Pharmaceutical Name : Resina oliani; Olibanum

Botanical Name : Boswellia carterii Birdw.

Common Name : Frankincense, Mastic

Source of Earliest Record : Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The gum-resin is gathered in spring or summer, after the bark of the tree is cut. Then the gum-resin is fried.

Properties & Taste : Pungent, bitter and warm

Meridians : Heart, liver and spleen

Functions:
1. To invigorate blood and stop pain;
2. To reduce swelling

Indications & Combinations:

1. Pains caused by blood stagnation: a) dysmenorrheaFrankincense (Ruxiang) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu); b) stomach painFrankincense (Ruxiang) is used with Sichuan chinaberry (Chuanlianzi) and Corydalis tuber (Yanhusuo); c) general pain or joint pain due to invasion of wind-cold-damp. Frankincense (Ruxiang) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Futokadsura stem (Haifengteng), Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) in the formula Juanbi Tang; d) pains caused by external injuriesFrankincense (Ruxiang) is used with Myrrh (Moyao), Dragon's blood (Xuejie) and Safflower (Honghua) in the formula Qili San; e) pain from carbuncles and furuncles with swellingFrankincense (Ruxiang) is used with Myrrh (Moyao), Red peony (Chishao) and Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua) in the formula Xianfang Huoming Yin.

2. Boils and ulcers . The powders of Frankincense (Ruxiang) and Myrrh (Moyao) are used externally. The combination is called Haifu San.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy.