10 Health Benefits Of Guggul

The flowering mukul myrrh tree, commonly known as guggul, is a fragrant resin derived from the scientific name Commiphora Mukul. This thorny tree predominantly thrives in India, especially in arid states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The resin harvested from the sap of the guggul tree has a rich legacy in traditional Indian medicine. For thousands of years, particularly in North Africa and Central Asia, guggul has been a staple in Ayurveda, utilized to treat various health conditions. Whether you’re tackling acne, arthritis, hemorrhoids, or urinary infections, guggul has been shown to provide a range of benefits.

Known as Guggulu in Sanskrit, meaning “protects from disease,” this powerful resin comes in different varieties defined by its age and color. For over two decades, guggul has remained an essential herb in Ayurvedic treatments, although its usage has become relatively rare in modern practice.

Guggul is typically harvested from November to July. The collected resin is meticulously cleaned by hand before being allowed to dry. Once purified, guggul can be made into powder, extract, or topical salves. Due to its naturally bitter taste, it is also commonly brewed into tea.

What is Guggul?

Guggul is a gum or resin extracted from the Commiphora Mukul tree, native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This herbal tree has been a source of medicine for centuries. The dry gum resin has been utilized as an Ayurvedic treatment from ancient times. Guggul is categorized as an Ayurvedic herb famous for addressing a multitude of health issues. You may also come across guggul supplements referred to as guggul lipid or guggulipid.

In contemporary medicinal practices, guggul is frequently employed to manage high cholesterol levels, arthritis, weight loss, and skin conditions.

Common Names Of Guggul

English Name: Indian Bdellium / Myrrh Gum

Tamil Name: குக்குலு – Guggulu

Malayalam Name: ഗുല്ഗുലു – Gulgulu

Telugu Name: గుగ్గులు – Guggulu

Hindi Name: गुग्गुल – Guggul

Gujarati Name: ગુગગુલ – Guggul

Kannada Name: ಗುಗ್ಗಲ್ – Guggal

Marathi Name: Guggala

Active Components in Guggul

The guggul resin contains a potent combination of steroids, sterols, alcohols, and esters, contributing to its numerous health benefits:

• Sterols and Steroids: The primary components include guggulsterone E and Z, with other steroids like guggulsterone M and Y. These compounds exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sesquiterpenoids: This component provides neuroprotective activity based on cell studies.
• Triterpenoids: Compounds like Myrrhanol (A, B, C) and Myrrhanone (A, B) are recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects.
• Flavonoids: Quercetin found in guggul is acclaimed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
• Volatile Oils: Essential oil extracts such as Eugenol, Limonene, Cineole, and Pinene play significant roles in the therapeutic properties of guggul.

Benefits of Guggul

• Purifies the blood
• Supports the immune system
• Promotes rejuvenation and detoxification
• Aids in maintaining a healthy weight
• Helps regulate cholesterol levels
• Acts as a natural source of antioxidants
• Facilitates digestive health
• Encourages comfortable joint movement
• Promotes a regular menstrual cycle
• Enhances skin health, promoting vibrancy

Guggul possesses a unique penetrating quality, earning it the title of yogavahi, which describes its ability to transport other medicinal substances deep into tissues. When combined with other herbs, guggul enhances their detoxifying and rejuvenating efficacy.

As guggul assists in balancing kapha and vata-pitta doshas, it is particularly esteemed for alleviating vata imbalances. Traditionally, it is also utilized for addressing various issues within the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.

The scraping quality of guggul effectively clears toxins from channels and tissues, rejuvenating and revitalizing the body.

High Cholesterol

In India, guggul is widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing high cholesterol levels. Its ability to balance cholesterol is well articulated in Ayurvedic practices.

The sap from the guggul tree is closely associated with blood health, improving circulation and overall blood quality.

Utilizing guggul aids in purifying the blood, regulating cholesterol, and clearing toxins from the circulatory system. Additionally, guggul supports the elasticity of arteries and tonifies the heart. To explore further herbs for cholesterol management, refer to this article.

Weight Loss

Excess weight is often deemed a manifestation of imbalanced kapha dosha in Ayurveda. Guggul is known to facilitate fat burning through its pungent, astringent taste.

Moreover, guggul supports healthy thyroid function, promoting fat metabolism. It also enhances the metabolic principles associated with adipose tissue or meda dhatu adni.

