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Boswellia for headaches
I have recently purchased the herbal remedy Boswellia serrata capsules as an alternative to Ibuprofen for headaches. Please could you advise on how I should take it? For example, do I use half a capsule daily at the onset of a headache or do I take a capsule every day to prevent headaches in the first place?
Produced from the gum of the boswellia serrata tree, the key active ingredient in this herbal remedy which is also known as Indian frankincense is boswellic acid. This is a powerful, anti-inflammatory and vascular-supporting agent that can help relieve headaches by opening up the blood vessels that are restricting and causing the pain. You can also use the same remedy to help alleviate the symptoms of other painful conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatism and menstrual cramping.
If you have frequent and severe headaches you need to see your doctor to investigate any underlying cause. Otherwise, the daily therapeutic dose if you are using boswellia as an alternative painkiller is 100mg, three times a day, which I suggest you use, in the same way you would use an over-the-counter painkiller, i.e when you feel a headache coming on. If the headache is severe, you can increase this dosage to 300mg, three times a day. You do not need to take a daily maintenance dose unless you are using boswellia for those other more chronic inflammatory joint conditions I have mentioned.
Solgar’s boswellia resin extract costs £15.85 for 60 x 100mg veggie capsules. For local stockists, call 01442 890355. If shopping elsewhere, do not confuse boswellia serrata with boswellia carteri. Both are often called frankincense, but they have different actions in the body.