Just like people, pets experience pain for a variety of reasons.
Commonly, pets with arthritis or old injuries feel chronic pain.
How do you know your pet is in pain?
Typically, dogs or cats will lick the affected area, whimper, limp, not eat, or appear otherwise impaired.
Many pain killers for pets have unpleasant side effects, much like medicines for people.
For example, pharmaceuticals or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often cause excessive sleepiness and upset stomach.
However, some natural remedies effectively help your pet without causing undue sickness.
Some herbs, such as Frankincense extract, address the cause of the pain, which is often inflammation.
Frankincense extract, which you may be familiar with from the Bible, is an excellent all natural pain killer.
This magic herb works great in humans and animals.
How does it work?
Let’s find out.
What Is Frankincense Extract?
Frankincense is also known as Boswellia.
The Boswellia plant grows in Africa, India, and the Middle East.
For thousands of years, people made perfumes and oils from the plant.
Hardened gum resins sourced from Boswellia trees make Frankincense oil.
This powerful herb is excellent for treating pain specifically associated with arthritis.
Does Frankincense Extract Alleviate Pain In Dogs and Cats?
In a study conducted on dogs, Frankincense gave noticeable relief.
The dogs in the study suffered from osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions.
After receiving two weeks of treatment with Frankincense extract, the dogs showed 71% improvement in symptoms, according to researchers.
With six weeks of continued treatment, the dogs experienced decreased lameness and increased smoothness of gait.
How Does Frankincense Work?
Frankincense contains compounds that decrease glycosaminoglycan degradation and inhibit mediators of autoimmune disorders.
These functions slow the progression of cartilage damage in arthritic joints.
Additionally, research shows boswellic acid blocks the pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes.
This enzyme contributes to chronic inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cancer, and asthma.
By blocking the enzyme, boswellic acid reduces inflammation, preventing cartilage loss.
Other Benefits For Pets
Additionally, Frankincense offers pets a number of other health benefits!
These include cancer fighting, antimicrobial and anti-depressive benefits.
According to a study published in BMC Complement Altern Med, Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri fought bladder cancer cells.
Another study published by Lett Appl Microbiol., proved the antimicrobial effects of select frankincense and myrrh oils.
Frankincense also causes anti-depressant effects, according to a study published in FASEB J.
The anti-depressant effect is not a new phenomenon.
In fact, the resin of Boswellia is mentioned in texts from the ancient Middle East, ancient Egypt, ancient Greeks, Christendom from the fourth and fifth centuries, the Jewish Talmud and Ethiopia.
Studies confirm the analgesic and sedative effects in rats.
Does Frankincense Extract Have Side Effects?
A correct Frankincense extract dosage shows mild but uncommon side effects, including possible mild diarrhea or flatulence.
How to Use Frankincense Extract on Dogs
The benefits of Frankincense extract for dogs are often revealed when it is combined with other compounds.
For example, a supplement including Yucca, Cornus, and Meadowsweet would most effectively help your pet.
Seeking an all-natural supplement to alleviate pain in your dog?
Learn more about PET | TAO’s Comfort Supplement.
