Boswellia serrata plant which is also known as salai, is popularly known for its Anti cancer property .Not only that it has many other medicinal values that has been given in Ayurveda text and also has been approved from research. Its anti-Inflammatory and anti-arthritic property is still being researched. Also a randomized double blind placebo controlled study by Kimmatkar N, Thawani N, et al. at MS Orthopedics, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur, India, Phytomedicine 2003 Jan; 10 (Wikipedia). The fact is that the results of this research were somehow written by the pioneers of Ayurveda on ancient times. We can find it on Sushruta Samhita and other triads.
Parts used – Bark, gum-resin
Uses – The bark and gum-resin of Sallaki is used to treat asthma, dysentery, ulcer, hemorrhoid, skin diseases, fever, convulsions, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, cough, stomatitis, syphilitic diseases, chronic laryngitis, jaundice and arthritis.
Conjunctivitis
The exudates of sallaki mixed with sugar and honey should be applied over to eyes in conjunctivitis (SS.U.10.7)
Joint pain
Powder of the sallaki mixed (60 gms) with coconut oil and made into a paste is applied externally to relieve pain (LHT)