Guggul nurtures digestive fire, catalyzing the elimination of excess fat. It acts as a liver stimulant and appetite enhancer, working intricately with the digestion of fats and oils, thereby promoting comprehensive weight management.

Cancer

Emerging research indicates that guggul may play a role in combating certain cancers. Studies suggest that guggul’s properties may inhibit enzymes that encourage tumor growth.

Furthermore, guggul is believed to stimulate proteins that activate apoptosis in tumor cells, affecting multiple cancer cell lines, including those of colon cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer.
Also Read: Best Herbs To Treat Cancer

Joint Pain

Guggul serves as a remedy for joint ailments with its scraping and detoxifying properties, effectively removing toxins from the joints.

Its restorative capability rejuvenates and lubricates tissues surrounding the joints, facilitating strength and flexibility, thus promoting comfortable movement.

Traditional Guggul Types

Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore guggul is specially formulated to balance pitta dosha, particularly in the musculoskeletal system.

This preparation combines Triphala, Guduchi, and Trikatu, creating a highly detoxifying and rejuvenating concoction that effectively removes pitta from the tissues.

Additionally, it nourishes the body and supports overall health, promoting regular muscle and joint function while keeping connective tissues healthy.

Yogaraj Guggul

This formulation of herbs and guggul serves to eliminate excess vata from the body, especially in the musculoskeletal system. To learn more about reducing vata, refer to this guide.

The potent combination of herbs with guggul possesses strong detoxifying and rejuvenating properties, establishing a profound connection with muscles, nerves, and joints.

Yogaraj guggul is crafted to aid in the elimination of natural toxins in muscles and joints, while fortifying and rejuvenating the neuromuscular and skeletal systems.

Triphala Guggul

This classic Ayurvedic preparation merges the rejuvenating and detoxifying qualities of Triphala with the cleansing capabilities of guggul.

It enhances the elimination of natural toxins from tissues. Triphala guggul is known for its Agni property, making it a preferred choice for weight management.

This formulation fosters healthy metabolism and aids in the removal of excess kapha from the body, supporting digestion and detoxification by minimizing toxins in the bloodstream, GI tract, and joints.

Punaravadi Guggul

Punaravadi guggul specifically aims to eliminate excess kapha from the heart, urinary system, joints, and kidneys.

Crafted with punarnava, trikatu, and Triphala, this formula has potent rejuvenating and detoxifying effects that facilitate the natural elimination of excess liquids from the body.

It effectively balances water molecules and expels kapha within body tissues while enhancing blood and lymph circulation and promoting comfortable joint movement.

Gokshuradi Guggul

The gokshuradi guggul specifically supports the genitourinary tract, balancing pitta, vata, and kapha doshas while strengthening the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and reproductive organs.

Mainly composed of gokshura, this herb is renowned for its rejuvenating properties for the prostate, respiratory system, and kidneys.

This formula includes Tripura, guggul, and trikatu, boasting effective detoxifying properties beneficial for the urinary system.

Kanchanar Guggul

This formula aids in addressing kapha imbalances and supports the lymphatic system and thyroid gland.

Kanchanar is an astringent herb that mitigates the qualities of kapha and promotes cleansing. When combined with trikatu, Triphala, and guggul, it fosters powerful detoxification to remove excess kapha from the body.

Thanks to its Agni property, this combination effectively minimizes future kapha formation while enhancing the body’s elimination processes.

Simhanad Guggul

Simhanad guggul is specifically designed to rejuvenate and detoxify the joints, balancing kapha and vata doshas while invigorating pitta.

This formulation blends the rejuvenating and cleansing attributes of guggul with those of Triphala and castor oil, effectively removing toxins from the blood, joints, and GI tract.

Additionally, the lubricating and soothing properties of simhanad guggul nourish and strengthen joint tissues, promoting proper function and mobility while enhancing healthy elimination and digestion.

How To Use Guggul

Internal Use of Guggul

The taste of guggul plays an essential role in the body’s signaling and digestive processes. This unique flavor contributes to its supportive qualities, helping to guide its recommended use in traditional Ayurveda.

While guggul can be consumed independently, it is often most beneficial when combined with other herbs. Available in both powder and tablet forms, guggul serves as a versatile supplement.

Guggul Tablets

Herbal tablets represent an efficient way to consume guggul alongside other beneficial herbs, making them ideal for those on the go.

Tablets provide a sensible option for individuals who prefer to avoid strong herbal flavors. They function similarly to capsules, facilitating digestion while providing the benefits of guggul.

