SHALLAKI

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for Shallaki is Boswellia serrata roxb which belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is also known as Indian frankincense which is mainly used in the treatment of arthritis  

English – Indian Olibanum tree

Hindi – Salay, Salai

Marathi – Salai

Telugu – Andugum chettu

Kannada – Madi

Malayalam – Salayi

Gujarati – Salode

Tamil – Paraginavani

Telugu – Pamragisamvrani

Arabic – Bastaj

Bombay – Salai

Bengali – Kundur

Urdu – Kundur

Oriya – Loban

Some species of this plant are originated from Africa. It is found in the region of Punjab of India and Pakistan. It is also found in the Indian subcontinent and Pakistan. It is usually found in tropical regions and is widely distributed in India and Africa

It is a moderate size deciduous tree that grows up to 18 m in height and 2.4 m in width. The bark of the tree is greenish-grey, yellow, or red. The leaves are 30-45 cm long which is opposite, sessile. leaflets are ovate and lanceolate which is 2.5-6.3 cm × 1.33 cm. The flowers usually appear in April.

Parts used: Bark, gum

Taste: Astringent

Potency: Cold

On chemical compound analysis of Shallaki, it includes

Bark: β-sitosterol, glycosides

Resin: Monoterpenes, diterpenes, tetracyclic triterpenic acids, pentacyclic triterpenic acids like β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid

ACTIONS:

Anti-inflammatory

Leukotriene inhibiton

Analgesic

Anti-arthritis

Immunomodulatory

Anticancer

Hypolipidemic

Hepatoprotective

Hypoglycemic

Antidiarrhoeal

Antimicrobial

Anti-asthmatic

Antispasmodic

Emmenagogue

The gum resin obtained from the tree helps to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, skeletal muscle pain, back pain, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis

The shallaki resin is used to control the cholesterol in the blood, improve erectile dysfunction, impotence, sexual debility, fibroids, cyst, and painful periods.

The dose of the drug used according to the physician

Bark decoction: 50-100ml

Gum: 1-3g

The use of shallaki stimulates the blood flow in the uterus and pelvic region which induces abortion in pregnant women.

A low dose is recommended in people who have weak digestion

Do not use this herb if you are allergic to the chemical constituents of shallaki

It is contraindicated to use this herb along with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs because it may cause certain side effects

Less information is available regarding the use of this herb in breastfeeding and pregnancy. Kindly consult with the doctor

Rheumatoid arthritis:

According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis is called Amavata. It mainly occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha and the accumulation of toxins that occurs due to improper digestion and this toxin is carried to different parts of the body through Vata and gets accumulated in the joints. The use of shallaki helps to improve digestion and reduce the accumulation of toxins by its hot properties. This also balances the Vata and reduces the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Take the required amount of shallaki capsule and consume it with lukewarm water. Use this remedy to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Osteoarthritis:

According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is called Sandhivata and it occurs due to the imbalance of Vata dosha which causes pain, inflammation, and joint movement. The use of shallaki helps to reduce the symptoms of arthritis by balancing the imbalance of Vata dosha

Take the required amount of shallaki capsule and consume it with lukewarm water. Use this remedy to reduce the symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis

Asthma:

According to the Ayurveda, asthma occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas in the lungs which results in obstruction in the passages in the respiratory. The use of shallaki treats asthma by balancing the imbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas this helps to reduce the blockage in the respiratory passage by removing the excess mucus in the lungs.

Take the required amount of shallaki capsule and consume it with lukewarm water. Use this remedy to reduce the symptoms of asthma

Ulcerative colitis:

According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis occurs due to the imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). The use of shallaki helps to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis by its Grahi (absorbent) and Sita (cold) property and helps to thicken the stools and stops the bleeding

Take the required amount of shallaki capsule and consume it with lukewarm water. Use this remedy to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Wrinkles:

According to Ayurveda, wrinkles occur due to the imbalance of Vata. The use of shallaki helps to increase the moisture content in the skin and balance the Vata by its Snigdha nature

Take the required amount of shallaki powder and mix it with water and make it a paste. Apply this paste on an affected area for 30 minutes. Use this remedy to treat wrinkles

Wound healing:

Shallaki contains some chemical constituents which help in the contraction and closure of wounds. It also helps in the synthesis of collagen and forms new cells which heal the wound quickly. 

The Shallaki comes in various formulations includes

Shallaki juice:

Take the required amount of shallaki juice and add the same amount of water to it. Consume this before your meals

Shallaki powder:

Take the required amount of shallaki powder and consume it in lukewarm water after your meals

Shallaki tablet or capsule:

Take the required amount of shallaki tablet or capsule and consume with lukewarm water after your meals

External use:

Shallaki powder:

Take the required amount of shallaki powder and mix it with water and make it a paste. Apply this paste on an affected area for 30 minutes. Use this remedy to treat wrinkles

Shallaki oil:

Take the required quantity of shallaki oil and mix it with coconut oil. Apply this oil to an affected area. Use this remedy to get rid of joint pain

Stomach pain

Nausea

Dizziness

Fever

Rash

Gastric irritation

Is Shallaki powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Shallaki powder?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

Can Shallaki cause dizziness?

No, the use of Shallaki does not cause dizziness if you use this in a recommended dose