Shallaki — Indian Olibanum

Ayurvedic herb Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) — Indian Olibanum. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Kashaya, Tikta, Virya Sheeta, Vipaka Katu. Balances Pitta, Kapha.

Ayurvedic Herbs A–Z 1 min read

Boswellia serrata is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb used to support joint health and relieve arthritic pain.

ⓘ Information

Property	Value	Description
Rasa	Kashaya, Tikta	Kashaya (Astringent) — drying, absorbent, wound-healing; Tikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
Guna	Laghu, Ruksha	Laghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Ruksha (Dry) — absorbs moisture, drying
Virya	Sheeta	Sheeta (Cold) — cooling, decreases Pitta and inflammation
Vipaka	Katu	Katu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
Prabhava	Shothahara, Grahi, Vedanasthapana	Shothahara — anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling; Grahi — absorbent, improves assimilation, stops diarrhea; Vedanasthapana — analgesic, pain relief

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Shallaki is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Gajabhakshya, Suvaha, Surabhi, Kunduru

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Shallaki are: niryasa.

Main Indications

Shallaki is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Sandhivata, Amavata, Vrana, Atisara, Raktapitta.

Dosha Effects

Shallaki pacifies Pitta, Kapha.

It may aggravate Vata when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Shallaki is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Madhura, Kauu, Tikta

Guna (Quality)Guru, Tikṣḍa, Snigdha

Virya (Potency)Uṣḍa

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Madhura

Karma (Action)Kaphapittahara, Kaphahara, V¡tahara, Rakta Stambhahara, Balya, Svedahara

Dose1-3 gm

Therapeutic Uses: śv¡sa, Pitt¡bhiṣyanda, Pradara, Jvara, śarkar¡meha, Vrṣaḍa śūla,

Important Formulations: Karpūr¡dyarka, Jirak¡di Modaka, Bal¡ Taila, Bal¡

Botanical Name: Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Burseraceae)

Part Used: Exud.

