Guggulu is a remarkable oleo-gum resin harvested from the bark of Commiphora wightii, a tree that has been central to Ayurvedic medicine since time immemorial. This versatile botanical marvel is renowned for its ability to address a vast spectrum of health concerns, ranging from inflammation and rheumatism to obesity and dyslipidemia. When it comes to traditional healing, guggulu benefits are widely acknowledged in Ayurveda, thanks to the resin’s rich composition of bioactive phytoconstituents. Its healing power is rooted in its potent mix of terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and more. The resin naturally exudes from the tree’s bark when injured, forming a powerful medicinal substance.
While its healing properties continue to be celebrated, wild populations of this species native to arid parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in India, as well as neighboring regions of Pakistan are rapidly dwindling, raising concerns about conservation.
Historical Significance of Guggulu in Ayurveda
Dating as far back as 1700 BCE, guggulu has been revered in ancient Ayurvedic texts, including Sushruta Samhita, which describes its use in treating internal tumors, sores, obesity, liver dysfunction, intestinal worms, leukoderma, sinus, and edema, when taken orally. It is also used as an Ayurvedic medicine for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes etc.
The primary active compounds of guggulu are guggulsterone and boswellic acid, both of which contribute to its therapeutic potency. Guggulsterone is an active component of guggulipid and is derived from the gum resin of the tree- Commiphora mukul and Boswellia serrata. This contains a wealth of lignans and ketosterols, further enhancing its healing benefits.
Names of Guggulu in Different Languages
- Hindi name – Guggulu
- Latin name – Commiphora mukul
- English name – Indian myrrh, or bdellium
- Sanskrit – Guggulu, guggul
Guggulu as Described in Ancient Ayurvedic Texts (Shloka verse)
गुग्गुलुः कतिक्तोष्णः कफमारुतकासजित् । क्रिमिवातोदरप्लीह-शोफार्शोध्नो रसायनः ॥ १०५ ॥
Raj Nighantu, Chandanadi Varga – Shloka No. 105, 109गुग्गुलुर्भूमिजस्तिक्तः कटूष्णः कफवातजित् । उमाप्रियश्च भूतघ्नो मेध्यः सौरभ्यदः सदा ॥ १०९ ॥
Bhavprakash Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga – Shloka No. 38-39, 42-44गुग्गुलुर्विशदस्तिक्तो वीर्योष्णः पित्तलः सरः । कषायः कटुकः पाके कटू रूक्षो लघुः परः ॥ ३८ ॥
भन्नसन्धानकृद् वृष्यः सूक्ष्मः स्वर्यो रसायनः । दीपनः पिच्छिलो बल्यः कफवातत्रणापचीः ॥ ३९ ॥
Bhavprakash nighantu: Karpuradi Vargha – Shloka no. 38-39स नवो बृंहणो वृष्यः पुराणस्त्वतिलेखनः ॥ ४२ ॥
स्निग्धः काञ्चनसकाशः पक्वजम्बूफलोपमः ।
नूतनो गुग्गुलुः प्रोक्त सुगन्धिर्यस्तु पिच्छिलः ॥ ४३
Dhanvantari Nighantu, Chandanadi Varga – Shloka No. 116-117गुग्गुलुः कालनिर्यासो जटायुः कौशिकः पुरः । नक्तंचरः शिवो दुर्गो महिषाक्षः पलंकषः ॥ ११६॥
गुग्गुलुः पिच्छिलः प्रोक्तः कटुस्तिक्तः कषायवान् । वर्ण्यः स्वर्यो लघुः सूक्ष्मो रूक्षो वातबलासजित् ।। ११७
Dhanvantari nighantu: Chandanadi Vargha – Shloka no. 116-117
Appearance of Guggulu (Physical Description)
Guggulu is derived from a small, thorny tree of the Byrseraceae family, found across India, Pakistan, Arabia, and Africa. The tree reaches a height of 1.5-2 meters, with dark green, oval-shaped (elliptical) leaves that are twice compound, or bipinnate.
The resin is found in the balsam canals in the larger vein of the leaf and the soft base of the stem. Its flowers are brownish with five petals and its fruits appear to be pulpy, round, and red in color. When dissolved in water, guggulu turns milky white.
As per Dravaguna Vignyan, pure guggulu is “thick, scented, multicolored, burnt on fire, and liquefied by the heat of the sun”, guggulu resin is collected in winter after naturally oozing out from the bark during summer and then solidifying in the cold weather. Each plant yields approximately an average of 200-800 grams of resin. Pure guggulu is said to be most potent for 20 years with studies indicating that low moisture content in guggulu helps extend its shelf life. An ideal guggulu should be unctuous, soft, and sticky, with a sweet smell and a bitter taste; it should be yellowish in color, soluble in water, and free from contaminants.
