SafePlants

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)

Indian Frankincense, also known as Boswellia serrata, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. This plant yields a resin with a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant produces a sticky resin.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the plant produces a sticky resin.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Boswellia serrata
• Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the text but is implied through context (resin producing trees)
• Synonyms/Common Names: Indian Olibanum, Dhup, Salai, Salai Guggul, Boswellin

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to India and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Commonly found in dry, mountainous regions of India, including Rajasthan.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Boswellia serrata is described as a large, branching tree.
• Occasionally has small white blossoms.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• Long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine in India, where it's known as Gaja-bhaksha in Sanskrit and Sallaki.
• Used in the Middle East for religious rituals and healing for thousands of years.
• Traditionally used to combat inflammation.
• Specifically used in treatments for arthritis and osteoarthritis, with clinical trials exploring its effectiveness.

Quirky Facts

• In Sanskrit, Indian Frankincense is known as "Gaja-bhaksha," which translates to "elephant's food."
• Frankincense has a good balsamic sweet fragrance, while the Indian frankincense oil has a fresh scent.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The oleo-gum-resin is excreted when the tree is injured.

Further Information

• WebMD is mentioned as a resource for patient medical information.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica has updated online encyclopedia with hundreds of thousands of articles.