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part Used	Therapeutic Use	Identifiers	References
bark	Anti-infective agents, local	MESH:D000891,UMLS:C0003205, ICD-11:XM4VG4	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Asthma	MESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788173717024
bark	Cough	MESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12	ISBN:9788172360481
bark	Diarrhea	MESH:D003967,UMLS:C0011991, DOID:13250, ICD-11:ME05.1	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788172360818
bark	Dysentery	MESH:D004403,UMLS:C0277526, DOID:12384, ICD-11:1A40.Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788173717024
bark	Dysuria	MESH:D053159,UMLS:C0013428, ICD-11:MF50.7	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Endophthalmitis	MESH:D009877,UMLS:C0014236, DOID:4692, ICD-11:9C21	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Headache	MESH:D006261,UMLS:C0018681, ICD-11:8A81.Z	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Hematologic diseases	MESH:D006402,UMLS:C0018939, DOID:74, ICD-11:3C0Z	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Hemorrhage	MESH:D006470,UMLS:C0019080, ICD-11:MG27	ISBN:9788173717024
bark	Hemorrhoids	MESH:D006484,UMLS:C0019112, DOID:9746, ICD-11:DB60.Z	ISBN:9788172360818
bark	Hemostasis	MESH:D006487,UMLS:C0019116	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Mouth diseases	MESH:D009059,UMLS:C0026636, DOID:403	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Pain	MESH:D010146,UMLS:C0030193, ICD-11:MG3Z	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Skin diseases	MESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0Z	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788172360818, ISBN:9788173717024
bark	Snake bites	MESH:D012909,UMLS:C0037379	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Suppuration	MESH:D013492,UMLS:C3203360	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Toothache	MESH:D014098,UMLS:C0040460, ICD-11:DA0A.Y	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Ulcer	MESH:D014456,UMLS:C0041582	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788173717024
bark	Vomiting	MESH:D014839,UMLS:C0042963, ICD-11:MD90.1	ISBN:9770972795006
bark	Wound healing	MESH:D014945,UMLS:C0043240	ISBN:9770972795006
flower	Antipyretics	MESH:D058633,UMLS:C0003419, ICD-11:XM1RS7	ISBN:9770972795006
flower	Common cold	MESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00	ISBN:9770972795006
fruit	Hemorrhage	MESH:D006470,UMLS:C0019080, ICD-11:MG27	ISBN:9770972795006
fruit	Hypoglycemic agents	MESH:D007004,UMLS:C0020616	ISBN:9788172360481
fruit	Vitiligo	MESH:D014820,UMLS:C0042900, DOID:12306, ICD-11:ED63.0	ISBN:9770972795006
leaf	Antifungal agents	MESH:D000935,UMLS:C0003308, ICD-11:XM83G4	ISBN:9770972795006
leaf	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:9770972795006
leaf	Edema	MESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Analgesics	MESH:D000700,UMLS:C0002771, ICD-11:XM49F7	ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Anthelmintics	MESH:D000871,UMLS:C0003158, ICD-11:XM4EC0	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Anti-bacterial agents	MESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Anticonvulsants	MESH:D000927,UMLS:C0003286, ICD-11:XM07T3	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172362089, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Antidepressive agents	MESH:D000928,UMLS:C0003289, ICD-11:6A7Z	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Antifungal agents	MESH:D000935,UMLS:C0003308, ICD-11:XM83G4	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Anti-infective agents, local	MESH:D000891,UMLS:C0003205, ICD-11:XM4VG4	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Anti-inflammatory agents	MESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Antipyretics	MESH:D058633,UMLS:C0003419, ICD-11:XM1RS7	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
plant exudate	Arthralgia	MESH:D018771,UMLS:C0003862, ICD-11:ME82	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Arthritis	MESH:D001168,UMLS:C0003864, DOID:848, ICD-11:FA2Z	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Asthma	MESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Astringents	MESH:D001252,UMLS:C0004110, ICD-11:XM0VK6	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266
plant exudate	Atherosclerosis	MESH:D050197,UMLS:C0004153, DOID:1936, ICD-11:BD40.Z	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Breast diseases	MESH:D001941,UMLS:C0006145, DOID:3463, ICD-11:GB23	ISBN:9788171360536
