Indian frankincense comes from a frankincense tree called Boswellia serrata, whose resin is also known as olibanum or frankincense.
What Is Indian Frankincense?
Worldwide there are 16 subspecies of the frankincense tree (Boswellia genus) – Boswellia serrata is one of them. The various Boswellia species are found above all in southern countries: in West Africa (Togo, Nigeria, Ghana), in Ethiopia, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia, and – as the name "Indian frankincense" already suggests – in India.
Ingredients of Indian Frankincense
Besides olibanum (the resin) and boswellic acids, Indian frankincense contains numerous essential oils as well as other natural components:
- Boswellic acids and olibanum (the resin itself)
- Essential oils such as verbenone, limonene, verbenol, phellandrene, camphene, pinene, cadinene, borneol, olibanol, n-cymene and dipentene
- Further components: bitter substances, sterols, lupanic acids, monosaccharides and gum
Obtaining the Resin & Significance in Antiquity
To reach the precious resin, the bark of the Boswellia serrata tree is cut about six to eight centimetres deep. The resin then slowly seeps out of the bark. After harvesting, it must be air-dried for a few weeks before the dry lumps of resin can be collected.
Because the frankincense tree prefers desert and mountainous regions and is therefore very demanding, it is difficult to cultivate. In antiquity, olibanum was consequently one of the most significant incense resins on earth.
Forms It Comes In
Indian frankincense is suitable for both internal and external use and is therefore processed into capsules or tablets as well as creams. The number of pharmaceutical preparations containing Boswellia serrata is, however, rather small.
For internal use, Indian frankincense is available as a food supplement in capsule or tablet form. It is recommended to take it during or after a meal. For external use, there are frankincense creams.
On dosage
Follow the intake recommendation on the packaging. A higher dosage should only be taken after consulting a doctor and under medical supervision.
Green Health FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense capsules with Boswellia serrata extract – vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free. A food supplement for your everyday life.
View FRANKINCENSE
Note: This article is for general information and makes no health or healing claims. Frankincense preparations are food supplements and replace neither a balanced diet nor medical treatment. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, with existing conditions or when taking medication, seek medical advice before use.