Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): names, uses, safety

Salai, kungiliyam in Tamil and shallaki in Sanskrit, is Indian frankincense, a dry-forest tree tapped for a fragrant gum resin. The resin, sold as salai guggul, is burned as incense and used in Ayurveda for joint pain. Its boswellic acids have been tested in trials for knee osteoarthritis with modest benefit. Tamil kungiliyam also names the resin of sal, Shorea robusta.

Botanical name: Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.
Family: Burseraceae
Tamil: Kungiliyam (salai)
Hindi: Salai
Sanskrit: Śallakī
Parts used: Oleo-gum-resin
Habit: Dry-forest tree tapped for gum resin
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Shallaki

It is a medium-sized deciduous tree with papery, greenish-grey bark that peels in thin flakes.

The leaves are pinnate, with many toothed leaflets crowded at the branch ends.

Small white flowers grow in clusters when the tree is leafless.

The fruit is a small, three-angled capsule.

Cut bark oozes a pale, fragrant resin that hardens into yellow tears.

Traditional use of Shallaki

Ayurveda

Shallaki resin is used for joint pain, often combined with guggul.

Ayurvedic practice

Ritual

The resin is burned as incense in temples and homes.

Indian ritual practice

Craft

The light wood is used for packing cases and matches.

Indian timber practice

Modern notes on Shallaki

Several trials of boswellia extracts for knee osteoarthritis show modest reductions in pain.

Boswellic acids are its main active compounds.

Over-tapping can kill trees, and wild stands are declining in some states.

The frankincense of the ancient Middle East came from related Arabian and African species such as Boswellia sacra.

Shallaki safety

Boswellia supplements can cause stomach upset. Avoid them in pregnancy and check with a doctor if you take blood thinners.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in dry deciduous forests of central and peninsular India.

Bees visit its flowers.

It tolerates poor, rocky soil.

Related plants

Also in Burseraceae

Questions about Shallaki

Is salai frankincense?

Yes, Indian frankincense.

Does Shallaki help joint pain?

Trials show modest benefit for knee arthritis.

Is Shallaki the same as guggul?

No. Guggul is Commiphora wightii.

Is kungiliyam always Shallaki tree?

No. It can also mean sal resin.

How is the resin collected?

By cutting the bark and collecting the hardened ooze.

Is Shallaki planted in gardens?

Rarely. It grows wild on dry, rocky hills.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.