Shallaki
Shallaki
Shallaki is a holy plant which is widely used in traditional medicine and is considered to be an important part of Ayurvedic medicine. The oleo gum resin extracted from this plant has various medicinal properties.
Arthritic patients can take 1-2 Shallaki tablets along with water to get relief from swelling in the joint. It reduces swelling as well as stiffness in the inflamed joints due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consuming Shallaki juice (before taking food) on a regular basis also helps improves brain function as it prevents cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant activity.
As per Ayurveda, massaging Shallaki oil along with coconut oil gently on the affected areas also provides relief from joint pains due to its analgesic property. It’s topical application helps to heal wounds due to its faster healing activity. Applying Shallaki powder (along with water in the form of a paste) on the skin helps manage the symptoms of ageing.
Avoid the excessive intake of Shallaki as it might cause nausea and stomach pain[1][2][4][5][6].
Arthritic patients can take 1-2 Shallaki tablets along with water to get relief from swelling in the joint. It reduces swelling as well as stiffness in the inflamed joints due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consuming Shallaki juice (before taking food) on a regular basis also helps improves brain function as it prevents cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant activity.
As per Ayurveda, massaging Shallaki oil along with coconut oil gently on the affected areas also provides relief from joint pains due to its analgesic property. It’s topical application helps to heal wounds due to its faster healing activity. Applying Shallaki powder (along with water in the form of a paste) on the skin helps manage the symptoms of ageing.
Avoid the excessive intake of Shallaki as it might cause nausea and stomach pain[1][2][4][5][6].
What are the synonyms of Shallaki?
Boswellia Serrata, Kundur, Salai, Dhup, Gugali, Chitta, Guguladhuph, Parangi, Saambraani
What is the source of Shallaki?
Plant Based
Benefits of Shallaki

Ayurvedic View
Shallaki is useful to manage pain in osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and joint immobility. Shallaki has Vata balancing property and gives relief from pain and swelling in the joints, associated with osteoarthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to control the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to control the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Ayurvedic View
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.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Ayurvedic View
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. This is because of its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
3. Repeat this to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
3. Repeat this to manage the symptoms of asthma.

Ayurvedic View
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.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food to manage the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.
How effective is Shallaki?
Likely effective
Osteoarthritis, Ulcerative colitis
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Brain tumor, Crohn’s disease, Headache, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Rheumatoid arthritis
Precautions when using Shallaki
Breastfeeding

Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Shallaki during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Shallaki or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy

Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Shallaki during pregnancy. So it is advisable to avoid Shallaki or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Important

Modern Science View
1. Stomach pain
2. Nausea
3. Dizziness
4. Fever[2].
2. Nausea
3. Dizziness
4. Fever[2].
Recommended Dosage of Shallaki
- Shallaki Juice - 3-5 teaspoons once a day.
- Shallaki Powder - ¼- ½ teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Shallaki Capsule - 1-2 capsules once or twice a day.
- Shallaki Tablet - 1-2 tablets once or twice a day.
How to use Shallaki
1. Shallaki Juice
a. Take 3-5 teaspoons of Shallaki juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Take it once a day before taking food.
2. Shallaki Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Shallaki powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
3. Shallaki Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
4. Shallaki Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablet of Shallaki.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
a. Take 3-5 teaspoons of Shallaki juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Take it once a day before taking food.
2. Shallaki Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Shallaki powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
3. Shallaki Capsules
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Shallaki.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
4. Shallaki Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablet of Shallaki.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day after taking food.
Frequently asked questions

Modern Science View
Shallaki essential oil which is obtained from Shallaki gum resin is mainly used in aromatherapy, paints, and varnishes. It is mainly used because of its fragrant aroma[10].

Modern Science View
Shallaki is available in the market in different forms like powder, tablets, and capsules under various brands.
References
- Siddiqui MZ.Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: An overview.Indian J Pharm Sci, 2011,73(3):255-261.
- WebMD.Holy Indian-frankincense: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.