Picture it. 600 BC.  A traditional Ayurvedic medicine, literally remedying ailments as vast as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and high cholesterol.

In Sanskrit, the word Guggul translates into ‘Guggulu,’ meaning ‘protects from disease.’ While Guggul is the common name for Mukul Myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul), the term itself often refers to the gum that forms from the sap of the tree. It is this resin that is used as a remedy for ailments.

Guggul is an excellent detoxifying agent rich in rejuvenating properties. By soothing pitta, kapha, and vata, it is capable of assisting the body in various ways!

Here Are Some Benefits Of Guggul

Some key benefits of guggul for overall health include:

• Purifies and detoxifies blood and skin
• Assists in weight management
• Supports joint health
• Boosts immune system and menstrual cycle
• Balances agni, also known as the ‘digestive fire’ in Ayurveda
• Promotes rejuvenation
• Helps regulate healthy cholesterol levels

Guggul and Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most occurring disorder when it comes to joint health. This chronic autoimmune disease causes the joints to inflame and deform.

While many potential remedies are yet to be proved effective, one of the benefits of guggul for joint pain includes reducing inflammation as it possesses great anti-arthritic properties.

The results showed that increased white blood cell (WBC) count, cholesterol, and rheumatoid factor (RF) were normalized making guggul for joint pain an effective remedy.

Guggul and Cholesterol

If you’re dealing with high cholesterol or wish to maintain healthy levels, you’ll be thrilled to know that Guggul is capable of decreasing ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides) while increasing the levels of ‘healthy’ cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).

One study linked Guggul gum to reduced absorption of cholesterol and fats in the intestine. One of the key benefits of guggul is that it inhibits liver cholesterol production while encouraging its removal.

Guggul and Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms with an uneven number of electrons. In our bodies, they present considerable danger and are often associated with various severe diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

Benefits of guggul include inhibition of the formation of free radicals and protection of the tissues against damage.

Triphala Guggulu For Gastrointestinal Disorders

A combination of triphala and guggul is used in ayurvedic treatment. One of triphala guggulu uses is treating stomach disorders like constipation by stimulating the digestive fire. Other triphala guggul uses include relief from piles and anal fistula. Triphala guggulu is an excellent laxative and aids weight loss.

Final Thoughts

Guggul is an outstanding Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for ages. Benefits of guggul include the treatment of various health conditions such as arthritis, high cholesterol, and oxidative stress diseases. While the remedy is safe for use and without dangerous side effects, it should be avoided by pregnant women as it may induce labour.

– Amit Vaidya

Amit Vaidya is the best-selling author of the memoir Holy Cancer and the upcoming Food Is Medicine cookbook series. He is the in-house health & wellness expert for Kapiva Ayurveda, advocating for the empowerment of all individuals to be in the driver’s seat of their own lives. He chronicles his life on Instagram under the handle @live4todayamit. 

Also take a look at 3 Ayurvedic Herbs For Immunity