Aromatic frankincene aids in
meditation and focus

Boswellia thurifera oil is distilled from the gum resin that oozes from incisions made in the bark of the trees. The oil is spicy, balsamic, green-lemon-like and peppery. It modifies the sweetness of citrus oils such as orange and bergamot. It is also the base for incense type perfumes and is important in Oriental, floral, spice and masculine scents.

Formulas containing boswellic acid combined with glucosamine are often used to relieve the joint pain of arthritis. The arthritis benefits from boswellic acids may be related to their impact on glycosaminoglycan metabolism; these are the same biochemical pathways affected by glucosamine. Boswellic acid also has an effect on the immune system.

Boswellia serrata is a close relative of the aromatic Frankincense, both contain the anti-inflammatory boswellian acid, and are astringent and anti-inflammatory. Boswellia or Indian frankincense is one of the Ayurvedic gum resins which are referred to collectively as guggals. Guggals have been used traditionally to support the treatment of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, sores, and asthma. Boswellia is sometimes mixed with turmeric and another Ayurvedic remedy, ashwaganda.