Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata)
Synopsis of Indian frankincense
Indian frankincense, also known as Boswellia serrata, is a resin-producing tree native to India and parts of the Middle East. The gum resin, known as salai guggul in Ayurveda, is tapped from the bark and used for its powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and joint-supporting properties. The resin contains active compounds called boswellic acids, particularly acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which have been shown to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of inflammatory leukotrienes.
Boswellia is best known for its use in supporting joint health and managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and asthma. It helps reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and may also protect against cartilage degradation. Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), boswellia does not irritate the stomach lining and may be safer for long-term use.
In addition to joint and respiratory health, boswellia is used to support brain inflammation, memory, and cognitive clarity, and is being studied for its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer due to its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic actions.
Boswellia is typically consumed in capsule, tablet, extract, or resin form, often standardized to a certain percentage of boswellic acids (e.g., 65%).
Historical Use
Boswellia has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Middle Eastern medicine. In Ayurveda, it is classified as Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Ushna (heating), and is traditionally used to reduce Vata and Kapha, particularly in conditions involving pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.
It was often used alongside other resins and herbs—such as guggul, turmeric, and ashwagandha—to treat arthritis, respiratory conditions, wounds, and menstrual disorders. In Ayurvedic classics like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, salai guggul is cited for its ability to purify the blood, strengthen joints, and heal ulcers and inflammatory lesions.
Boswellia resin has also played a role in religious and ceremonial contexts, valued for its aromatic qualities when burned as incense, symbolizing purification and spiritual connection.
Today, Indian frankincense is a well-researched botanical used worldwide as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief agent, offering a plant-based alternative to NSAIDs with a long history of use and increasing scientific validation.
Indian frankincense is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Backache (Scientific)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cartilage Damage (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (sinus) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Influenza (Traditional)
Injuries (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Lupus (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional )
Migraine (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Indian frankincense is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Lungs (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
