Indian Frankincense (Commiphora wightii)

Indian Frankincense (Commiphora wightii) is a member of the Burseraceae family, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southern Nepal. Traditionally, its resin, bark, and wood have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and african traditional medicine.

Indian Frankincense (Commiphora wightii) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Indian Frankincense (Commiphora wightii) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Indian Frankincense
Scientific Name	Commiphora wightii
Plant Family	Burseraceae
Genus	Commiphora
Species	wightii
Native Range	India, Sri Lanka, Southern Nepal
Plant Parts Used	Resin, Bark, Wood
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Commiphora wightii
Common Name: Indian Frankincense
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Sandalwood, Indian Bdellium, Gum Arabic Tree
Plant Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Commiphora

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 15 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface dull green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small yellow-orange flowers arranged in dense clusters, actinomorphic, with four petals and four sepals, bearing distinct glandular markings on the inner surface of the petals.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with smooth, fissured bark, and opposite leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Astringent: Commonly referenced as a moderate astringent, for surface-level applications.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a soothing tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming carminative, for digestive process support.

Active Compounds

Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.