Botanical Overview
Boswellia sacra (family Burseraceae) is a resinous tree native to the Arabian Peninsula, Horn of Africa, and surrounding regions including Somalia, Oman, Yemen, and Ethiopia. Its aromatic resin, commonly known as frankincense or olibanum, is the primary part used medicinally. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the bark and collecting the exuded gum.
Common names include Frankincense and Olibanum.
Energetics
This plant is traditionally considered warming and drying in nature. It has a bitter and aromatic taste with ascending and outward directionality. It is regarded as tonifying in its action.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Astringent
- Antimicrobial
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Digestive complaints
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Syndromes
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Respiratory congestion
TCM
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Phlegm
- Painful joints
Syndromes
- Qi stagnation
- Painful obstruction syndrome (Bi syndrome)
- Lung qi deficiency
Ayurveda
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Digestive disturbances
- Respiratory issues
Syndromes
- Vata and Kapha disorders
- Sandhivata (arthritis)
- Prameha (urinary disorders)
- Kaphaja disorders
Unani
- Respiratory inflammation
- Joint pain
- Digestive upset
Syndromes
- Sana-ul-buri (bronchial asthma)
- Waram (inflammation)
- Iltehab (infection)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The resin contains boswellic acids, terpenoids, essential oils, volatile oils, and other resins responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Resin gum: chewed or burned as incense
- Extracts standardized to boswellic acids: 300-500 mg 2-3 times daily
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe when used appropriately, but caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to lack of comprehensive safety data. Avoid in individuals with known hypersensitivity to Boswellia. Possible mild allergic reactions may occur. Monitor use alongside anti-inflammatory medications for additive effects.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers are established for Boswellia sacra.
Selected References
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition
- Plants For A Future Database: Boswellia sacra
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1
- Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, 2003
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph – Boswellia serrata