Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Burseraceae (Frankincense family)
  • Common Names: Indian Frankincense, Salai, Shallaki
  • Parts Used: Resin (gum extract)

Boswellia is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. It produces a fragrant resin, commonly known as frankincense, which has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for joint health, inflammation, and immune support.

Constituents

  • Boswellic Acids – Potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds.
  • Essential Oils – Calming and antimicrobial properties.
  • Polysaccharides – Support immune function and gut health.
  • Triterpenes – Have antioxidant and healing effects.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Boswellia has been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medicine for arthritis, joint pain, and respiratory health.

General Medicinal Actions
  • Anti-inflammatory – Reduces joint swelling and pain.
  • Analgesic (Pain Relief) – Supports conditions like arthritis and muscle injuries.
  • Immune Modulator – Helps with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
  • Digestive Support – Used for colitis, ulcers, and irritable bowel conditions.
  • Respiratory Health – Beneficial for asthma and chronic coughs.

Equine Use of Boswellia

Benefits for Horses

Boswellia is commonly used in equine herbal medicine, especially for joint health and inflammation.

  1. Arthritis & Joint Support – Reduces stiffness and inflammation in older or arthritic horses.
  2. Muscle & Tendon Recovery – Aids performance horses in post-exercise recovery.
  3. Respiratory Support – Helps horses with chronic coughs or inflammatory airway disease (IAD).
  4. Digestive Aid – May help with gastric ulcers and inflammatory gut conditions.
Precautions
  • Not for pregnant mares (may affect uterine contractions).
  • May interact with blood-thinning medications.
  • High doses may cause mild digestive upset.

Canine Use of Boswellia

Benefits for Dogs

Boswellia is widely used in canine joint support formulas, especially for arthritis, pain relief, and inflammation.

  1. Arthritis & Mobility Support – Reduces joint pain and stiffness in senior dogs.
  2. Pain Relief for Injuries – Helps dogs with sprains, strains, or post-surgical recovery.
  3. Gut Health – May help with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis.
  4. Respiratory Support – Can aid dogs with asthma or chronic coughing.
Precautions
  • Avoid in pregnant or lactating dogs.
  • Monitor for digestive upset at higher doses.
  • May interact with blood-thinning medications.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Boswellia

Boswellia is not native to the UK or Isle of Man, but frankincense resin has a long history in European folklore, religious rituals, and healing traditions.

UK Folklore
  • Sacred & Protective Herb – Frankincense (Boswellia resin) was burned in churches to ward off evil spirits.
  • Used in Medieval Medicine – Boswellia was imported and used by apothecaries for wound healing and joint pain.
  • Royal Herb – Frankincense was considered a gift fit for kings (famously given to baby Jesus by the Wise Men).
Isle of Man Folklore
  • Rare but Symbolic – Frankincense was not native to the Isle of Man, but burning fragrant resins was part of Manx spiritual cleansing rituals.
  • Used for Purification – Similar to Rowan wood or sage, frankincense was believed to clear away negative energy and sickness.
  • Connection to the Sea – Some Manx traditions associated fragrant woods and resins with blessings for sailors and protection from storms.

Conclusion

Boswellia is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb, widely used for joint, digestive, and respiratory health in horses and dogs. Though not native to the UK or Isle of Man, its resin (frankincense) has deep cultural and spiritual significance in European and Manx folklore.

Digestion

Inflamation

Mobility

Respiratory

Wellbeing

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