Guggul or Guggulu is a kind of natural resin that has a long history of use in our Ayurvedic culture. It is yellowish in nature and is obtained by tapping the bark of the Guggul tree.
Today, through this blog, we will try to uncover the historical background, medical uses, benefits, precautions, and side effects of the guggul plant, also called Guggulu or Indian myrrh. So stay tuned, read till the end, and obtain all the necessary information related to it.
Meaning and Source of Guggul:
So, let’s start with understanding the topic: what is guggul?
Well, it is a nature-based gum resin that is derived from the bark of mukul myraah tree. It is native to India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The plant is well-suited to hot and dry climates where rainfall is observed. Loaded with many healthy compounds (guggulsterones) and therapeutic effects, it works as a marvellous medicinal herb.
Ayurvedic Significance
In Sanskrit, the term Guggul is also called “pura”, which directly means “wards off disease.” In Ayurveda, Guggul is known best for its purifying and detoxifying properties. It is a resin that helps to purify your body inside and out, balance tridoshas, and treat a variety of conditions such as joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, high cholesterol, skin problems, and so on.
Its ideal usage helps to prevent and eliminate the accumulation of ama (toxins) inside your system, and thereby improves overall health and wellness. In fact, that is the reason why it is used frequently by Ayurveda practitioners and doctors for many medicinal formulations or detoxifying therapies.
Key Properties:
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Sama agni: Guggul, using its deepan and ushana properties, boosts the functioning of your digestive system, enhances metabolism, increases appetite, and eliminates impurities from the body’s channels (srotas).
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Dosha-shamak: Well, Guggul helps balance all three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. But it has a major and strong effect on pacifying Kapha and Vata.
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Shodhana: Guggul in Ayurveda is considered a purifying substance that helps you eliminate ama (toxins) from the body.
Traditional Uses of Guggul
In Ayurveda, Guggul portrays a rasayana that possesses valuable purifying and detoxifying properties. Well, not just in Ayurveda, but also in other healing treatments such as Unani, Allopathy, and Homeopathy, Guggul holds a significant role. Going back in time, guggul uses include:
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Healing purposes: For centuries, guggul has been prescribed for the treatment of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis), Sandivata (Osteoarthritis), and medoroga (lipid disorders). Additionally, it also stimulates agni (digestive fire), and that’s why it has also been a key ingredient in formulations meant for treating digestive concerns.
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Fumigation: When we burn guggul resin, it will provide an automatic aura and pleasing fume. That’s why it was and still is used as a disinfectant and to purify homes.
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Religious motives: In Hindu culture, guggul is linked with spirituality and purity. It is burned in poojas, hawans, and other religious ceremonies as an incense to purify the environment and offer to deities.
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Binding: Last but not least, the oleo-gum resin of guggul also serves as a binding agent in many types of Ayurvedic tablets.
Classical formulations that contain Guggul
Ayurvedic literature mentions many such herbal formulations that underscore the importance of Guggul and use it as the primary ingredient in many classic formulations directed at various health concerns. These types of polyherbal medicines are called Guggulu kaplanas in Ayurvedic language, as they combine the resin with other herbs to address ailments and pacify tridoshas.
1. Yograj Guggul
Yograj guggulu is a herbal mixture that is prepared by integrating shuddha guggul with triphala, trikatu, chitrak mool, ajwain, vidanga, and a few other plants’ roots, seeds, and spices.
Best for → Balancing aggravated Vata dosha, boosting the musculoskeletal and nervous system, and improving digestive and joint health.
2. Kaishore Guggul
This Ayurvedic mixture is formulated with guggul, triphala, trikatu, and kanchanar (bauhinia variegata). It is a kind of natural medicine that helps a lot to address deep-seated imbalances in the body.
Best for → Managing kapha accumulation, goitre, enlarged glands or lymph nodes, and supporting thyroid health.
3. Triphala Guggul
This Ayurvedic formulation is the result of the combination of guggul and triphala. Just a single spoonful of it is a powerhouse of detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties that can greatly help you.
Best for → Triphala guggulu benefits patients with Piles, anal fistula, and constipation the most.
4. Trikatu Guggul
As the name itself clarifies that this is the combination of two major herbal mixtures, first the guggul itself, and second triphala, which itself is a combination of three potent herbs, namely: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki.
Best for → Weight management, detoxification, boosting digestive health, and ama (toxins) elimination from your GI tract, blood, and joints.
5. Lakshadi Guggul
Lakshadi guggulu is a type of herbal medication that is mainly meant for joint-related problems. It contains guggul and laksha (shellac), and this herbal medication contains a very rich amount of calcium.
Best for → Fractured or weak bones, management of conditions like osteoporosis, and conditions related to joints, bone, or muscles.
6. Gokshuradi Guggul
The ingredients involved in this Ayurvedic formulation are guggul, gokshura, triphala, and trikatu. This herbal mixture is full of anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that support your reproductive health and overall wellness.
Best for → Toning and strengthening the urinary system, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.
Guggul Benefits for Health
Guggul, through its inherited properties and healing effects, helps to prevent, treat, and even cure many health conditions. In fact, it is an Ayurvedic medicine that Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe to patients. The major benefits of Guggul are as mentioned below:
1. Helps to Manage Cholesterol:
As mentioned earlier, Guggulu contains guggulsterones. These are the healthy compounds that help to reduce triglyceride levels (fats found in your blood) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also called “bad cholesterol.
