A powerful anti-inflammatory supplement that could be beneficial in managing a gauntlet of painful issues, from menstrual cramps to arthritis.
Boswellia Serrata is derived from Indian Frankincense (very commonly used as incense) and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
It’s purported to have positive impact on heart health, liver function, gut health, and an effective anti-inflammatory to name a few. Research shows that Boswellia can be as effective as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) in managing inflammation without the side effects.
The recommended dosage of Boswellia Serrata is based on the percentage of boswellic acids found in the supplement, with standard doses containing 30-40% boswellic acid. This equates to 300-500mg of Boswellia. Users are recommended to use two to three times per day.
How this supplement can help you, as a female athlete
Many women take ibuprofen and other NSAIDS to manage the aches and pains of training as well as to help with the sometimes debilitating pain of an intense menstrual cycle.
Ibuprofen works by blocking part of the inflammation pathway, which despite how it might feel is necessary to an extent in the healing process. Studies show that long term, chronic use of pain relieving meds like ibuprofen can actually contribute to joint degradation.
Boswellia, on the other hand, has been shown to provide pain relief without affecting the healing process. Subsequently, if it’s well tolerated, Boswellia can be an excellent alternative for pain management, both for acute and chronic pain.
REFERENCES
Boswellia. Boswellia – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/boswellia
Siddiqui M. Z. (2011). Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 73(3), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.93507
Merkely, G., Chisari, E., Lola Rosso, C., & Lattermann, C. (2021). Do Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Have a Deleterious Effect on Cartilage Repair? A Systematic Review. CARTILAGE, 326S-341S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1947603519855770