GUGGUL

Description

Guggul is used for pain relief in joints and muscles. It also treats arthritis and reduces inflammation of the joints. It controls lipid metabolism and improves thyroid function. Guggul is useful in reducing high cholesterol levels. It prevents platelet aggregation and therefore useful in treating heart disease and strokes. The Guggul lipid stimulates the activity of white blood cells in the body, contributing to the fortification of the immune system.  It is also useful for weight reduction and maintenance.

It is a fragrant resin produced by secreted by the Mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) found in India, Central Asia, and North Africa. Guggul has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, to treat a variety of medical conditions from arthritis and acne to hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections. Guggul is also touted as a weight loss stimulant.

Guggul is also known as guggulipid or its Sanskrit name guggulu (meaning “to protect against diseases”). In Ayurvedic medicine, guggul is used to balance the doshas and clear the obstruction of channels.

According to Ayurveda, Guggul is useful in weight management as it helps to improve metabolism and reduce Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) by increasing the digestive fire. It also helps to reduce swelling, pain and stiffness in joints in case of osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Guggul might also be helpful in managing blood cholesterol levels by lowering total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.

Guggul can be taken in the form of powder, tablet or capsule to help reduce the production of sebum which inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria due to its antibacterial property.

Locally known as: Guggulu/Gugal

Active Constituents: Quinic Acid and Myo-Inositol

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after food or as directed by physician.