Boswellia VS Turmeric (For Inflammation & Pain) – Which Is Better?

In this article, let's compare Boswellia VS Turmeric.

Which one works better for pain and inflammation?

As we all know, those problems can greatly impact our quality of life.

With that – we're going to discuss the following aspects about Boswellia and Turmeric:

• Which is more potent?
• What are their benefits?
• How do they work individually?

In that way, you will be guided in choosing the herb that will suit your need.

So if you want a detailed comparison, you're in the right place.

Note: This article includes references and studies on these 2 herbs.

#1 – Potency & Strength – WINNER: Turmeric

Firstly – we're going to talk about an important factor, which is potency and strength.

In this way, we can find out which herb can address pain and inflammation better.

Here's what we're going to be looking at:

• origin and physical features
• effects and potency

To give you a quick answer, both plants are pretty strong at this chapter.

They only differ in the 2 main aspects:

• how they target the reduction of inflammation
• their plant family and physical features

All in all, turmeric's anti-inflammatory effect is a bit above Boswellia's. Still, the difference isn't huge.

So with that – let's describe each herb further below.

1. Boswellia

Before anything else, here are the basic details about Boswellia:

• its common name is Indian Frankincense
• Boswellia serrata is its scientific name
• has yellowish or amber-colored resin
• its plant family is called Burseraceae
• it has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries

Now – the main active compound of Boswellia is called boswellic acid.

It's a pentacyclic triterpene that exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activities [1].

To be exact, it inhibits inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like 5-lipoxygenase [2].

In that way, it can stop the synthesis of leukotriene, which is an inflammatory mediator.

Consequently, this reduces pain and inflammation.

So that's why it's been considered one of the remedies for inflammatory issues.

2. Turmeric

On the other hand, here are the physical attributes of turmeric:

• it's commonly known as golden ginger
• Curcuma longa is its scientific name
• it has a bright yellow pigment
• Zingiberaceae is its plant family
• ancient people discovered its medicinal benefits and used it for years

Additionally – turmeric's active component is called curcumin [3].

Just like boswellic acid, it has anti-inflammatory benefits too.

It works by modulating the response of the immune system.

Also – it reduces the levels of enzymes and cytokines that cause inflammation [4].

The most notable enzymes are the iNOS, COX-2 and LOX.

After blocking them, it reduces inflammation, pain and other related symptoms.

At this point, it's probably the #1 natural anti-inflammatory among herbs (Boswellia is probably #2).

With that – a lot of people consider its promising benefits very helpful.

Conclusion

Overall – both Boswellia and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

The only differences are their main active compound and the enzymes they inhibit.

But their effects are the same when it comes to relieving pain and inflammation.

Sure enough – turmeric is a bit stronger, but not a lot more.

#2 – Clinical Studies & Research – DRAW

For the next part, let's look into the clinical studies and research behind Boswellia and turmeric.

To be exact, here are what we're going to talk about:

• the benefits of each plant
• types of inflammation they can help
• how to use them at their full potential

As I mentioned previously, both herbs target inflammation and pain.

But Boswellia and turmeric have both been subjected to several studies.

So even if they inhibit different enzymes, they can still produce similar relief.

However – the research also concluded that both of them have a poor bioavailability.

With that, it's crucial to take them with an absorption booster to maximize their effects.

1. Boswellia

As we all know, Boswellia has a lot of benefits for the body.

But there are some major reasons why it's so widely used:

• decreases joint pain and arthritis [5]
• improves digestive problems such as IBD [6]
• supports a better respiratory health [7]
• helps repair photodamaged and age-related skin issues [8]
• provides anti-cancer properties [9]

Additionally – most of these health problems are related to inflammation.

As I've mentioned, boswellic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.

So it's practical to seek help from Boswellia to relieve the symptoms related to them.

However – it's important to consider using an absorption enhancer.

That's because Boswellia has a very low bioavailability [10].

This means that it's metabolized before it can even reach your stomach and small intestines.

So if you want to maximize its benefits, choose a product that comes with a booster (like piperine).

That especially if you opt to take Boswellia as capsules.

2. Turmeric

As expected – turmeric also comes with major benefits comparable to that of Boswellia.

So let me list down the most notable effects of this herb:

• manages joint pain and swelling [11]
• suppresses allergic inflammation [12]
• reduces digestive inflammation [13]
• improves insulin resistance [14]
• targets inflammatory acne [15]

Again – these issues are rooted in inflammation and immune response.

But the symptoms can be lessened due to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.

It's because of how curcumin can inhibit the mediators that promote inflammation.

Now – just like Boswellia, turmeric also has a poor bioavailability [16].

So an absorption booster like piperine will help it reach the small intestines and stomach.

In that way – you can get its full concentration, so you can get its full potential.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the major benefits of Boswellia and turmeric are related to inflammation.

