SafePlants

Boswellia: The Frankincense Tree

Boswellia is a genus of trees well-known for producing fragrant resin, particularly frankincense. This resin has a long history of use in traditional medicine and religious ceremonies.

Considerations for Pets

• Boswellia is included in some nutraceutical joint support supplements for dogs and cats.

Considerations for Children

• Frankincense is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Boswellia
• Common Names: Frankincense, Indian Frankincense
• Order: Sapindales
• Species examples: Boswellia serrata, Boswellia sacra, Boswellia papyrifera

Distribution and Habitat

• Boswellia serrata is native to India, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.
• Boswellia papyrifera is found in Central and Eastern Africa.

Traditional Uses

• The resin of Boswellia species has been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies and in medicines for a very long time.
• In Indian herbal medicine, the gummy resin has been used internally as a treatment for arthritis, bursitis, and nervous diseases.
• It has been used in Africa and India for many years for well-being and skin health.
• It has a long history of use for connective tissue and joint support.
• Boswellia is mentioned as a pain remedy in ancient Sanskrit texts.
• It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

Morphological Characteristics

• Boswellia serrata is described as a large branching tree.
• The trunk is tapped for its resin.

Pharmacological Properties and Uses

• The resin is known for its pharmacological uses, particularly as an anti-inflammatory.
• It may reduce inflammation in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Boswellic acids, particularly AKBA (acetyl-keto-boswellic acid), are components of the resin and have shown promise as anti-inflammatory agents.
• The resin has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent useful for arthritis and bursitis.

Quirky Facts

• Frankincense is named in the Bible as one of the three gifts given to the baby Jesus.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia.com has Boswellia articles, videos, and information.