Ayurvedic Properties of Guggulu
Rasa (taste) – Guggulu has tikta (bitter), madhura (sweet) and katu (pungent) rasa.
Guna (characteristics) – Light (laghu), penetrating (tikshna), unctuous (snigdha), viscid (pichchil), subtle (sukshma), and spreading (sara) are some of the properties exhibited by guggul.
Virya (potency) – As described in Ayurveda, guggulu is ushna, that is, hot potency.
Vipaka (metabolism action after digestion) – Guggulu has katu (pungent) effect in metabolic response after digestion.
Purification of Guggulu (Shodhana Vidhi)
According to Ayurvedic texts, consuming raw guggulu can lead to skin rashes, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and in excessive amounts, liver toxicity. To eliminate these side effects and enhance its medicinal properties, Ayurveda prescribes a purification process called shodhana vidhi.
During this purification, raw guggulu in Ayurveda is treated with specific biological substances such as herbal juices, cow urine, and cow milk. These substances may neutralize harmful compounds while infusing additional beneficial properties into the resin. Shodhana is an essential step before incorporating guggulu into therapeutic formulations.
Key Therapeutic Actions of Guggulu
Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse
Guggulu has proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent. In a study conducted to compare effects of ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory drug) against guggulu, it was seen that guggulu has tremendous anti-inflammatory potential.
Hypolipidemic Activity
Guggulu has a clinically proven ability to lower cholesterol levels, particularly in atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. Gugulipid, an ethyl acetate extract of the resin, is responsible for its hypolipidemic activity.
Antioxidant Activity
As per research, the antioxidant property of guggulu stopped the oxidation of cholesterol and subsequent hardening of the arteries, reduced the stickiness of platelet, and lowered the risk of coronary artery disease. The metal chelating capacity of guggulsterone contributed to its significant antioxidant activity.
Anti-atherosclerotic Activity
The combination of antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties of guggulu makes it especially beneficial against atherogenesis.
What are the Different Parts Used of Guggulu?
- Gum Resin: Gum resin is the most popular portion of the guggulu plant, which is extracted from the bark of the Commiphora wightii tree. This resin is rich in guggulsterones, the active compounds responsible for most of its medicinal properties. Traditionally, it is used in Ayurveda to cure many diseases related to obesity, high cholesterol, and joint pains.
- Bark: The bark of the guggulu tree may be used, though not as commonly as resin. The bark contains a number of essential oils and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, thus proving useful in supporting the processes of healing wounds and maintenance of skin health.
- Leaves: Although to a lesser degree than the resin, leaves of the guggulu are used in folk remedies, primarily for their diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They may be used in poultices or in decoctions for various conditions.
- Stem: The stem of the guggulu plant is less frequently used but can be used for some purposes in traditional applications. It finds its entry into some formulations against skin diseases because it is an astringent.
Benefits & Medicinal Uses of Guggulu in Ayurveda
Vātavyadhi (Disorders of Vata)
रसायनानां सर्वेषामुपयोग प्रशस्यते । शैलस्य जतुनोऽत्यर्थं पयसा गुग्गुलोस्तथा ॥
(च.चि. 28/241)
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) taken with milk is very useful as a rasayana in all kinds of Vātavyadhi, for example, amavata (rhumatoid arthritis).
Sotha (Oedema)
गुग्गुलं वा गोमूत्रेण, हरीतकीं वा । (अ.सं.चि. 19/3)
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) or haritaki (Terminalia chebula) mixed with cow urine to be administered in case of sotha (Oedema)
Vatarakta (Gout)
शिलाजतु प्रयोगैश्च गुग्गुलोर्माक्षिकस्य च । (च.चि. 29/159)
Regular usage of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Śilājatu (Bitumen) and honey will cure Vatarakta (Gout).
Urustambha
मूत्रैर्वा गुग्गुलुं श्रेष्ठम् ।। (सु.चि. 5/35)
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) with cow’s urine is the best remedy for Urutambha.
Sthoulya (Obesity)
रसाञ्जनस्य महतः पञ्चमूलस्य गुग्गुलोः । शिलाजतु प्रयोगश्च साग्निमन्थरसो हितः ॥ (अ.हृ.सू. 14/23)
Rasanjana, Mahat pancamūla (Bilva – Aegle marmelos, Agnimantha – Clerodendron phlomides, Syonaka-Oroxylum indicum, Patala – Sterospermum suaveolens & Gambhāri -Gmelina arborea), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Silajatu (Bitumen) & Agnimantha risa (Juice of Premna intergrifolia) taken regularly is beneficial in Sthoulya (Obesity).
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Arthritis
Guggulu in Ayurveda has considerable action in strengthening the bones and improving flexibility. Hence, it is used as an anti-rheumatic agent, especially in arthritis and sports injuries. It has a suppurative effect. Guggulu consumed in a dose of 500mg three times daily for 2 months, helps improve pain, stiffness, and swelling.
