Shallaki
Shallaki is a holy plant which is widely used in traditional medicine and is considered to be an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. It is significantly valued. Shallaki plant botanical name is Boswellia serrata whichbelongs to the Burseraceae family. It is also known by the term Indian frankincense. It is known as Shalai Guggul in Hindi.
It is a middle-sized tree with alternate deciduous sessile leaves, upto 18 m in height. Bark is greenish grey, yellow or reddish, fairly thick, smooth, exfoliating in thin, papery flakes and resinous inside. Leaves are long up to 30-45 cm, opposite, sessile, variable in shape. Flower is small, white, in auxiliary racemes or panicles. Fruit is trigonous, 12 mm long drupe, splitting along 3 valves. It is found in the forests of western and central India. Gum resin from the stem is used medicinally.
Chemical Composition –
The extract of Shallaki contains sugars, essential oil, volatile oil, terpenoids, and several pentacyclic triterpene acids like β-boswellic acid
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-arthritic
• Antiseptic
• Astringent
• Analgesic
• Antitumor
• Sedative
Part Used –
Oleo gum resin or niryasa (exudate) is the part that is used of shallaki for medicinal purposes.
Preparations –
Generally, Shallaki is consumed as:
• Capsule
• Bark decoction
• Tablet
• Powder
Dosage –
• Mix Shallaki powder with lukewarm water and consume it twice a day or as per the recommendation
• Shallaki capsules and tablets can be taken not exceeding 2 per day or as per the recommendation.
Benefits –
• Osteoarthritis
Shallaki has Vata balancing property and gives relief from pain and swelling in the joints, associated with osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire that leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Shallaki has Vata balancing property and also helps to reduce Ama. This gives relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
• Asthma
Shallaki helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Shallaki helps to remove excess mucus from the lungs and gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
• Ulcerative Colitis
Shallaki is useful to manage the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis. According to Ayurveda, the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis is similar to Grahni (IBD). It is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Shallaki helps to correct the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis because of its Grahi (absorbent) and Sita (cold) properties. This helps to thicken the stool and also stops bleeding in the stool.
• Female Reproductive Health
It promotes normal and comfortable menstruation, clears congestion in the uterus, and enhances circulation in reproductive organs.
• Menopausal weakness
Boswellia serrata extract has widespread uses in treating chronic back and muscular pain and joint pain during menopause.
• Cancer Treatment
Boswellic acid is considered to act in a number of ways to inhibit cancer growth. It prevents some enzymes from acting upon genetic material. Research indicates that boswellia may be able to combat advanced breast cancer cells, and may limit the spread of malignant leukemia. It is also considered to be effective against pancreatic cancer cells.
Precautions –
• Avoid the excessive intake of Shallaki as it might cause nausea, dizziness, fever and stomach pain.
• In pregnancy and for lactating mothers, the use of shallaki should be avoided.
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