
Guggul is also known as “Pura,” which means “ward off disease.” Guggul’s major bioactive component is oleo-gum-resin (a mixture of an oil and yellowish or brownish fluid secreted from the plant stem or bark). It is this oleo-gum resin that is said to have therapeutic benefits. According to Ayurveda, Guggul reduces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) by increasing the digestive fire. It also reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. It improves metabolism and is also useful in weight management.
What are the synonyms of Guggul?
Guggul is also known as Commiphora wightii, Pura, Mahisaksa, Kausika, Palankasa, Guggula, Gum-gugul, Indian Bdellium, Gugal, Guggal, Gugar, Kanthagana, Guggala, Mahishaksha guggulu, Guggulugida, Guggulu, Guggal Dhoop, Kanth Gan, Gulgulu, Mahishaksh, Mahisaksi Guggalu, Makishakshi guggulu, Guggipannu, Muqil (Shihappu).
Benefits of Guggul
1. Manages Osteoarthritis
According to ayurveda, Guggul is useful in managing pain in osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint mobility. Guggul has Vata balancing properties and gives relief from osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
2. Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) is a disease that impairs the proper functioning of Vata dosha and promotes Ama (toxins) accumulation in the joints. In Amavata, a person suffers from a weak digestive fire, which leads to Ama(toxins) accumulation. These toxins are then carried to different locations through Vata. Instead of being absorbed, the toxins get accumulated in the joints. Guggul helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Guggul also has a Vata balancing property and relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain and swelling in the joints.
3. Controls High Cholesterol
According to ayurveda, Guggul might help manage the cholesterol level. It improves metabolism by reducing Ama (toxins) due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also removes excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.
4. Manages Obesity
According to ayurveda, Due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle, Ama’s (toxins) accumulation increases, causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu, resulting in obesity. Guggul helps improve metabolism and digestive fire with its Deepan (appetizer) nature. Guggul might also manage excess fat in the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.
5. Controls Acne
According to ayurveda, Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, Kapha’s aggravation increases sebum production, which clogs the pores, resulting in the formation of both white and blackheads. A disturbance of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Guggul helps balance Kapha-Pitta because of Tridosha’s balancing property and reduces clogs and inflammation.
FAQs
Yes, Guggul may be useful for the heart. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic (lipid-lowering) properties. It reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), thereby preventing blockage in the arteries. Due to this, Guggul may be useful in preventing heart attacks and other heart abnormalities.
According to ayurveda, Guggul helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating cholesterol levels. Guggul improves metabolism by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also helps to reduce excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.
Yes, Guggul may be useful for the liver due to its hepatoprotective (liver protective) property. It increases the production of certain beneficial enzymes and enzymatic reactions.
Guggul can be beneficial for weight loss. The Ayurvedic herb has been used to treat and control high cholesterol.
Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols) by approximately 25% according to Some studies. At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
Gastro-intestinal upsets—most commonly involving loose stools and diarrhea—are the most predominant adverse effects reported. Guggul is a powerful herb and should be used judiciously. Excessive dosage or misuse can lead to dryness of mouth, weight loss, impotency, skin disturbances, vertigo, and pathological changes in the liver or lungs; in these cases, saffron is said to be the antidote.
According to ayurveda, Guggul can increase pitta, especially in combination with a pitta-aggravating lifestyle. It is therefore recommended—while taking guggul—to avoid sour foods, alcohol, prolonged exposure to the sun, anger, and excessive physical activity.
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This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on Foresta Organics. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your healthcare plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.