plant exudate	Bronchitis	MESH:D001991,UMLS:C0006277, DOID:6132, ICD-11:CA20	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172362089, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Central nervous system diseases	MESH:D002493,UMLS:C0007682, DOID:331	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Conjunctivitis	MESH:D003231,UMLS:C0009763, DOID:6195, ICD-11:9A60	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Cough	MESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Diabetes mellitus	MESH:D003920,UMLS:C0011849, DOID:9351, ICD-11:5A14	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Diarrhea	MESH:D003967,UMLS:C0011991, DOID:13250, ICD-11:ME05.1	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Dysentery	MESH:D004403,UMLS:C0277526, DOID:12384, ICD-11:1A40.Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172360481, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Dyspnea	MESH:D004417,UMLS:C0013404, ICD-11:MD11.5	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Fever	MESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Fibromyalgia	MESH:D005356,UMLS:C0016053, DOID:631, ICD-11:MG30.01	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Glycosuria	MESH:D006029,UMLS:C0017979, ICD-11:MF93	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Hematologic diseases	MESH:D006402,UMLS:C0018939, DOID:74, ICD-11:3C0Z	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Hemorrhoids	MESH:D006484,UMLS:C0019112, DOID:9746, ICD-11:DB60.Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Hypotension	MESH:D007022,UMLS:C0020649, ICD-11:BA2Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Insecticides	MESH:D007306,UMLS:C0021576, ICD-11:XM3K66	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Jaundice	MESH:D007565,UMLS:C0022346, ICD-11:ME10.1	ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172362089, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Laryngitis	MESH:D007827,UMLS:C0023067, DOID:3437, ICD-11:CA05.0	ISBN:9788171360536
plant exudate	Leukorrhea	MESH:D007973,UMLS:C0023533, DOID:3766, ICD-11:MF3A	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Lung diseases	MESH:D008171,UMLS:C0024115, DOID:850, ICD-11:CB40.Y	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Menstruation disturbances	MESH:D008599,UMLS:C0025345, ICD-11:GA20.30	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Menstruation-inducing agents	MESH:D008600,UMLS:C0025346	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266
plant exudate	Mouth diseases	MESH:D009059,UMLS:C0026636, DOID:403	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Nervous system diseases	MESH:D009422,UMLS:C0027765, DOID:863, ICD-11:8E7Z	ISBN:9770972795006, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
plant exudate	Ointments	MESH:D009824,UMLS:C0028912	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Osteoarthritis	MESH:D010003,UMLS:C0029408, DOID:8398, ICD-11:FA0Z	ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Pain	MESH:D010146,UMLS:C0030193, ICD-11:MG3Z	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	General tonic for rejuvenation	MESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Rheumatic diseases	MESH:D012216,UMLS:C0035435, DOID:1575	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Skin diseases	MESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
plant exudate	Smallpox	MESH:D012899,UMLS:C0037354, DOID:8736, ICD-11:1E70	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Stomatitis	MESH:D013280,UMLS:C0038362, DOID:9637, ICD-11:DA01	ISBN:9788171360536
plant exudate	Stomatitis, aphthous	MESH:D013281,UMLS:C0038363, DOID:9663, ICD-11:DA01.10	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Syphilis	MESH:D013587,UMLS:C0039128, DOID:4166, ICD-11:1A6Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Tuberculosis, lymph node	MESH:D014388,UMLS:C0041316, DOID:4889, ICD-11:1B12.6	ISBN:9780387706375
plant exudate	Urination disorders	MESH:D014555,UMLS:C0042035, ICD-11:GB0Y	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Urologic diseases	MESH:D014570,UMLS:C0042075	ISBN:9780387706375
plant exudate	Uterine contraction	MESH:D014590,UMLS:C0042130, ICD-11:GA16.Y	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Vaginal diseases	MESH:D014623,UMLS:C0042251, DOID:121, ICD-11:GA1Y	The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part-1 Volume-9
plant exudate	Wound healing	MESH:D014945,UMLS:C0043240	ISBN:9770972795006
plant exudate	Wounds and injuries	MESH:D014947,UMLS:C0043251	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
plant exudate	Disorder of the genitourinary system	UMLS:C0080276	ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Urethral discharge	UMLS:C0152447	ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Spondylitis	MESH:D013166,UMLS:C0038012, DOID:6590, ICD-11:FA92	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Testicular diseases	MESH:D013733,UMLS:C1536496, DOID:2519, ICD-11:GB0Y	ISBN:9788172362089
