Indian frankincense comes from the sabal tree (Boswellia serrata). The greenish-pale bark of this large tree peels off in papery smooth strips.
When the bark is injured, a yellowish-brownish gum resin that solidifies into lumps is secreted. Harvesting takes place in March and June, the injuries are set months before. About kg of resin/year can be obtained per tree.
Phytotherapeutic use is made of the air-dried gum resin (Indian frankincense - Olibanum indicum), which is exuded when the trunk and branches are injured.
Not yet processed by the HMPC.
ESCOP monograph: for painful joint arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.
Ayurvedic medicine: Supportive treatment in chronic polyarthritis, remission treatment in inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease.
In clinical studies efficacy confirmed in inflammatory bowel disease. No final assessment and approval in Germany yet . Approved standardized preparations of foreign countries can be used in individual prescriptions.
Aromatherapy: The extracted essential oil is used for anxiety and tension states.