Hi David,

Thanks for your interest. Sorry to take so long to reply, but I've
been chatting off the board with another group member who is currently
trying Boswellia and wanted to get an update from them before posting.

I'm still seeing the following while taking Boswellic Acids:

1. A decrease in the number of Rosacea flares and almost complete
reduction of redness and what was near constant burning on my face
2. A very large reduction in sebum and P&P's - I'd agree with the
findings of reduced sebum by 65% and reduced papules, pustules and
acne by around 75%. I may be seeing even a better than 75% reduction
in P&Ps - I'm almost completely clear.
3. A reduction or elimination of of some of my triggers - heat and
hot showers are no longer seem to be a trigger - nor are hot liquids
4. Almost complete elimination of the Seb Derm on my scalp
5. Almost complete elimination of the odd KP like rash I had on my
stomach, arms and legs
6. Reduction in the number of headaches I usually get - I still have
not had one while taking Boswellia alone.
7. Clearing of allergy symptoms - almost complete clearing of sinuses
and itchy/wather eyes, etc.
8. Greatly increased hydration of my normally oily, yet very dry skin

The other group member reported positive results also.

I am still using Noritate nightly while taking the Boswellia, and I
continue to use a good quality cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen on
my face (in my case Topix Replenix products).

One of the possible side-effects with Boswellia (and Zileuton) is
dyspepsia and other gastric upset. As I posted earlier, I started
experiencing these side-effects after 10 days or so of use. The other
group member noticed them almost immediately. So we have been trying
different combinations of supplements to help prevent these
side-effects. As I posted earlier, I tried Ginger. It helped
prevent the gastric troubles, but after a couple of days, seemed to
decrease the effects of the Boswellia. It may be due to the COX
inhibitor qualities or the vasodilator qualities of Ginger. We both
tried Curcumin (a reportedly fairly potent COX inhibitor) and it made
us both flush when taken with the Boswellia. I also had a huge
headache after 2 doses of Curcumin, and didn't go away until I stopped
taking the Curcumin.

So long story short, we have currently been using calcium successfully
as an antacid. We've tried a couple of different forms of calcium,
and the Amino Acid Chelated form of Calcium Carbonate seems to work
the best. In fact Calcium Citrate didn't seem to work for the other
group member at all.

In summary, here is what I'm currently taking:

Nature's Herbs Boswellia in the form of Boswellin, trademarked by the
Sabinsa Corporation. Nature's Herbs is a division of TwinLabs. The
supplements contain 250mg of Boswellia serrata Gum Extract
standardized for 60% boswellic acids (or 150mg of Boswellic
Acids). I take it 3x per day along with 1/2 of a 250mg cheap store
brand Amino Acid Chelated Calcium Carbonate supplement. I take both
with meals. The other group member is currently taking a whole 250mg
Amino Acid Chelated Calcium Carbonate supplement along with the
Boswellia, 3x per day.

Since dyspepsia (heartburn) and gastric upset are listed as only a
"possible side-effects" of Boswellia, not everyone may need the
calcium supplement.

Here are links about the usage of Boswellia and Calcium.

Boswellia:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/348745.html?

The Herb PDR also lists the following about Boswellia:

1. retrosternal burning - burning behind the sternum or breastbone
(heartburn)
2. nausea
3. epigastric pain
4. abdominal fullness
5. anorexia
6. dermatitis - although I've read elsewhere where studies have
linked this to other ingredients in multi-ingredient supplements.
7. gastritis - which seems to be the most common side-effect
8. Warnings about interactions with Ace Inhibitors and Cholesterol
lowering drugs


Calcium:

http://www.usadrug.com/IMCAccess/ConsSupplements/Calciumcs.shtml#Precautions
Be sure to read the precautions and possible interactions of calcium
too as there are several.


Finally, several have asked. Due to the possible side-effects
Accutane has on the liver as well as its sebun reducing effects, I
don't think it would be wise to take Boswellia while taking Accutane.
Also, it might be risky to take Boswellia while undergoing laser
treatment. I'm not really certain about this, so check with your
doctor to be sure. If anyone finds an answer to this, please let us
know...

I'll continue to post updates periodically or if anything changes.
Also, I will continue to watch for a product with 5-Loxin as a sole
ingredient as this product contains just the
acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid derrived from Boswellia Serrata,
and studies seem to indicate this is the most potent inhibitor of
5-LOX. It appears that the COX inhibitors that several manufacturers
currently mix 5-Loxin with make at least some of us Rosaceans flush.
It would be nice to get a "pure" 5-Loxin supplement that everyone
might be able to use (although 5-Loxin may not be as effective as
Boswellia Serrata - only trial would tell).

If anyone else is trying Boswellia, please post and let us know your
progress (positive or negative).

Hope this helps...

Dan




--- In rosacea-support@yahoogroups.com, "dscher11" <david@s...> wrote:
>
>
> Hey Dan,
>
> Just wanted to see if you are still taking boswellia and see how
> everything was going while on it. I was quite interested since your
> last posts on the herb, that after IPL treatments i might give it a
> go! Any adverse side effects yet?
>
> Thanks,
>
> David