Boswellia

Buy Boswellia: Frankincense Extract in Capsules and Tablets

Boswellia is the collective name for supplements based on the resin of the frankincense tree, with Boswellia serrata being the best-known species. In Dutch, it is also known as Indian frankincense or frankincense extract. The resin contains boswellic acids, the characteristic compounds to which extracts are standardized. Boswellia has traditionally been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian herbal medicine, and is now available as a dietary supplement in capsules and tablets.

In our range, you will find boswellia from reputable brands such as Swanson, Vit4ever, and Himalaya, in a variety of dosages and package sizes. You can choose from standalone standardized extract, highly concentrated variants with a high percentage of boswellic acid, and combinations with turmeric. This way, you can find a form that suits how you want to use boswellia.

What is boswellia?

Boswellia is a genus of trees that grows in the dry, mountainous regions of India, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Africa. Boswellia serrata is the Indian species most commonly used for dietary supplements. A gummy resin flows from incisions in the bark, which is processed into frankincense after drying and, in standardized form, into supplements. The most important components are the boswellic acids, including AKBA. In supplements, boswellia is usually offered as a concentrated extract, with the percentage of boswellic acid stated on the label.

Boswellia, frankincense, and olibanum: what is the difference?

The names boswellia, frankincense, and olibanum refer to closely related products from trees in the Boswellia genus. Frankincense is the English word for frankincense: the dried resin that is traditionally burned for its scent. Boswellia serrata is specifically the Indian species within this genus that is most commonly used for supplements. The addition of "serrata" is the species name and distinguishes this tree from other species, such as Boswellia sacra. While frankincense usually refers to the raw resin for burning, a boswellia supplement is a standardized extract of that same resin.

Where does boswellia come from?

The resin of Boswellia serrata is traditionally harvested by hand by making incisions in the tree's bark, after which the flowing gummy resin dries and is collected. India is the main region of origin for this species, which has been known in Ayurveda there for centuries. For supplements, the raw resin is extracted and standardized, so that each capsule or tablet contains a comparable amount of boswellic acid. Boswellia is not found in ordinary food and is therefore only available as a supplement or as traditional frankincense.

What forms and variants of boswellia are available?

Boswellia is almost always available as a capsule or tablet with a standardized extract. The main distinguishing factors are the amount of extract per capsule, expressed in milligrams, and the standardized percentage of boswellic acid. In our range, you will find variants of 400 mg, 800 mg, and high-dose extracts up to 1000 mg per daily dose, with percentages of boswellic acid that vary by product. Brands such as Swanson and Vit4ever offer pure Boswellia serrata, while Himalaya offers boswellia (also known as Shallaki) as an Ayurvedic tablet. Check the label for both the amount of extract and the percentage of boswellic acid.

Boswellia and turmeric: a commonly used combination

Boswellia is regularly combined with turmeric (Curcuma longa) in supplements, another plant extract from traditional Indian herbal medicine. One example is Swanson's Full Spectrum Boswellia and Curcumin, which combines both resins and root extracts in a single capsule. Such combinations are convenient if you want to use multiple plant extracts in one supplement. Would you prefer turmeric separately? Then check out our separate turmeric collection.

What does "serrata" mean and what are boswellic acids?

"Serrata" is the species name of Boswellia serrata and refers to the specific Indian species within the Boswellia genus; the term distinguishes this tree from related species such as Boswellia sacra or Boswellia carterii. Boswellic acids are the characteristic components of the resin, with AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) being the best-known example. The label of a supplement often states what percentage of boswellic acid the extract contains. This percentage indicates how concentrated the extract is and makes products comparable to one another.

When and how do you take boswellia?

Take boswellia in capsule or tablet form with plenty of water. Because boswellic acids are fatty substances, some users choose to take the supplement with a meal. Whether you take the daily dose all at once or spread it throughout the day depends on the product and the number of capsules per day. The packaging states how and when to take each supplement. Always follow the directions for use on the packaging.

Which boswellia do you choose?

Which product is right for you depends on your preference and how you want to use boswellia. When comparing, you generally look at the amount of extract per capsule in milligrams and the standardized percentage of boswellic acid, because these two together determine the strength. In addition, the form (capsule or tablet), any plant-based composition, and combinations with, for example, turmeric play a role. Standardization to a fixed percentage of boswellic acid makes products easily comparable to one another.

Who is boswellia suitable for?

Boswellia supplements are intended for adults who want to use this plant extract as a supplement to their diet. They are not suitable for children, and use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended without medical advice. Many boswellia products are plant-based; some, such as the Himalaya tablet, are suitable for vegans. Check the label if a plant-based composition is important to you.

Buying boswellia: what to look for?

When choosing a boswellia supplement, there are a few practical things to look out for. Look at the amount of extract per capsule or tablet in milligrams and the standardized percentage of boswellic acid, because both determine the strength of the product. Pay attention to the origin and purity of the extract and to any combinations with other plant-based substances such as turmeric. Finally, calculate the price per daily serving in relation to the package size. Boswellia falls under herbs and plants; for related products, also check out our Turmeric and Herbs & Plants collections.