What is Guggul and it's benefits ?
Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is a resin obtained from the mukul tree, widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, the word Guggulu means “protects against disease.” Traditionally, it is considered a natural detoxifier and metabolism booster.
Latin Name: Commiphora mukul
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Guggal
- Bengali: Guggula
- Tamil: Mahisaksi guggalu
- Telugu: Guggipannu
- Kannada: Kanthagana
- Malayalam: Gulgulu
- Marathi: Guggal
- Gujarati: Gugal or Gugar
- Urdu : Muqil
- English : Indian Bellidium
Sanskrit Names:
Devadhupa – Guggulu is also used in incense sticks to worship
Jatayu
Kaushika – Exudes gum resin from its cavities
Pura – Guggulu is considered as best among niryasa
Kumbha, Ulukhala, Mahaneela
Mahishaksha – Gum resin of guggulu has reddish black colour like that of buffalo’s eye
Palankasha – Guggulu reduces obesity
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Devdaru
Ras
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Katu ( Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
- Vishada ( Clears channel and bring clarity)
- Sookshama ( enters the minute channel in body)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase: Pitta (if overused)
Types of Guggul
Nava Guggulu
The Guggulu which is less than one year is considered as Nava( Fresh) guggul. It is snigdha (oily), sticky. It provides nutrition to the body and improves body strength. Fresh guggul is aphrodisiac in nature.
New guggulu is oily and has golden yellow shine on it. It looks like ripe jamun fruit with good aroma.
Purana Guggulu
Gulgulu that is older than a year is considered as Purana (old) guggul. It is blood thinning and scraping in nature and helps clear the blocked channels in the body.
It balances Tridosha relieves bad odour, skin diseases and also helps in digestive problems.
Old guggul is dry and have foul smelling and will not have it’s original color. In Bhavprakash Nighantu the Ayurvedic text book on herbs other 5 varieties of Guggul are mentioned. These are:
Mahishaksa : It is used in elephants.
Mahaneela: This is also useful for elephants.
Padma : This type is useful for horses.
Kumuda : It is als0 used in horses.
Hirayanaksya: This guggul in beneficial in humans.
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Sangyasthapana : Group of herb that helps in restoring senses.
Sushrut samhita & Vagbhatt – It is categorized as
- Eladi varga : Group of herbs that balances Vata and Kapha dosha. Improves complexion and relieves itching and skin problems
Guggul shodhan (Purification)
Guggul should be purified before it is used to get maximum health benefits from it. Purification of guggul is done by process given below
First take a bowl and keep it on a burner, add water and coarse triphala powder and let it boil. Then take white cotton cloth and cut it into square piece. Now keep the guggul powder into this cloth and make bolus. Immerse this bolus in the triphala decoction and let this boil for 10 to 15 min.
The guggul becomes soft and purified.
Health Benefits of Guggul
Balances Cholesterol & lipids
Guggul might help manage normal cholesterol level. It improves metabolism by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This is due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also removes excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping ) property.
Guggulsterones, the active compounds in Guggul, may lower LDL cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
Aids in weight management
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Guggul benefits in managing obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing digestive fire. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) nature. Guggul might also manage excess fat in the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping ) property.
Helps in Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Guggul helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Guggul has also Vata balancing property and thus gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Useful in Skin problems
Guggul is said to kusthhar and kanduhar and also posses antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing skin problems especially the one having vata-kapha imbalance. This includes problems like
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Non healing wound
Mental Clarity & Stress relief
Devdaru’s scent is grounding. Inhalation or massage with its oil has been known to:
Reduce anxiety
Calm the nervous system
Promote better sleep
This makes it excellent for managing Vata imbalance related to overthinking and restlessness.
Actions (Karma) of Guggul in Ayurveda
Medahara – lowers cholesterol.
Meha – useful in diseases of the urinary system and diabetes.
Kushta – useful in skin diseases. This is the reason it is an important ingredient in medicines like Amrutadi guggul is used to treat carbuncles, obesity and fistula.
Amavata – relieves rheumatoid arthritis.
Granthihara – relieves tumours, growths, warts
Shophahar – relieves inflammation
Arsha – useful in piles. Ayurvedic formulation of Triphala guggul is very useful for Haemorrhoid patients who often suffer from constipation.
Gandamala – useful in goiter. Hence it is an ingredient of – Kanchnar guggul an Ayurvedic medicine used in treating goiter, nodules and thyroid problems.
Krumeen jayet – relieves intestinal worms and infested wounds.
How to use Guggul
Guggul can be consumed in various forms, including Guggul capsules, extracts and combination with other herbs
- Shuddh guggul powder: 1 to 3 gms two times a day. However the dosage varies with age,prakriti and region one lives.
- Guggul Capsule : 1 to 2 capsule two times daily with water.
- Part Used : Gum.
What are the side effects of Guugul
Like any other Ayurvedic herb guggul is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
- Headache,
- Mild nauses,
- Belching,
- Hiccups,
- Loose stools.
- Allergic rashes and itching.
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Guggul
Avoid consuming guggul during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use guggul in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using guggul. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use guggul continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store guggul in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Guggul
To relieve headache
For this you will need following ingredients:
Guggul powder – 1 tsp
Water – 1 cup
How to use :
Boil the water and add 1 to teaspoon of water into 1 teaspoon of guggul powder and make a paste. Apply this paste on the forehead and keep it for 2 hours. Then wash it with water
This helps to relieve headache like migraine and other.
For toothache
To make this you will need following ingredients:
Guggul powder – 1/4 tsp
Rakthbol powder – 1/4 tsp
How to use:
Mix powder of both the herbs together and then apply this mix on the aching tooth.
This helps in relieving toothache very fast.
Joint pain Relief
Mix ¼ tsp guggul powder with warm water or milk.
Take once a day after meals.
Helps reduce inflammation and stiffness in arthritis.
For weight management
Boil ¼ tsp guggul powder in 2 cups of water until one cup is left.
Drink this once a day before meals.
This tea supports metabolism and improves digestion.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does guggul take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly guggul powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Guggul
Guggul is the main ingredients in following medicines
Amrutadi guggul : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used to treat skin problems, gout, and
Trayodasang guggul: This guggul formulation is helpful in treatment of back pain, knee pain, osteo arthritis and other joint pain.
Gokshuradi guggul: This is very famous ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of urinary tract problems, diabetes, enlarged prostrate and male sexual problems.
There are many other preparations that contain guggul.
Conclusion
Guggul is one of Ayurveda’s most powerful natural remedies for cholesterol balance, weight management, joint health, and skin care. With increasing modern research supporting its benefits, Guggul remains a timeless herb that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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