Botanical Overview
Latin Name: Boswellia serrata
Family: Burseraceae
Parts Used: Gum resin
Common Names: Indian frankincense, Salai, Shallaki
Energetics
Temperature: warming
Moisture: drying
Tastes: bitter, pungent
Directionality: ascending, outward
Tonicity: relaxing
Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Astringent
- Immunomodulatory
Indications
Western
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Asthma
- Ulcerative colitis
Syndromes
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Degenerative joint disease
- Autoimmune disorders
TCM
- Painful joints
- Swellings
- Lung congestion
Syndromes
- Bi syndrome (painful obstruction)
- Lung Qi deficiency
Ayurveda
- Joint stiffness
- Inflammation
- Digestive disturbances
Syndromes
- Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Kaphaja disorders
- Vata imbalance
Unani
- Joint pain
- Respiratory issues
Syndromes
- Musculoskeletal inflammation
- Catarrhal conditions
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains boswellic acids, essential oils, terpenoids, and resin acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered resin 300-500 mg 2-3 times daily
- Standardized extract (boswellic acids 30-65%) 100-300 mg 2-3 times daily
- Topical preparations as needed
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. May have additive effects with anti-inflammatory drugs. Avoid if allergic to Boswellia species.
Astrological Correspondences
Not established due to lack of consistent authoritative sources.
Selected References
- Boswellia serrata: anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties – Sharma et al., 2011
- WHO Monograph on Boswellia serrata, 1999
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2001
- Plants For A Future Database