- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (India)
- Sanskrit
- Shallaki
- Other names
- Salai guggul
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 444
Boswellia serrata
Herb · Asia
Indian frankincense
Boswellia serrata
Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, diuretic, aromatic, soothing, mildly laxative, cleansing, promotes menstruation; for chronic lung diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, menstrual complaints, gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids, liver disorders.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Gum resin 2–3 g; oil 1–1.5 ml; bark decoction 56–112 ml; paste with coconut oil or lemon juice externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Shallaki. The resin of this tree (salai guggul) is an important raw material for incense in India. Extracts have been studied in osteoarthritis and appear to reduce pain and stiffness, with studies of varying quality.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cooling, diuretic, aromatic, soothing, mildly laxative, cleansing, promotes menstruation; for chronic lung diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, menstrual complaints, gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids, liver disorders; externally on ulcers, boils and ringworm.
Preparation and amount
Gum resin 2–3 g; oil 1–1.5 ml; bark decoction 56–112 ml; paste with coconut oil or lemon juice externally.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and paste