1.16. Use of Kunduruka (Olibanum)

Kunduruka (Olibanum) is a viscous substance produced in the tree of genus Boswellia. Devadāru belongs to this family. This aromatic resin was used as incense. Turuṣka, Piṇḍaka, Pāyasa, Śrīvāsa, Śrīvatsa, Yavana, Silha, Śrīvāsaka, Saraladrava and Vṛkadhūpa are the synonyms mentioned in Amarakośa^[1]. From the words Turuṣka and Yavana, it is clear that Kunduruka was not a substance of Indian origin. It was imported from the Arab countries. Kunduru, Tīkṣṇagandha, Pālinda, Bhīṣaṇa, Śikharī, Kundragopura, Sukunda and Bali are some names of Knduruka listed in Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu^[2]. The text describes that Kunduruka is pungent and bitter in taste, cold in potency and subdues Vāta and Kapha. In Rājavallabha-nighaṇṭu^[3], it is recorded that Kunduru keeps away all sorts of evil spirits and misfortune. It is beneficial in fever also.