| Commiphora Mukul |
Guggul, a powerful Ayurvedic resin known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits:
Common Name: Guggul
Hindi Name: Guggul
Sanskrit Name: Guggulu (“Protects from disease”)
Botanical Name: Commiphora mukul
Family: Burseraceae
Type: Small thorny shrub or tree
🌳 Plant Description
- Height: 1–4 meters
- Leaves: Trifoliate, somewhat wrinkled
- Bark: Thin, peels off in papery flakes
- Resin/Gum: Oleo-gum-resin extracted from the bark – this is the medicinal part
- Habitat: Dry, rocky areas of India (esp. Rajasthan & Gujarat)
🔬 Key Active Compounds
- Guggulsterones (E & Z) – Regulate cholesterol & inflammation
- Myrrhanol, commiphoric acids, volatile oils, resins
- Polysaccharides, flavonoids, and steroids
💊 Medicinal Uses of Guggul
| Use | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | Reduces joint inflammation and pain (esp. osteoarthritis, RA) |
| Cholesterol | Helps lower LDL and triglycerides, raises HDL |
| Weight management | Supports fat metabolism and thyroid activity |
| Skin conditions | Useful in acne, eczema, boils |
| Detoxification | Helps clear ama (toxins) from tissues |
| Menstrual health | Used in PCOS, irregular cycles |
| Wound healing | Speeds up tissue repair (used in external pastes) |
🌼 Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Bitter, Pungent |
| Virya (Potency) | Heating |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) | Pungent |
| Effect on Doshas | Balances Vata, Kapha (can increase Pitta if overused) |
Guggul is a rasayana (rejuvenative) herb, often used in combination formulas like Yogaraj Guggulu, Kaishore Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, etc.
🧪 Forms of Use
- Tablets / Capsules – Standardized extracts (e.g. guggulsterone 2.5–10%)
- Churna (powder) – Taken with warm water or honey
- Medicated Ghee or oils – Used in panchakarma & massage
- Topical pastes – For wounds and joint swelling
⚠️ Precautions
- May cause gastric irritation or Pitta aggravation in sensitive individuals
- Avoid in pregnancy and hyperthyroidism unless advised
- Interacts with thyroid medications, blood thinners, and cholesterol-lowering drugs – consult your doctor
- Use under supervision for long-term benefits