plant exudate	Diaphoretic	UMLS:C1707737	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788173717024
plant exudate	Rheumatoid arthritis	MESH:D001172,UMLS:C0003873, DOID:7148, ICD-11:FA20	ISBN:9780387706375
root	Antineoplastic agents	MESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
root	Cardiovascular system	MESH:D002319,UMLS:C0007226, ICD-11:XA4PM9	ISBN:9770972795006
root	Hypoglycemic agents	MESH:D007004,UMLS:C0020616	ISBN:9770972795006
seed	Adenocarcinoma, scirrhous	MESH:D002293,UMLS:C0007135, DOID:4024, ICD-11:XH4FS4	ISBN:9788172360481
seed	Antineoplastic agents	MESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392	ISBN:9788172360481
seed	Breast diseases	MESH:D001941,UMLS:C0006145, DOID:3463, ICD-11:GB23	ISBN:9788172360481
seed	Condylomata acuminata	MESH:D003218,UMLS:C0009663, ICD-11:1A95	ISBN:9788172360481
seed	Uterine neoplasms	MESH:D014594,UMLS:C0042138, DOID:363, ICD-11:XA7E69	ISBN:9788172360481
stem	Anti-infective agents, local	MESH:D000891,UMLS:C0003205, ICD-11:XM4VG4	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Astringents	MESH:D001252,UMLS:C0004110, ICD-11:XM0VK6	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Expectorants	MESH:D005100,UMLS:C0015314	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Hypoglycemic agents	MESH:D007004,UMLS:C0020616	ISBN:9788172360481
stem	Menstruation-inducing agents	MESH:D008600,UMLS:C0025346	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Uterine contraction	MESH:D014590,UMLS:C0042130, ICD-11:GA16.Y	ISBN:9788172360818
stem	Diaphoretic	UMLS:C1707737	ISBN:9788172360818
wood	Counterirritant	UMLS:C0010215	ISBN:9770972795006
	Amnesia	MESH:D000647,UMLS:C0002622, DOID:10914, ICD-11:MB21.1	ISBN:9788172360481
	Anti-bacterial agents	MESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0	ISBN:9788172360481
	Antifungal agents	MESH:D000935,UMLS:C0003308, ICD-11:XM83G4	ISBN:9780387706375
	Antirheumatic agents	MESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2	ISBN:9788172360818
	Astringents	MESH:D001252,UMLS:C0004110, ICD-11:XM0VK6	Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)
	Atherosclerosis	MESH:D050197,UMLS:C0004153, DOID:1936, ICD-11:BD40.Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360818
	Breast diseases	MESH:D001941,UMLS:C0006145, DOID:3463, ICD-11:GB23	ISBN:9788172360818
	Cough	MESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12	ISBN:9770972795006
	Diarrhea	MESH:D003967,UMLS:C0011991, DOID:13250, ICD-11:ME05.1	ISBN:9788172360818
	Diuretics	MESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06	ISBN:9770972795006
	Dysentery	MESH:D004403,UMLS:C0277526, DOID:12384, ICD-11:1A40.Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360818
	Epilepsy	MESH:D004827,UMLS:C0014544, DOID:1826, ICD-11:8A6Z	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
	Expectorants	MESH:D005100,UMLS:C0015314	ISBN:9770972795006
	Fever	MESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26	ISBN:9770972795006
	Goiter	MESH:D006042,UMLS:C0018021, DOID:12176, ICD-11:5A01	ISBN:9788172360818
	Gout	MESH:D006073,UMLS:C0018099, DOID:13189, ICD-11:FA25	ISBN:9788172360818
	Hematologic diseases	MESH:D006402,UMLS:C0018939, DOID:74, ICD-11:3C0Z	ISBN:9770972795006
	Hemorrhoids	MESH:D006484,UMLS:C0019112, DOID:9746, ICD-11:DB60.Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Hyperlipidemias	MESH:D006949,UMLS:C0020473, ICD-11:5C80.Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Leukorrhea	MESH:D007973,UMLS:C0023533, DOID:3766, ICD-11:MF3A	ISBN:9770972795006
	Lymphadenitis	MESH:D008199,UMLS:C0024205, DOID:1602, ICD-11:BD90	ISBN:9788172360818
	Neoplasms	MESH:D009369,UMLS:C0027651, DOID:162, ICD-11:2E2Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Nervous system diseases	MESH:D009422,UMLS:C0027765, DOID:863, ICD-11:8E7Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Nootropic agents	MESH:D018697,UMLS:C0242913	ISBN:9788172360481
	General tonic for rejuvenation	MESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016	ISBN:9770972795006
	Rinderpest	MESH:D012301,UMLS:C0035637	ISBN:9788172360481
	Skin diseases	MESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Snake bites	MESH:D012909,UMLS:C0037379	ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172360481
	Syphilis	MESH:D013587,UMLS:C0039128, DOID:4166, ICD-11:1A6Z	ISBN:9788172360818
	Ulcer	MESH:D014456,UMLS:C0041582	ISBN:9788172360818
	Urination disorders	MESH:D014555,UMLS:C0042035, ICD-11:GB0Y	ISBN:9770972795006
	Wounds and injuries	MESH:D014947,UMLS:C0043251	ISBN:9788172360818
	Diaphoretic	UMLS:C1707737	Medicinal Plants Of Nagpur And Wardha Forest Divisions (Maharashtra)