Microsoft word - frankincense.doc

FRANKINCENSE – INDIAN Common name Frankincense (E), Salai guggul (H), Indian olibanum (E) Sanskrit Shallaki, Kapitthaparni, Konkanadhoopam Latin Boswellia serrata – Resina (Burseraceae) Frankincense has dual energetics of being both heating and cooling. It is heating due to its blood circulating property and cooling due to its anti-inflammatory action. Frankincense has had a long-term connection with the spiritual realm and religious ceremony. It is also used in psychiatric and mental conditions. ENERGETICS Rasa (taste) Bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet Virya (action) Heating and cooling Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Pungent Guna (quality) Dry, light, penetrating Dosha effect VKP-, may aggravate either pitta or vata in excess Dhatu (tissue) Plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve, reproductive Srota (channel) Circulatory, nervous, reproductive CONSTITUENTS Triterpenes – boswellic acid A and B Sugars – arabinose, arabic acid Essential oils – bassorin, pinene, dipentene1 BIO-MEDICAL ACTION Analgesic, anti-cholesterol, rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic INDICATIONS Pain All types of pain, specifically arthritic or post trauma where there is inflammation and congestion. Energetically applied to cold and damp types of pain and swelling. It circulates vyana vayu and clears toxic ama; this effectively clears blockage of the channels (srotarodha). Used to hasten the healing of wounds, broken bones and bruises via its blood circulating and granulation enhancing actions.2 Inflammation Useful in inflammatory diseases, especially of the joints, lungs, GIT and skin, and is a specific for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease or psoriasis where there is chronic kapha involvement causing obstruction and stagnation in any of the channels or tissues. Consider Frankincense instead of NSAIDs. This action is the result of the boswellic acid reducing the activity of pain and inflammation causing leukotreines by inhibiting the production of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.3 Gynaecology Excels in the treatment of fibroids, cysts, painful periods with clots and pain caused by congestion in apanakshetra and the uterus. Reproduction Specific herb for impotence and sexual debility; it brings blood to the penis and therefore facilitates erectile function.4 Cholesterol Reduces LDL count in the blood. Clears ama from the blood. Mental Opens the mind. Said to have a specific effect on ajna chakra, the spiritual centre connected with the pituitary and hypothalamus gland. The essential oil is especially appropriate for this. 1 Williamson 2 Bensky and Gamble 3 Tillotson, Bone 2003 4 Paranjpe AYURVEDIC ACTION Amanashak Destroys toxins Kaphavatahara Reduces kapha and vata Rasayana Rejuvenative Striroga Useful in gynaecology Shirovirechan Cleansing to the orifices of the head Anuloma Redirects the flow of vata downwards Lekhana Clears adhesions from the body Vedana sthapana Analgesic Vajikarana Aphrodisiac Sandhana Bone mender COMBINATIONS + Guggul, Myrrh, Turmeric in inflammatory and arthritic conditions with KV aggravation. This combination may also be used in high cholesterol. + Gokshura, Ashwagandha, Bala for male sexual debility. + Shatavari, Rose, Safflower for menstrual pain, cysts and fibroids. CONTRAINDICATIONS Caution during pregnancy due to its vigorous ‘moving’ nature. Low dose in pitta prakriti and with weakened digestion as gastric irritation may occur. SAFETY No drug herb interactions are known DOSAGE 3–9g/day resin in decoction, 3 x 250–750mg/day of a 1:4 concentrated powder, or 2–10ml/day of a 1:5 @ 90% tincture. NOTES * Frankincense is a medium sized tender tree growing up to 10m. * The best quality Frankincense comes from the driest areas, especially Rajasthan and Gujerat, and is gathered at the hottest time of year. * The resin is extracted as an exudate from the branches. * Tastes disgusting when used in decoctions! * High resin content requires tincture to be at 90% volume of alcohol. * If using tinctures add 10% Licorice first as a saponin containing suspending agent to prevent precipitation and to reduce its harsh flavour.

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