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Herbs & Cultures
Image of Guggul

Asia · Herb · № 142

Commiphora wightii (syn. C. mukul)

Region
Asia
Origin
Arid regions of north-western India (Rajasthan, Gujarat) and Pakistan. Commiphora wightii
Sanskrit
Goggulu
Traditions
Ayurveda, Unani medicine, Western herbal medicine
3 traditionsImage: Delonix · CC BY 4.0

Herb · Asia

Guggul

Commiphora wightii (syn. C. mukul)

The resin is used in Ayurveda for joint complaints, overweight and high cholesterol. A US study found no reduction in cholesterol; LDL even rose slightly.

Safety notes

May cause rashes, stomach upset and interactions with thyroid, blood-thinning and hormonal medicines. Avoid in pregnancy. The wild shrub is critically threatened by overharvesting.

Cautions by tradition (1)
  • Herbal medicine worldwide: Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation

Purified resin in tablets or Ayurvedic formulas (such as yogaraj guggulu). No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Guggul is a relative of myrrh and is mentioned in the earliest Ayurvedic texts. It is also burned as incense. Ody describes it as an important Ayurvedic resin remedy.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Herbal medicine worldwide

Attributed effects

Cleansing, rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory, stimulates white blood cells, inhibits blood clotting, protects the heart, lowers cholesterol; for arthritis, overweight.

Preparation and amount

Gum resin in Ayurvedic 'guggul' preparations; with gokshura and trikatu for urinary complaints, with triphala and pippali for ulcers and arthritis; in plasters for pain; in a gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers; extracts against high cholesterol.

Caution: Not in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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