Turmeric + Boswellia = Dynamic Joint Health!
Turmeric is one of the trendiest herbal ingredients around due to its antioxidant powers and many health benefits—from supporting skin and digestive health to memory, mood, cognitive health and more. But one area where turmeric really shines is joint health.
Taking turmeric for joints isn’t a new practice. In fact, its use for joint health dates all the way back to early Chinese and Ayurvedic health traditions. And studies have confirmed those benefits, showing improved joint function and comfort after supplementing with either turmeric or curcumin, the active compound within turmeric that imparts most of its wellness benefits.1
But what’s even better for joints than taking turmeric alone? Pairing it with another scientifically-studied joint health herb: boswellia serrata.
What is Boswellia Serratta?
Boswellia is an herb that grows throughout the warmer parts of India. Like turmeric, it also has roots in Ayurvedic traditions, having been used for centuries for many health applications. Recent studies have identified several compounds within boswellia with powerful wellness properties, including boswellic acid, which research shows is particularly helpful for joint health and comfort.2
Joint Health Benefits of Turmeric
Thanks to antioxidant compounds within turmeric, such as curcumin, studies have shown that turmeric may inhibit enzymes that can contribute to joint discomfort, leading joint health experts to recommend 500 milligrams of turmeric twice a day for those focused on caring for their joints.3
Studies have also revealed that turmeric may offer long-term improvement to joint function and makes a great addition to traditional joint health solutions, but always check with your doctor before taking supplements for a specific health concern or in combination with medications.4
Why Pair Boswellia with Curcumin or Turmeric?
While both turmeric and boswellia offer clinically-proven joint health support on their own, research shows that taking them together may provide synergistic benefits for joints.5 The combination of boswellic acid, one of the beneficial compounds within boswellia that promotes joint comfort, with curcumin, the most potent antioxidant component of turmeric, may increase efficacy.5
One study involving a total of 210 participants aged 40 to 77 years over a period of 12 weeks revealed that while curcumin provided significant beneficial effects on joint comfort, curcumin with boswellic acid proved more effective, which researchers assumed was due to the synergistic effects of the two herbs.5
Learn About More Healthy Turmeric Pairings
Want to keep learning about the benefits of turmeric and other dynamic turmeric duos? Read Turmeric & Black Pepper: Why They’re Better Together and Turmeric with Ginger: The Perfect Pair for Overall Health.
About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Swanson Health Products
Lindsey is a nationally-recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for pie. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food.
Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and, ultimately, led her to Swanson Health.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
___________________________________________________Sources
1. Turmeric. Arthritis Foundation. Read source
2. Boswellia serrata. Science Direct. Read source
3. Turmeric. Heathline. Read source
4. Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin. PubMed. Read source
5. Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin. PubMed. Read source
Updated 3/4/22