Well, it does not just reduce bad cholesterol. But also increases the “good cholesterol” (HDL or high-density lipoprotein) in the body. Additionally, its active compounds also inhibit the formation of plaque in the arteries, thereby promoting better circulation and improved heart health.
2. Boosts Joint Health:
Taking Guggul powder has also shown positive and marvellous results for joint-related problems. It eliminates the ama (toxins) throughout the body of the patient, which eventually provides relief to patients who are dealing with any kind of arthritis.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of guggul alleviate the swelling and stiffness associated. No matter if you want to get relief from rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or sciatica. Or you just simply want to contribute to your overall joint health, incorporating guggul into your routine will surely be helpful.
3. Reduces Skin Problems:
Well, if you are having any kind of skin problems, such as acne, pimples, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, etc, you can trust guggulu. The guggulsterones and other healthy compounds present in it help regulate sebum production, calm red bumps, inflammation, bacteria, etc.
The studies say that guggulu works best for those who have oily or acne-prone skin. It makes your skin healthy not just from the outside, but also from the inside. Additionally, its anti-aging traits stimulate collagen production, which in turn makes your skin glowing and elastic.
4. Supports Thyroid Function:
Research suggests that guggul stimulates thyroid activity, and that’s why it can be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism to a certain extent. Formulations like kanchanar guggulu cleanse the lymphatic system and support detoxification, which is crucial for thyroid management.
But no matter how helpful guggul could be for thyroid, one should not replace it with standard thyroid treatment. So better, consult your healthcare professional before using guggul, especially when you are already on any kind of medication.
5. Aids Weight Management:
Guggul boosts metabolism and also contains fat-reducing effects, and that’s why it can help during your weight-loss journey. In fact, guggul is used as an essential ingredient in many supplements that mainly aim to cut down the extra kgs from your body.
Doubtlessly, guggulu may regulate the appetite and balance insulin resistance, which are two crucial aspects of managing weight. But still, scientific evidence lacks support for the effectiveness of the guggul plant for weight loss.
How to use Guggul for weight loss?
- Take 1 tsp. of guggul powder with lukewarm water once or twice a day after having your meals.
- You can also take guggul tablets or capsules; they are commonly available in markets these days.
6. Strengthens your Immune System:
Well, if you have a weak immune system or you fall sick frequently, then guggul can prove advantageous to you.
As a traditional Ayurvedic herb, guggul, through its scrapping or detoxifying properties, removes accumulated toxins from the body, and thereby supports a healthy and more resilient immune system.
7. Good for your Mental Health:
Guggul contains many healthy compounds and therapeutic effects that can actually improve your mental health. By making your mind calm and reducing stress and anxiety, it not only contributes to your mental clarity but also enhances your actual well-being.
How to use Guggul?
Guggul is an Ayurvedic rasayana or natural medicine that can be used or consumed in many possible ways, such as:
1. Oral consumption:
Guggulu powder, tablets, and capsules are some of the forms available for oral consumption. One can have 1-2 capsules or tablets each day or as directed by the doctor. It is the easiest way through which you can consume guggulu.
Otherwise, you may take guggulu churana with lukewarm water, as it will benefit you more. Because, unlike tablets/capsules, it will be purer and contain no harsh chemicals. For taste purposes, you may also add honey to it.
2. Ayurvedic formulations:
To enhance the healing power of guggul, you may also blend it with other herbs or formulations, such as triphala, trikatu, gokshura, and so on. The segment is already covered above in this blog under the section: Classical formulations that contain guggul.
3. Topical application:
Not just internal, but one can also use guggul externally. When applied to the skin, it works as a natural skin-soothing agent that resolves skin issues and inflammation.
To make the paste, simply mix guggul powder with water or rose water. Apply this paste to the affected areas, such as acne, wounds, or swollen joints.
4. Fumigation (dhoop):
Last but not least, you can use guggulu for fumigating purposes. Just burn a small guggul resin, and it will disinfect the environment and purify the air around you. Sometimes, its fume is also inhaled for treating respiratory issues such as a cold, cough, or allergy.
Guggul Side Effects
There are also some harmful effects associated with guggul, especially when you are taking it in excess or during prohibited health conditions. Some of the side effects of guggul that individuals may likely experience include:
- Nausea, vomiting, belching, hiccups, loose motion, or diarrhea
- Frequent and constant headaches
- Itchy, inflamed, and red skin followed by rashes or hives
- Damage to the liver
- Hormonal imbalance
- Thyroid concerns
- Blood clotting
When to avoid guggul?
There are some specified health conditions where this so-called beneficial guggul herb can even go against you and may harm your health. So it is highly advised to avoid using guggul under these circumstances:
- If you are pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
- If you are allergic to guggul
- If you have any hormone-sensitive disorder
- If you are going to have any surgery in the near future
- If you are taking any kind of steroids
- If you feel any kind of digestive issues or any other health problems after using guggulu, just immediately stop.
Note: Make sure to consult a doctor or the experts of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda once, so that you can have better clarity whether guggulu is helpful or suitable for you or not.
We, at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda, firstly examine the body nature, dosha-dominance, and past medical condition of the individual, and only thereafter provide any suggestion, medication, or treatment. So that you can have long-term relief and a happy-healthy life ahead, where you are not worried about any health concerns.
Takeaway
At the end of the body, we can say that Guggul, also called guggulu, can really be a powerhouse and helpful herb. No matter, you are using it alone or mixing it with other natural herbs, it will surely help you related to your various health conditions. However, you must be highly careful about its dosage, manner, and timing of consumption. Also, it is better to take medical advice before directly adding it to your normal routine.
