Aging is a part of life. As we age, our body naturally starts to break down over the span of several years. But modern-day diet and lifestyle stressors can accelerate this process. When the body breaks down at a faster rate, the aging rate does too. Luckily, there are things we can do to support the aging process, and perhaps even slow it down.
When we focus on balancing healthy levels of inflammation in the body, we can start to look and feel younger for longer. Using Indian frankincense has been shown to help combat the effects of aging. Also known as Boswellia, this powerhouse ingredient has been clinically proven to support the aging process by improving an array of inflammatory-related conditions.
Indian frankincense is a gum resin extracted from the Boswellia tree for its medicinal properties. Dating back centuries, frankincense has been used in cultural ceremonies and traditional medicine, as well as in contemporary medicine to reduce increased levels of inflammation and support joint, abdominal and lung health. It can be applied topically as an oil, inhaled or taken as a nutritional supplement.
Boswellic acids present in Indian frankincense contain properties that fight inflammation, studies have shown. Frankincense helps reduce the level of leukotrienes in the body, natural chemicals involved in the immune response that, at high levels, can create or worsen inflammatory issues. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that chronic inflammation is the common factor in stress-related illnesses.
Life expectancy for the world's population may be increasing, but so is our experience with the impact of stress. With lifestyle, immune, environmental or genetic stressors causing constant strain on our body, overall functioning and cell integrity declines more rapidly over time. These factors increase inflammation throughout the body, which can lay the groundwork for a variety of adverse conditions as well as exacerbate the aging process.
Although inflammation generally has a bad reputation, and rightfully so when levels are high in the body, the inflammatory response is actually a protective, first-line-defense process. To help keep inflammation at healthy, balanced levels, however, it's important to include an abundance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, such as wild-caught fish, organic fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds.
Adding high-quality nutritional supplements that contain frankincense (often listed as Boswellia on the ingredients panel) can also help stave off inflammatory conditions that accelerate aging. To increase your resilience to stress, you can also try to incorporate the regular practice of restorative activities like meditation, yoga, journaling and spending time in nature.
Frankincense has also been studied for its anti-aging effects on the skin. Its oil is popular as a skin treatment due to its antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Research has also found that topical application of frankincense oil (combined with a carrier oil like jojoba) was shown to boost anti-aging skin effects by reducing irritation, improving elasticity and softening fine lines.
