Remember frankincense, gold and myrrh from the classic Nativity story?

What the wise men knew as frankincense, today medical researchers know as Boswellia.

Boswellia is a gum-like resin scraped from the Boswellia serrata tree, native to India. It is burned for its sweet aroma as the highest quality incense. Yet, it is even more valuable as a natural medicine. Boswellia has been used to treat arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease.

An enzyme in your body called 5-Lipoxygenase transforms fatty acids into leukotrienes, which are molecules related to inflammation. However, too much of 5-Lipoxygenase sets off an inflammatory reaction in your body and can cause health hazards.

The sap from Boswellia contains a key compound known as AKBA. When ingested, this compound can help reduce inflammation.

Dr. Mike explains how the over-activity of 5-Lipoxygenase can have harmful effects on your body and the medical treatments stemming from Boswellia that can help address these effects.