High cholesterol
Guggulu reduces cholesterol, filters blood, improves circulation, removes accumulation, and promotes healing. One can administer Triphala guggulu (1 gm twice daily) for 3 months to help with results.
Obesity
Guggulu has numerous formulations that help reduce and liquefy fat because of its kashaya property and stimulation of medo dhatu agni.
Skin disorders
When consumed internally, guggulu acts by disinfecting the affected areas of the body. It is used in treating inflammation and also has a potent antibiotic effect. Moreover, it is indicated in leprosy – 5 gm per day in acute infection.
Cardiovascular disease
Guggulu promotes blood circulation, helps reduce blood clots, supports lung function (Avalambaka Kapha), regulates blood circulation (Vyana Vayu), and purifies the blood channels (Raktavaha Srotas). Hence, it is indicated in blood disorders, atherosclerosis, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
Nervous disorders
Degenerative nervous system conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, can be managed with the usage of guggulu or its formulations. It reduces nerve pain and treats kapha type of depression. According to various studies, guggulu has proven to be a potent anti-dementia drug and enhances cognitive abilities.
Guggulu’s Effects on Three Doshas
Guggulu is a tridosha shamak in Ayurveda. It helps in balancing all three doshas.
- Vata – Guggulu is an excellent rasayana for pacifying the increased Vata dosha, which is concerned with the principles of movements and communication within the body. Imbalance in Vata gives way to ailments such as arthritis, joint pain, nervous system disorders, and disorders concerned with the digestive system. Warming and grounding properties of guggul pacify these diseases because it decreases excess Vata; because of its properties, guggul is especially good in the treatment of conditions like arthritis, particularly in cases showing stiffness and poor mobility.
- Kapha – Guggulu is helpful in reducing excess Kapha by promoting fluidity and elimination of toxins (ama). However, excess guggulu consumption may aggravate Kapha due to its heavy and unctuous nature. Imbalanced Kapha may manifest as sluggishness, weight gain, respiratory problems, and excessive mucus in the system. Guggul is a good remedy to decrease excess Kapha because of its heating and detoxifying properties, aiding in managing weight, detoxification, and breakdown of fatty tissues.
- Pitta – Guggulu, in Ayurveda, is beneficial in pacifying Pitta dosha. It helps reduce excessive heat and inflammation in the body and cools down and reduces inflammation. It is indicated for conditions like ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin disorders caused by excessive Pitta.
Guggulu: Precautions & Side Effects
Pregnant and breastfeeding women – There are not many conclusive studies suggesting the effects of guggulu on pregnant and breastfeeding women, therefore, it is advised to consume under the guidance of a medical professional. As per research, guggulu is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. It is believed to stimulate uterine activity, potentially endangering pregnancy.
Moreover, guggulu may exhibit estrogen-like effects, making it unsuitable for individuals with conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
Allergic reaction – Individuals who are allergic to guggulu should avoid its consumption.
There are no other specific precautions one must take while consuming guggulu apart from excess consumption, which might imbalance the doshas and have adverse effects.
Read More: Asafoetida in Ayurveda | Ashwagandha in Ayurveda | Turmeric in Ayurveda | Castor in Ayurveda
Who can benefit from Guggulu Consumption?
- Individuals suffering from high cholesterol.
- Individuals with arthritis.
- Individuals with obesity
- Individuals with nervous disorders.
Recipes to Consume Guggulu at Home
Guggulu Tea: Aids digestion and weight loss.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp of guggulu powder
- 1 cup of hot water
Instructions:
- Take boiling water and add guggulu powder.
- Let it stay for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain and drink while it’s warm.
Guggulu & Turmeric Golden Milk: Combats inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp of guggulu powder
- 1/2 tsp of turmeric
- 1 cup warm milk, dairy or plant-based
- Honey or maple syrup, as desired
Instructions:
- Warm the milk; add guggulu and turmeric powder to it.
- Let the ingredients boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sweetener to taste if desired, and drink warm.
Guggulu Capsules: Convenient for cholesterol and metabolic health.
Ingredients:
- Guggulu resin powder
- Empty gelatin capsules
Instructions:
- Take empty capsules and fill them with guggulu powder.
- Store it in an airtight container.
- Take one capsule with water daily.
Guggulu Honey Blend: Supports immunity and respiratory health
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of guggulu powder
- 1/2 cup of raw honey
Instructions:
- Mix guggulu powder into the honey until well combined.
- Make sure to store this in a jar.
- Take a teaspoon a day or you can also add this honey to lukewarm water or tea.
Guggulu and Ginger Detox Decoction: Cleanses the system and boosts metabolism.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp of guggulu powder
- 1 tsp of fresh grated ginger
- 2 cups of water
- Lemon juice, as required
Instructions:
- Boil water and add guggulu powder + grated ginger.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Strain and add lemon juice, if desired.
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