Guggulu, also known as Commiphora Mukul and Indian Bedellium, is a resin and one of the best known Ayurvedic herbs. It can increase white blood cell counts and possesses strong purifying and rejuvenating properties. As it cleanses the blood toxins and other impurities, it also helps our cells to rejuvenate and become fresh and active.
Guggulu has long been known to lower cholesterol and triglycerides while maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio. Modern medical researchers have proven that Guggulu is not only capable of lowering cholesterol levels in the blood but keeping them low for up to three months after discontinuing use of the herb.
Guggulu is among the first “broad spectrum drugs”1 with a wide therapeutic range. A broad mode of action makes this herb very helpful even in protecting against ailments such as the common cold, and various skin, dental and ophthalmic infections. Guggulu has a tonic effect that helps rejuvenate our cells/tissues and plays an important role in balancing the nervous system and solving reproduction system related complaints, and more. It is also considered for its use in solving and controlling menstruation cycle related problems.
In Ayurveda, Guggulu is traditionally used to treat …
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Nervous disorders
- Debility
- Obesity
- Bronchitis
- Whooping cough
- Skin rashes
- Ulcers
Guggulu is also used in some weight control formulas, as it naturally purges unwanted extra fat from the body. Guggulu’s cleansing qualities are also very effective in the treatment of various skin disorders and diseases.
Those suffering from skin related problems and various infections may find Guggulu can help them find some relief, as it helps in the stimulation of Phagocytosis by increasing the number of leukocytes in the blood. The skin, kidneys, mucous membranes, and many other internal organs omit this; this activity helps in keeping our body safe from getting infected.
Guggulu helps the body release and purge unwanted elements and substances naturally, and is considered to be one of the most effective disinfectants in creation. It also helps in removing and reducing tumors (which are caused by infection) from the body.
In Conclusion
If you suffer from any of the above conditions/ ailments, Guggulu may be worth a try, just make certain you are getting what you’ve paid for.
At present, due to its legendary effectiveness, Guggulu has made it onto the endangered species list. Guggulu is only found in some parts of India — Gujarat and Rajasthan. Due to the profound depletion of it and other medicinal species, it has become necessary to cultivate such medicinal plants on a massive scale and increase their propagation.
Hopefully, the steps taken by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and other conservation organizations, to multiply and conserve depleting, vulnerable and threatened medicinal plants, will ensure Guggulu doesn’t become yet another extinct species.
References:
1 Sharma SK, Agarwal HO, et al. “Septilin in Infective Dermatoses”. Current Medical Practice, 1984. Himalayawellness.com. Web.
Urizar NL and Moore DD. “GUGULIPID: A Natural Cholesterol-Lowering Agent”. Annual Review of Nutrition, July 2003. Web.
Dr. Michael Tierra, OMD. “Guggul: An Herbal Preparation with Many Health-giving Uses”. East West School of Planetary Herbology, October 2008. Web.
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