht am: November 04, 2024
Dr. med. Wolfgang  Bachmann
Dr. med. Wolfgang Bachmann

General practitioner

Cancer is omnipresent. Whether a family member, friend, work colleague or we ourselves are affected by a cancer diagnosis, regardless of the form or type, it hits us unexpectedly and hard. And although there is often no cure for cancer in sight, there are natural supportive ways to fight cancer: like the anti-inflammatory frankincense(Boswellia Serrata).

 


Modern research is unanimous - frankincense promotes health, has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the immune system.


 

Contents

Effect of frankincense capsules: What's behind the traditional remedy?

Frankincense extract is harvested from the resin of the frankincense tree. This grows in North Africa and the Middle East and has been known for centuries for its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. 

Long before anti-inflammatory drugs were available, the extract of the frankincense tree was used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, bowel disease and heart disease. Nowadays, frankincense is increasingly coming into focus. More and more studies are investigating the impressive effects of frankincense.

Why is frankincense so beneficial for our health?  

A large part of this has to do with the chemical composition that regulates the immune system. This inhibits certain inflammatory cytokines and mediators that would damage DNA, promote tumor growth and destroy healthy cells.

Over the past few decades, research has gained a better understanding of how frankincense can boost our health and strengthen the immune system. Boswellic acid appears to lower inflammatory markers and support immune function on multiple levels.

For example:

  • Disruption of cytokine production, which causes inflammation (interferon-gamma, interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha)
  • Reduction of sensitivities
  • Regulation of lymphocytes (white blood cells) and T-cell interactions
  • Regulation of the production of antibodies ( immunoglobulin G (IgG)), which protect the body against bacterial and viral infections

What does frankincense do?

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) switches off the reactions of the immune system that cause inflammation and swelling. Frankincense (Boswellia) is therefore able to reduce pain and inflammation in the treatment of cancer. 

 


➤ Did you know that frankincense extract can therefore be used optimally as a natural painkiller and is an excellent substitute for conventional painkillers?


 

In contrast to conventional painkillers or prescription drugs, which have numerous side effects, Boswellia extract is free of side effects and has been used for thousands of years without complications. 

The powerful benefits of frankincense(Boswellia serrata) at a glance:

  • so strong that it is comparable to the classic anti-inflammatory drugs
  • reduces inflammation
  • helps in the treatment of irritable bowel syndromes, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
  • reduces joint and arthritis pain
  • fights cancer
  • accelerates the healing of infections
  • prevents autoimmune diseases

How does frankincense (Boswellia serrata) help in the treatment of cancer?

Frankincense is used against brain cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer. 

The positive properties of Boswellia serrata against cancer cells can be traced back to the side effects of classic cancer treatment or to their reduction. By taking the preparations, the painful and sometimes life-threatening side effects of chemotherapy can be reduced

Frankincense also helps to strengthen the immune system, prevents infections, reduces inflammation and promotes hormonal balance .

What ingredients does frankincense contain?

The resin of the frankincense tree contains around 5-10% pure essential oils, which have numerous protective effects, such as:

  • Monoterpenes
  • Diterpenes
  • Triterpenes
  • Tetracyclic triterpenic acids
  • Four boswellic triterpenic acids that inhibit enzymes responsible for inflammation

These boswellic acids can reduce inflammation and prevent autoimmune diseases.

What different types of incense are there?

While Boswellia serrata is considered the most popular form of frankincense for treating various diseases and symptoms, it is not the only one. There are at least three other popular forms of frankincense that are used.

Frankincense Bodwellia species

Other popular types of incense:

  • Boswellia carterii
  • Boswellia frereana
  • Boswellia sacra

Each comes from a different plant species, although all are closely related and used medicinally in similar ways.

Boswellia carteri contains high concentrations of incensol acetate and triterpenic acids, two chemicals that have shown very good results in tumor prevention. Boswellia carteri has been tested in numerous studies on tumor cells and has shown positive effects on stimulating the immune system and treating various forms of cancer, including bladder cancer.

Frankincense resin or extract can be formed from all 4 types of frankincense. The concentration and quality of this depends on a number of factors: at what time of year it was harvested, how it was extracted and its purity. The soil and climatic conditions in which the frankincense tree grows are also responsible for the different frankincense resins on the market.

How is frankincense harvested?

The frankincense tree begins to produce frankincense resin after it is 8-10 years old. Frankincense is traditionally cultivated and harvested. The bark of the frankincense trees is scratched with a sharp knife. Resin then oozes out of the wound and dries in the air. This can then simply be removed by hand. After each harvest, the tree is given a rest period and can then be harvested again. 

The quality increases massively with each harvest. The last harvest is considered the best and highest quality, as it contains high-quality oil and highly concentrated terpenes, diterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Experts also link the color of the frankincense resin directly to its quality. The clearer the Boswellia serrata resin is, the higher its quality is considered to be.

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) versus turmeric

Frankincense (boswellia serrata) and turmeric have both been used successfully in holistic medicine for centuries. In many ways they are very similar, as both can reduce inflammation. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, which means it can fight the same diseases as frankincense. 

Researchers are therefore of the opinion that the combination of turmeric and frankincense can have a dual effect and should therefore be taken together. The strong synergy that results from this appears to be significantly more effective than using them alone. When both are taken together, numerous interactions help to reduce any toxic effects that may occur from each.

By taking turmeric capsules and frankincense at the same time, the symptoms can be significantly improved and success can be achieved more quickly.

Frankincense with turmeric against cancer

 

How is frankincense used?

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) can be used as a dietary supplement in the form of frankincense tablets or as an oil. Frankincense oil has numerous uses for the skin and is therefore a popular essential oil. 

The oil can be filled into a nebulizer and is therefore very suitable for dissolving bronchial mucus. Frankincense oil can also be used with a few drops on the tongue or in tea. To use frankincense on the skin, the oil can be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and applied to the skin. Test a small area of skin beforehand to make sure it does not cause an allergic reaction. For bronchial asthma or other various infections, a few drops can be applied to a cloth and inhaled several times a day.

How is frankincense (Boswellia serrata) dosed?

If you want to take frankincense as a dietary supplement, you should ensure that it is made from Boswellia serrata and contains at least 37% pure boswellic acids. As a general rule, the more boswellic acids it contains, the purer and more effective the extract.

The following dosages are common incense dosages:

  • To reduce inflammation, between 600-900 mg of frankincense extract should be taken.
  • For the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, chronic pain, inflammatory bowel disease (active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) or injuries, a higher dose of between 900-1,200 mg per day should be taken.

What are the side effects of frankincense (Boswellia serrata)?

Frankincense appears to be well tolerated in children, but if it is used during pregnancy, its use should be discussed with a doctor. No side effects have been observed when taken with other medications.

Remember that it can take several months for frankincense to show its full spectrum of effects and stop pain and swelling.


Sources (in English):

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Beghelli, D., Isani, G., Roncada. P-, Andreani, G., Bistoni, O., Bertocchi, M. et al. (2017). Antioxidant and Ex Vivo Immune System Regulatory Properties of Boswellia serrata ExtractsOxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017: 7468064, doi: 10.1155/2017/7468064

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