Shallaki – The Curing Resin
Shallaki is called Frankincense. Actually the botanical names Boswellia serrata ( Indian Frankinsence) and Boswellia carteri ( Bible Frankinsence) are synonymous. The medicinal uses of the gum extracted from these plants are the same. Both belong to the botanical family – Burseraceae. The vernacular names Boswellia serrata are :-
Sanskrit – Shallaki
Hindu – Lubam, Salai
Tamil & Telugu – Parangisambrani.
Boswelia sevrata is a moderate to large branching tree. It is found in many states of India, except Assam and W. Bangal. It is prominenthy grown is central and western India.
The trunk of this tree is the source of a gum – olibanum. This is extracted from the incisions in the bark, which are allowed to drain for about 3 months, before the true gum is collected.
Two types of Frankinsence are extracted.
1. The deep yellow – red male frankinsence and
2. Lighter yellow female frankinsence.
Frankinsence burns easily with a pleasant odour – it is used for incense in christian and Jewish churches. Ancient Egyptians were also usingit as incense but did not use it for embalming. In china it was used for treating leprosy. It has been used since ancient times to treat fevers, dysentry tumours, ulcers, disorders of the breast etc. Its modern uses include fumigants and perfume.
The purified compound obtained from the tree’s gummy resin ( oleoresin) is used traditionally in India for the treatment of chronic arthritis. This oleoresin contains essential oils, terpenoids and gum. The terpenoid portion contains Boswellia acids. The boswellia acids have anti – inflammatory action, comparable to NSAIDs.
Parts used: Bark, Gum.
Action:- Analgesic, anti – inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant.
Uses
? The gummy sap has been traditionally used for curing inflammation and arthritis. The key constituent of the resin is Beta – boswellic acid, which scientists have found to be an effective inhibitor of 5 Lox ( 5 – lipo oxygenase) inflammatory Enzyme. This finding made Boswellia known internationally as an anti – inflammatory drug, as good as NSAID ( nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug) but without side effects ( irration & ulceration of the stomach). Hence usage of shallaki is safe.
? Research conducted in India found that an extract of Boswellia was more beneficial, less toxic, and more potent than the standard drug of choice for rheunatic disorders, Ketoprofen. Boswellia was found to improve blood supply to the joints and is highly useful in case of rheumatoid Arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is more effective when combined with turmeric and zinc.
? It is also used as a tonic for general weakness and for Anorexia ( loss of appetite). It stimulates body immune system.
? It is also used to treat cough, chronic diarrhoea, piles, Ulcerative colics and bronchial Asthma
? It is also used in nervous debility.