Even in ancient times, people used the resins of trees for cult purposes. Accordingly, the word “incense“ comes from the Old High German term for “holy incense”. Today, “incense” is understood to mean both the smoke itself and the tree resins used for it. In ancient times, incense was used not only to honor the gods, but alsoalso for medicinal purposesIn India, frankincense is said to have been used 5000 years ago under the name “Salai Guggal”:especially against rheumatic complaints,Joint and muscle pain and arthritis.
What exactly is Indian Frankincense?
In the narrower sense, frankincense is the air-dried gum resin that is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, a plant genus within the family of balsam trees (Burseraceae). Only four of the presumed 24 species are used to make frankincense. They grow in Africa (Boswellia carterii,Boswellia papyrifera), on the Arabian Peninsula (Boswellia sacra) and in India (Boswellia serrata).For medicinal purposes, the resin extracted from Indian Boswellia trees is one of the bestBoswellia Serrata grows to heights of up to eight metres and owes its name to Dr James Boswell from the Edinburgh Botanical Garden. The addition “serrata” is derived from the Latin “serra” for “scissors” and refers to the serrated shape of the leaves of the Salai tree. When burned, its resin gives off a refreshing, lemony scent.
What is special about Indian incense?
Modern studies suggest thatthe resin acids of Indian frankincenseactually have positive effects on well-being, especiallythanks to their inhibitory properties in inflammatory processesIn a placebo-controlled double-blind study from 2019, evenanti-arthritic effects in humanswho suffered from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Use of Indian Frankincense
In ancient times, frankincense was considered a valuable commodity and was transported over long distances under good protection, especially along the so-called Frankincense Route, which stretched from Oman through Yemen and Gaza to Damascus. One important buyer was the Roman Empire. Here, frankincense was usedalso for wound cleaning andTreatment of respiratory diseasesUntil well into the 19th century, preparations made from frankincense resin were used for medicinal purposes in Europe, before they were replaced by new chemical-synthetic substances (especially antibiotics). Only in the last few decades has aReturn to natural remediesand on this basis, corresponding research is carried out.
What are the main ingredients of Indian Frankincense?
The “Indian frankincense” obtained from the Salai tree (Boswelli serrata) consists largely of resins and theResin acids such as boswellic, lupanic or tirucallenic acidIn addition, “Indian frankincense” contains essential oils such as α-thujene, β-myrcene and p-cymene as well as proteins.
What should I pay attention to when buying frankincense products?
If you want to buy products made from Boswellia sacra or Boswellia serrata, you can now choose from a wide range of products. You can find the corresponding preparations in stores asHard capsulesor in tablet form, often under the name olibanum when it is Bowellia sacra. The abbreviation h15 refers to resin extracts from the Indian Salai tree.A preparation from Gufic is approved as a medicinal product throughout India under the name H15 Ayurmedica. Make sure you take a sufficient dosage, although olibanum usually only contains the frankincense active ingredients (especially boswellic but also tirucallenic acids) in small doses.thorough check of the ingredients including the corresponding quantitiesis therefore recommended when looking for effective frankincense preparations.
