Now that the holidays have passed, like most of us you are probably wondering what to do with all that leftover frankincense and myrrh. (The gold, we already know what do with it.) Modern day myrrh, which comes from the sap of Commiphora trees, is considered an antioxidant, an analgesic, and very good for the skin. br
Sap is also the source of frankincense—this time from the Boswellia tree native to India. However, its benefits may far exceed nice skin and an enticing fragrance. This gum-like resin is being studied as a promising treatment for asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases because it reduces leukotrienes—the problematic compounds that don’t respond to typical anti-inflammatory drugs, according to Cheryl Myers, R.N., a recognized expert in integrative health and dietary supplement use. Leukotrienes are also major features of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.
Boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects, which has prompted their development for pharmacological uses in both the East and West. These compounds seem to work by preventing the body from making pro-inflammatory compounds, whilst they also exert anti-tumor effects.
Boswellia is also useful, says Ms. Myers, for cancer, ulcers, and a host of inflammatory diseases and conditions.
--Sarah Hagerty
