Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Common Names: Indian Frankincense, Salai Guggul, Shallaki
  • Parts Used: Resin (oleo-gum resin)

Description

Boswellia serrata is a deciduous tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. The resin obtained from its bark has been widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune-modulating properties. It is most known for its benefits in joint health, respiratory conditions, and digestive support.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating arthritis, respiratory issues, and digestive disorders.
  • Traditionally employed as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain and muscle stiffness.
  • Used as incense for spiritual and religious ceremonies due to its aromatic resin.

Constituents

  • Boswellic acids (AKBA – Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid)
  • Essential oils
  • Polysaccharides
  • Triterpenoids
  • Flavonoids

Actions

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Analgesic (pain-relieving)
  • Antimicrobial
  • Expectorant
  • Adaptogenic
  • Digestive tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Joint and Inflammatory Conditions:
Boswellia is widely used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory joint pain, helping reduce stiffness and improve mobility.

2. Respiratory Health:
Acts as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent for asthma, bronchitis, and chronic respiratory conditions.

3. Gut and Digestive Support:
Supports gut lining integrity, reduces inflammation in conditions like IBS and ulcerative colitis, and promotes healthy digestion.

4. Immune and Autoimmune Support:
Modulates the immune response, making it beneficial for autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.

5. Cognitive and Mood Support:
Research suggests neuroprotective benefits that may support memory, focus, and mood stabilization.

Preparation and Dosage

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of tincture taken up to 3 times daily.

Capsules/Powder:

  • 300-500 mg of standardized extract (containing 60-70% boswellic acids) taken 1-3 times daily.

Resin Use:

  • Can be chewed in small amounts or used as incense for respiratory benefits.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
  • Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: May cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals.
  • Blood-Thinning Effects: May interact with anticoagulant medications; consult a healthcare provider before use.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic Medicine: Balancing to Vata and Kapha, but may increase Pitta in excess.
  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Warming and drying; used for inflammation and respiratory health.

Combinations

  • For Joint Support: Combine with turmeric and ginger.
  • For Respiratory Health: Combine with licorice and mullein.
  • For Digestive Support: Combine with fennel and triphala.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Resin is collected from mature trees by making incisions in the bark.
  • Drying: Dried naturally in the open air before being ground into powder or used whole.
  • Storage: Store resin or powder in an airtight container away from moisture and heat.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Boswellia serrata’s anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in joint health, respiratory conditions, and digestive disorders, supporting its traditional uses.

Boswellia remains a highly valued herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for joint pain, inflammation, and respiratory health.