If you look at the research about them, you can see lots of similarities.

But you should remember that they have a poor bioavailability.

So if you want to get their full potential, always partner them with an absorption enhancer.

#3 – Side Effects – DRAW

As we all know, most of the herbs are not free from adverse reactions.

So Boswellia and turmeric are no exemption to that.

With that, let me explain below why both plants are the same under this category.

1. Boswellia

In another article, I mentioned the potential side effects of Boswellia.

To give you an idea, here are the risks it comes with:

• blood thinning
• stomach discomfort
• acid reflux
• allergic reactions

Now – the last 3 side effects above can be reduced by following some basic precautions.

Some of them include eating a meal before consuming Boswellia.

Also – you can find other alternatives if you're allergic to it.

Lastly, the most common question about Boswellia is related to its blood thinning proprieties.

Well – it doesn't directly affect blood, but it plays a vital role in platelet aggregation [17].

So just make sure to not take it concurrently with anticoagulant medicines.

Additionally, you can always ask your doctor if you have existing health conditions.

Overall – the side effects above rarely appear and can always be avoided by taking it correctly.

2. Turmeric

Let's also talk about turmeric's possible adverse reactions.

But to keep it short, I will just give you some common examples:

• teeth stain
• diarrhea
• allergic reactions
• blood thinning

Again – diarrhea and allergic reactions are pretty easy to avoid.

In terms of blood thinning, it's best to seek advice from your doctor before taking turmeric.

That especially if you're required to take prescription medications.

Now – it's normal to be curious if turmeric can stain your teeth.

The answer is yes, because of its strong yellow pigment that can adhere to your tooth enamel [18].

But it's not a major issue, since you can always steer clear of it with a good oral hygiene.

So overall – these are rare adverse reactions and will not appear in most cases.

But if they do, ask for medical help immediately.

Conclusion

To summarize, Boswellia and turmeric are just like any herb – not free from adverse effects.

But to be honest – they are considered generally safe for everyone.

With that, all of the issues mentioned above don't appear frequently.

#4 – Price – WINNER: Turmeric

Lastly – we're going to compare Boswellia and turmeric in terms of pricing:

• value for money
• affordability
• accessibility

So to give you a quick answer, turmeric is much better from this point of view.

Well – the major reason is that it ticked off all of the aspects above.

1. Boswellia

To make it more universal, I checked the prices of Boswellia on Amazon.

But I will focus specifically on Boswellia supplements:

• so far, the lowest price starts around $9 per bottle
• the most expensive one can go as high as $84/bottle

As you can see, the range of the prices mentioned above is pretty wide.

However – I advise you not to look only at the price tag and go straight to the most affordable one.

It's very important to consider the quality and the source of the product you're getting.

But honestly, there are not a lot of choices when it comes to Boswellia supplements.

That especially if you compare it to the availability of turmeric supplements.

Lastly – you can also notice that most Boswellia capsules are mixed with turmeric.

Only a few of them contain only the herb as the main active ingredient.

So if you still want to try it, make sure to look for the most credible ones to get the value of your money.

2. Turmeric

Meanwhile, here are the price of turmeric supplements I found on Amazon:

• around $7 per bottle is the lowest price (as of the moment)
• meanwhile, the highest price I found is around $115 for a bottle

From the info above, we can already conclude that turmeric has varied price tags.

You can get it for very low but it can also get so expensive.

But the good thing is that you have a lot of choices to choose from.

Because of that, it's more accessible and can be easily found.

But again – it's better to get the products that have high quality and not just stick to the lowest price.

Overall, you would surely get your money's worth, since turmeric is proven to be very helpful.

Conclusion

In summary, turmeric is better from this point of view, due to several reasons.

Again – it offers more options, it's easier to find and it's worth the money.

Now, Boswellia's benefits can also give you your money's value.

But it's slightly harder to get it, since the choices are not that many.

That's why between the two herbs, turmeric is better.

#5 – Top Product

Between the two, turmeric is considered the #1 anti-inflammatory herb.

So if you're looking for a supplement that contains it, I have the best recommendation.

I'm talking about Turmeric Curcumin Plus:

• formula contains a 95% curcumin
• proven to relieve inflammatory-related pain and symptoms
• also contains a high-quality version of BioPerine (as an absorption booster)
• easy to take every day
• very low chances of causing adverse reactions
• price is worth it for its high-quality features
• proven and recommended by a lot of people who tried it

As I mentioned, Boswellia also helps in reducing inflammation.

But since it's not that easy to find, you can never go wrong choosing a turmeric supplement instead.

Again – it's easier to find and there are a lot of choices available.

So with that, I highly suggest that you try Turmeric Curcumin Plus.

That's because of its potent and safe formulation that's really designed to address inflammation.