A typical dosage is 1-2 tablets taken once or twice daily, although your healthcare practitioner may recommend specific usage guidelines.

Guggul Powder

The guggul powder allows for a more immersive experience with the herb’s natural flavor, making it both an economical and versatile choice.

A common dosage ranges from ½ to ¼ teaspoon, taken once or twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. Guggul powder can be easily mixed with milk, water, honey, ghee, or other compatible substances that enhance its effectiveness.

External Use of Guggul

Paste: The guggul paste can be directly applied to the skin, promoting overall skin health. When applied to joints, it aids in enhancing mobility while detoxifying tissues and reducing inflammation.

Gargling: Gargling with guggul helps support healthy teeth, oral mucous membranes, and gums.

Side Effects Of Guggul

Guggul has the potential to elevate pitta levels, especially when combined with other pitta-aggravating elements.

When taking guggul, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, sour foods, extreme temperatures, and intense emotional states. Given its potency, using guggul responsibly is crucial.

Excessive dosages may lead to side effects such as weight loss, mouth dryness, skin irritations, impotence, vertigo, and pathological changes in the lungs and liver. In cases of adverse reactions, saffron is noted as a potential antidote.

Contraindications

The use of guggul is not recommended during breastfeeding, pregnancy, excessive uterine bleeding, acute kidney infections, and thyrotoxicosis.

Individuals with allergies to Commiphora Mukul or related plants from the Burseraceae family should avoid guggul product consumption.

There are notable interactions between guggul and prescription medications. Caution is warranted when combining guggul with hypo-glycemic medications, anticoagulants, lipid-lowering agents, anti-hypertensives, antiplatelets, estrogens, and anti-diabetics.

For individuals taking these prescribed medications, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider before using guggul.

Dosages of Guggul

Guggul supplements come in various forms including tablets, capsules, extracts, lotions, and powders, readily available in both health stores and online. Typical oral dosages for guggul range from 6.25 to 132 mg per day, depending on the concentration of plant steroids and active guggulsterone present in the product.

Moreover, guggul supplements may also contain a combination of guggul with other beneficial herbs or extracts.

Alternative Herbs for Guggul

In the realm of Ayurveda, several alternative herbs may serve as substitutes for guggul. For instance, Brahmi and Triphala provide similar benefits to guggul.

Notably, Triphala is a renowned polyherbal formulation composed of haritaki, amla, and bibhitaki. Research has highlighted the considerable benefits of Triphala.

Brahmi, another revered Ayurvedic herb from Eastern India, shares similar advantages with guggul. For further insights, explore the benefits of Brahmi.

Frequently Asked Questions

When purchasing guggul or related products, considering the following questions can help ensure quality:

How is Guggul used in Ayurvedic Medicine?

In traditional Ayurveda, guggul is celebrated as a yogavahi, meaning it can carry other herbal substances deep into tissues. Thus, it is often recommended in conjunction with other Ayurvedic remedies for balanced mental, physical, and emotional health.

Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe guggul based on physical examinations and individual medical histories. Guggul can be consumed orally or applied topically as a paste or gargled to promote oral health.

Who should take Guggul?

Individuals suffering from hemorrhoids, urinary disorders, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, and obesity can benefit from guggul. It is primarily consumed in tablet, capsule, or extract form, but natural consumption through food is not advised.

Can Guggul be burnt at home?

Yes, guggul can be burned at home. When ignited, it emits a fragrance similar to myrrh. Burning guggul in a separate vessel over hot coals purifies the air while promoting health and well-being.

Which Guggul is best for weight loss?

For weight management, ayurvedic formulations such as Medohar Guggul and Triphala Guggul are often recommended.

Are the ingredients harvested sustainably?

Once abundant, guggul has faced population declines due to overharvesting. The process requires careful harvesting to avoid damage to the trees, making them susceptible to infections and threats to survival.

With overharvesting in recent decades, many guggul trees have become endangered. Sustainable harvesting has a direct impact on long-term viability. The good news is that guggul can be sustainably grown on private farms, where farmers prioritize eco-friendly practices.

Rajasthan has long been a hub for guggul harvesting, making it a primary source for sustainably sourced guggul in India. In 2007, eight thousand guggul plants were planted in suitable organic conditions, and after three years, they were ready for their first harvest.

Is Guggul grown in optimal locations?

The growth location significantly influences the quality of guggul. The herb’s taste and integrity depend not only on agricultural conditions but also on the environment in which it flourishes.