Several naturally occurring acids have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. One well known fatty acid, Omega 6, has primarily been touted for its heart benefits, but is also recognized as an anti-inflammatory. The famous Frankincense tree produces a sap that contains a promising anti-inflammatory, Boswellic acid. These naturally occuring substances may have the potential to treat painful inflammatory conditions. Boswellic acid has been shown to penetrate the skin and effect the surrounding tissues when applied topically, whether or not Omega 6 does the same thing has yet to be clearly demonstrated.

Omega 6 (Gamma-Linolenic Fatty Acid) is rich in the following foods; flaxseeds,walnuts,salmon,soy,squash,avocado,eggs,nuts,borage oil,hemp oil,sunflower oil,pumpkin seeds, and more. Hemp oil is one of the best natural sources of Omega 6 and it has been praised for its ability to relieve inflammation when consumed with food or used for massage.

Boswellic acid is actually composed of many individual acids contained within the sap of the Frankincense tree. These acids work by inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes that cause inflammation. In particular the acids have been shown to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme resulting in potent anti-inflammatory effects. The essential oil of Frankincense contains a high percentage of these acids, when applied topically they are able to penetrate the skin into the surrounding tissues relieving inflammation. The Boswellic acids are also available in pill form and are recommended to be taken with food.

If you suffer pain caused by inflammation, these naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds may be beneficial. Hemp oil has many cooking applications and is commonly used as a massage oil. Frankincense oil is added to several anti-inflammatory massage oil blends.

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• RAmmon, HP; Safayi, H., Mack, T., Sabieraj, J. (1993). "Mechanism of antiinflammatory actions of curcumine and boswellic acids". Journal of Ethnopharmacology (International Society of Ethnopharmacology) 38 (2-3): 113–9.

• Ammon, HP (2002). "Boswellic acids (components of frankincense) as the active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases". Wien Medizinsche Wochenschrift (Springer-Verlag Wien) 152 (15-16): 373–8. 

• Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2006 Dec;7(6):531-4.
  "Gamma linolenic acid: an antinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid."
  
  
  written - 10/28/2009 - owner of Bartenblends.