Herb of the Month

Shallaki

Botanical Name : Boswellia serrata
Family: Burseraceae



 

Parts Used: The most important derivative of Boswellia Serrata tree is the Boswellia Gum Resin.

Boswellia serrata, or salai guggal extract is a powder extract of the gum of the Boswellia tree and contains a mixture of Boswellic acids. The gum resin from Boswellia serrata, i.e. frankincense, has been used in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
 

Origin of Herbs:  

It is found all over the India and used for centuries by Ayurvedic doctors. It is an Ayurvedic plant that contains anti-inflammatory terpenoids called boswellic acids.

Plant Description:

Boswellia Serrata is a medium sized tree with ash coloured papery bark. The leaves are like neem plant and have small white flowers. Boswellia Serrata tree, on injury, exudates an oleo-gum-resin known as Shalai Guggal or Indian Frankincense.

Healing power:

Shallaki or Boswellia serrata is an herbal extract well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic activities. Shallaki is effective in the treatment of the common ailments

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Lumbar spine

Rheumatic Disorders : 

Boswellia (Boswelya, Salai Guggul) is an Ayurvedic herb that contains anti-inflammatory triterpenoids called boswellic acid. Boswellic acids are effective in anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agents, for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, and low back pain.

Boswellia has a beneficial effect by suppressing the growth of the inflamed tissue, as well as preventing the breakdown of the surrounding connective tissue.

Boswellia Serrata's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce aching and stiffness, especially when associated with low back pain. Although research indicates that boswellia is best taken orally for this purpose, creams appear to be soothing as well.

Inflammatory bowel :

Boswellia may improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including abdominal pains, loose stools, and mucus and blood in the stools.

Other Uses: 

Boswellia may also be beneficial in asthmatics and may also reduce fluid retention associated with brain tumours. This fluid build-up is associated with the action of certain inflammatory chemicals (leukotrienes). Boswellia inhibits the production of these chemicals. Reduction of fluid retention around brain tumours has a beneficial effect on reducing the associated brain damage.

Boswellia gum has been also used for the treatment of diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, dysentery, diseases of the testes, and myriad of other disorders.

For more details on Shallaki Research click here........

Ayurvedic Supplements that contains Shallaki :