To demonstrate the dramatic effects Boswellia can achieve, I would like to share one of our many success stories. Michelle, a 28 year old female came to this clinic with a diagnosis of rhuematoid arthritis in November of 1996. She was prescribed 20 mg of Prednisolone per day. She has a history of Asthma and was also taking ventolin and other pharmacueticals. After looking at her health history and the results of blood tests we put Michelle on a Panch Karma treatment to cleanse her body of toxic materials with herbal massages, saunas, fasting, purging and colonic treatment. While on the treatment she was prescribed two Boswelya Plus tablets three times a day, one Livit-2 tablet three times a day, one Ashwagandha capsule three times a day, and Neem. We were able to lower the Prednisolone to 5 mg per day in three months. Then she decided to go on the Pacific Crest Trail to hike the entire trail from Mexico to Canada on foot. She has already started and last we heard has already covered about three hundred miles of the trail. And she is now off Prednisolone. She is doing great taking the herbs alone. On the average she is hiking twenty miles a day.

Boswellia affects two classes of arachidonic acid derived mediators of inflammation; prostaglandins and leukotriens. PGE2 (a cyclooxygenase product) mediates pain and edema, PGE2a mediates VSO and bronchoconstriction and PGE1 reduces fever and pain.

Studies show that the leukotriene pathway, in which 5-lipoxygenase, the key enzyme, is involved in the initiation and continuation of various inflammatory diseases. These include rheumatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bronchial asthma, psoriasis. The active ingredient of boswellia effectively blocks the synthesis of 5-lipoxygenase thereby inhibiting the inflammation process.

Both clinical and experimental trials of Boswellia serrata indicate that it produces none of the side-effects (gastric irritation, ulcers, and effect on heart rate and blood pressure) associated with most anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic drugs, or even minor irritations.

The gum-resin of boswellia contains isomers of alpha, beta, and 11-keto-beta boswellic acid and acetyl derivatives. It also contains xylose, terpinols, arabinose, galactose, essential oils, uranic acid, and beta sitosterol.

The boswellia resin has shown immunomodulatory effects. In one study, it inhibited the infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and reduced pleural exudate in carrageenan induced inflammation in rats while showing no cytotoxic effects. (Reddy 161-164)

Ethanolic extracts of the boswellia resin have produced anti-arthritic activity in formaldehyde, adjuvant induced arthritis in rats as well as BSA induced arthritis in rabbits, without producing analgesic or anti-pyretic effects. Boswellia extracts also reduced carrageenon induced paw edema in normal rats and mice as well as in adrenalectomized rats. (Safayhi 1143-1146; Ammon 203-207)

For More Information:

Ammon, H.P.; Mack, T., Singh, G.B.; Safayhi, H. "Inhibition of Leukotriene B4 Formation in Rat Pertoneal Neutrophils by an Ethnolic Extract of the Gum Resin Exudate of Boswellia Serrata." Planta Med, June 1991, 57 (3) pp. 203-207. ibid

Reddy, D.K.; Chandrakasan, G.; Dhar, S.C. "Effects of Salai Guggal ex-Boswellia serrata on Cellular and Hormonal

Immune Responses and Leucocyte Migration." Agents

Summer is a season of outdoor fun in the Pacific Northwest. With four national parks within easy driving distance from Seattle there is a lot to choose from. Vat, Vat-Pit, Kaph, and Kaph-Vat personalities enjoy this summer season much more than their Pit counterpart. The Pit personality is not at all crazy about summer. They don’t like the heat or the intensity of the sun. There are certain things though, that Pit people can do to remain balanced during the summer. For one, pay special attention to the intake of fluids. Pit personalities need to drink at least six glasses of fluids per day, which should include 1-2 glasses of fruit juice and herbal tea. Drinking fluids can help keep the Pit individual cool and hydrated. If the drinks are cold, that’s even better. Basically, avoid heat, stimulants, and alcohol. I must stress that alcohol can be one of the worst things for a Pit personality, and can cause liver inflammation. Alcohol is like a poison during the summer. Even small quantities can harm the Pit constitution. Frozen yogurt, or lassi ( 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt, 1 cup water & 1 tblsp of honey per serving) can be beneficial and pleasant as a relief from the heat..

Consume less foods which are salty, sour, pungent or hot in nature such as spices like black pepper, cayenne, and garlic. Also do less physical exercise during summer, this is especially true for the Pit personality. Try to avoid direct heat from the sun. If you are a Pit personality, try to sleep outside in the fresh air, whenever possible. The next best thing is to sleep in a room filled with fresh cut flowers. The scent of sandalwood is also has a balancing effect on the Pit personality. Sexual activity is to be curbed during the summer. Early morning and late evening walks are considered very beneficial. Spending time in gardens and swimming in fresh lakes is highly recommended. Also, hanging garlands of flowers is helpful in maintaining your balance during the summer. The garlands can be made with some fresh flowers or herbs and have a calming effect on the body. Also you should wear clothes with lighter colors because dark colors absorb the heat and are especially harmful to Pit personalities. Aroma therapy with sandalwood, khus, or gardenia is also recommended during this season. Pit and Vat personalities can take naps during the day and benefit from it. Kapha personalities however should not take naps because it can cause sluggishness, mucus drainage, and other sinus problems.

Ayush Herbs Inc. (India) was awarded the Best of Industry Award by the government of Himachal Pradesh India on June 11th, 1997. The award was recieved for innovation in technology, quality assurance, providing jobs, and environmental conservation. Ayush Herbs Inc. was established by the Sodhi brothers in 1988, under the guidance and vision of Dr. Virender Sodhi to provide a source of quality herbs for the growing health food and nutritional supplements market.

Mr. Jitender Sodhi, president of Ayush Herbs in India said while recieving the award; "This award is a dream come true for the Sodhi family. It has been a long time wish for us to involve struggling farmers who have traditionally grown only wheat and corn and to teach them to grow high quality herbs. This has made a difference in their lives by making them more financially stable."

R.U.Ved™ will begin supplying retailers locally, nationally & internationally in August of this year. Included in the R.U.Ved™ product line are three new herbal blends specially formulated to help the three Ayurvedic constitution types balanced. These include "PROVATA™" to help with Vata imbalance, "PROPITA™" to help with Pita imbalance, "PROKAPHA™" to help with Kapha imbalance.

Diet is an important aspect of the Ayurvedic healing process. Every cell in your body is created and nourished by the food that you eat. However the diet that is most healing for someone else may not be right for you. To promote good digestion, it is important to consider how you eat as well as what you eat. Eating the correct foods for your unique constitution, in the most congenial atmosphere possible, will help balance your constitution and promote proper digestion.

Recently a 43 year old woman who had been undergoing a lot of stress had a high level of liver enzyme when she was seen at this clinic. The health history and medical examination revealed no explanation for the high levels of liver enzyme.

The hepatitis tests came up negative. It was during discussion that she mentioned her use of Tylenol PM and some alcohol. She was taking Tylenol PM to help her sleep at night and was having a few drinks now and then to help her relax. She was treated with Livit-2 and after four weeks her liver enzyme levels were back to normal.

(425) 771-6300 Animal Hospital of Lynnwood