Budnal Ceed Centre - the Official Website of Karnataka Forest ...
Budnal Ceed Centre - the Official Website of Karnataka Forest ...
Budnal Ceed Centre - the Official Website of Karnataka Forest ...
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Boswellia serrata is also known as Indian frankincense. When <strong>the</strong> tree trunk<br />
is tapped, a gummy oleoresin is exuded. A purified extract <strong>of</strong> this resin is<br />
used in modern herbal preparations. Boswellia was found to improve blood<br />
supply to <strong>the</strong> joints and restore integrity <strong>of</strong> vessels weakened by spasm. The<br />
bark is sweet, cooling and tonic is good in vitiated conditions <strong>of</strong> Pitta, Cough<br />
and Asthama. It is useful in fevers, urethrorrhea, diaphoresis, convulsions,<br />
chronic laryngitis, jaundice and arthritis. The salai guggal gum is used a<br />
diaphoretic, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, emmenagogue,<br />
ecolic and antiseptic. It also has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. The<br />
flowers and seeds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tree are used in flok medicine.<br />
7.2. O<strong>the</strong>r uses<br />
Fodder<br />
Cattle do not readily browse it, although in India, it is considered a substitute<br />
fodder for buffaloes.<br />
Fuel<br />
The wood is a good fuel. Charcoal made from it is particularly favoured for<br />
iron smelting.<br />
Fibre<br />
B. serrata has recently com into prominence as a raw material for pulp paper<br />
and newsprint. Experiments show that writing and printing papers <strong>of</strong> suitable<br />
strength can be prepared when 25-40 % long-fibred bamboo pulp is mixed in<br />
<strong>the</strong> finish. The bark can also be used for cordage.<br />
Tiomber<br />
It is used in cheap furniture, ammunition boxes, mica boxes, packing cases,<br />
cement barrels, well construction, water pipes, matches, plywood and<br />
veneers.<br />
Gum or resin<br />
The tree yields a yellowish-green gum-oleoresin known as ‘salai guggal’<br />
from wounds in <strong>the</strong> bark. This gum has an agreeable scent when burnt. A<br />
mature tree yields about 1-1.5 kg <strong>of</strong> gum a year. It is said to be a good<br />
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