Ru Xiang
Boswellia carterii Birdw.
β― TCM Properties
Invigorates Blood and Moves Qi; Alleviates Pain; Reduces Swelling; Promotes Tissue Regeneration and Heals Sores; Relaxes the Sinews and Unblocks the Collaterals
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Boswellia carterii (often considered synonymous with B. sacra) is a small deciduous tree in the family Burseraceae, native to arid scrublands of Somalia, Yemen, and Oman. It typically grows 2-8 meters tall, with papery, peeling bark and a contorted trunk often anchored directly to bare limestone. The leaves are pinnately compound with 7-15 lance-shaped, finely toothed, slightly hairy leaflets clustered toward branch tips. Small white to pale-yellow five-petaled flowers are borne in axillary racemes and develop into small reddish-brown capsular fruits. When the bark is incised, the tree exudes a milky oleo-gum-resin that hardens on contact with air into pale-yellow to amber teardrop-shaped pieces known as frankincense, the aromatic resin used medicinally and ritually.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | β | β | β |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ru Xiang (frankincense resin, boswellia) is a warm, acrid herb that moves Blood and Qi to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It is a primary herb for pain from Blood and Qi stagnation β including joint pain from Wind-Cold-Damp bi obstruction, traumatic injuries with bruising and swelling, and menstrual pain from Blood stasis. Applied topically, it promotes wound healing and reduces the pain and swelling of carbuncles and abscesses. It is frequently combined with Mo Yao (myrrh) for synergistic Blood-moving and pain-relieving effects.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.