The cologne tree grows mainly in North Africa and India. In our country, they are small tree species that are grown especially in the Central Anatolia Region and can reach up to 8 meters in height. Akgünlük tree has a very strong structure and is long-lasting. The most distinctive feature of the tree is that when its trunk is touched, it emits a resin-like substance called aleoresin. Akgünlük plant is a kind of gum made from the resin obtained from these trees. It has been used in India’s traditional ayurvedeva medicine for many years.
What are the Benefits of Akgünlük Herb?
- The herbaceous plant is a rich source of boswellic acid, it provides benefits for the body in different ways.
- It is used to support the treatment of many types of cancer, especially lung diseases.
- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it helps to eliminate inflammation and edema in the body.
- If you swallow the bitter water that comes out by sucking Akgünlük gum in your mouth several times a day and continue this process for 15 days, you can see that the edema in your body disappears in a short time.
- If it is given to children with raisins, it opens the mind and prevents forgetfulness.
- It has been observed that Akgünlük gum is also very beneficial on psychosomatic disorders.
- It fights stress and helps relieve anxiety problems.
- It is also effective in the treatment of depression as it has antidepressant properties.
- It calms the person.
- If mixed with thyme and chewed, it provides benefits in a short time for people who have tongue-holding due to psychological reasons.
- Frankincense gum, which is also frequently preferred for hoarseness; It relieves hoarseness in a short time when consumed by chewing, making incense or mixing it with carrots.
1. Prevents cancer
The herb, which has a very important place in cancer treatment, is a potential cancer treatment that fights pain with its anti-inflammatory effects, as well as helping to stop the reactions of the immune system that cause inflammation and swelling. Frankincense extract is as effective a pain reliever as NSAII (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It gives successful results especially on prostate cancer cancer. In some studies, it has been observed that it prevents the spread of cancerous cells. In summary; Unlike many chemical drugs that cause side effects, it is a source of healing that has been used for centuries without complications and safely.
2. Prevents inflammation
There are boswellic acid and terpenes in the sap of the frankincense tree. However, it also contains protective components that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Terpenes are chemicals found in some plants that give off a strong odor. They are especially found in eucalyptus, basil and mint. With their strong aroma, they repel mosquitoes and insects and protect plants from environmental stress. By performing the same function in the human body, they prevent damage caused by free radicals.
Although the Akba T-lymphocytes in the Akgünlük plant work like NSAIDs, the mechanism of action of Akban is very different. It targets different inflammatory enzymes. Since the herb can better protect the integrity of the stomach and intestinal lining, it has much less side effects than NSAID pain relievers. In addition, the risk of toxicity is very low. The incensole substance in the plant also prevents the formation of tumors. This substance also acts as a natural antidepressant and anti-anxiety with its mood-balancing properties.
3. Strengthens the immune system
The immune system constantly produces different types of antibodies to fight against various diseases and antigens. However, sometimes this function can be disrupted and antibodies that fight their own body tissues, including the healthy tissues that make up the organs, can occur. This weakens the immune system and invites many diseases. Many studies have shown that frankincense extracts help treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and collagenous colitis. It has also been observed to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has been proven by research that it reduces inflammation and swelling caused by intestinal diseases, restores normal intestinal cell structures and helps to heal openings in the intestinal wall.
4. Protects skin health
Frankincense plant also offers healing effects on the skin. The beneficial compounds, boswellic acid and antioxidants in it are very successful in maintaining skin health. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many years in the treatment of skin inflammation and skin wounds. While restoring the elasticity of the skin of people whose skin is dry and stretched, it also helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles. It minimizes the effects of aging and removes age spots on the skin.
5. Relieves respiratory tract infections
Frankincense herb repairs the infections that occur in the respiratory tract and sinus channels. It quickly relieves the symptoms of cough and sore throat caused by ailments such as cold and flu. Studies have also shown that it helps reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. As an anti-inflammatory plant, it eliminates the intense amount of phlegm formed in the lungs and provides comfortable breathing. Studies have also shown that the Akgünlük plant has antiviral properties. So much so that it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to improve blood circulation, accelerate the healing process, and relieve the pain of bacterial and viral infections such as colds, flu, leprosy, gonorrhea.
How to Consume Akgünlük Herb?
Frankincense can be crushed and powdered, swallowed with water, mixed with water or drinks. At the same time, the herb, which is also sold in tablet form, can be consumed 3 times a day on a full stomach. In India, it is burned to give an aromatic scent when collected from the tree and to be used in medicinal treatments. These gummy resins collected to support the treatment are allowed to harden. Then, different usage areas are created according to the needs. How is the mulberry plant used? The bark of the Akgünlük plant can be used as a tonic and dessert. It is frequently used in cosmetic products, cream, perfume and soap making, which also provides benefits for the skin. Where is the mulberry plant sold? This medicinal herb is easily available from herbalists.
What are the Harms of Akgünlük Plant?
- If consumed in excess, it can cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Fenugreek is a plant that can be used topically. However, topical use in allergic bodies may cause skin inflammation.
- In rare cases, it can affect liver function and health when consumed in excessive amounts. It may cause some side effects by causing toxic effects.