Boswellia spp. (Frankincense)

Question 1

How do you recognise Frankincense?

Answer 1

A medium sized deciduous tree. Boswellia serrata Roxb. native to India has th emost research on it. Other Boswellia
species that occur in the horn of Africa are also known as frankincense.
**Worldwide demand for frankincense is greater than production – so there are both sustainability and substitution (is what you have the right species?)
concerns. **
Resin is lighter than myrrh, almost white, in bigger chunks.

Question 2

What are Frankincense’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Essential oil including pinene & phellandrone.
* Resin including boswellic acid. Boswellic acid inhibits the action of the mediators of inflammation eg cytokines and leukotrienes.
* Mucilage

Question 3

What family is Frankincense in?

Answer 3

A member of the Burseraceae.

Question 4

What is Frankincense good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Used as incense and in embalming. Main Bendle’s use is topical for cuts and wounds at festival first aid, like Myrrh.

Actions:
* Anti-inflammatory - and modulating immune system
* Anti-rheumatic.
* Hepatoprotective
* Astringent (and vulnerary)
* Expectorant (like myrrh)
* Anti-neoplastic - got applications in treatment of cancer
* Anti-viral.

Applications:
* Osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis - good for joint conditions.
* Wound care etc as above
* Ulcerative colitis.
* Chronic prostatitis.
* Asthma and COPD.
* In Ayurveda also used for gonorrhoea and syphilis, for GIT and liver diseases.
* Research being conducted re use in cancer and possibly in Alzheimer’s

Question 5

What is Frankincense’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Boswellia serrata

Question 6

What parts of Frankincense do you use?

Answer 6

Resin is collected by cutting the bark

Question 7

What safety issues might Frankincense have?

Answer 7

Safe herb

Question 8

What useful research does Frankincense have?

Answer 8

External links:

Frankincense: Understanding the Plant’s Diversity Is Key to Its Future
From Herbalgram.

An Update on Pharmacological Potential of Boswellic Acids against Chronic Diseases

Focusses upon constituents but gives a helpful overview.

Question 9

What remedies might you use Frankincense in?

Answer 9

• Dosage: best taken as capsules or tablets.
• Hard to administer in a tincture due to precipitation, again similar to Myrrh.
• In a capsule with turmeric, reishi to help with Alastair’s hand contracture.