What do the Chinese use for inflammation?

How Frankincense Soothes Inflammation, According to Chinese Medicine

Ru Xiang, better known in the West as frankincense resin, has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. While many associate its rich, woody aroma with ancient rituals and incense, its true value in Chinese healing lies in its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Harvested from the Boswellia carteri tree—native to regions of India and Africa—this hardened, gum-like substance is carefully collected from cuts made in the tree trunk. The slow exudation of resin is nature’s bandage, and in TCM, it becomes a remedy for the body’s own internal disruptions.

Practitioners have long used Ru Xiang to address both acute and chronic inflammation, especially when linked to trauma, joint pain, or swelling. Its action is said to "invigorate the blood" and "move qi," concepts central to TCM that describe restoring flow and balance within the body. When stagnation leads to pain or swelling, frankincense helps clear the path.

Modern research now supports what traditional healers have known for generations: compounds in Boswellia, particularly boswellic acids, have measurable anti-inflammatory effects. This bridges ancient practice with contemporary science, giving credibility to its use not just in managing arthritis or tendonitis, but in broader inflammatory conditions.

Though often used in combination with other herbs—like myrrh (Mo Yao), with which it shares synergistic qualities—Ru Xiang stands out as a gentle yet persistent force in calming the body’s inflammatory fires. Whether in powdered form, tinctures, or topical liniments, it remains a quiet but enduring presence in the Chinese medicine cabinet.