Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Guggul known as Guggulu in Ayurveda is the oleo gum resin exudate obtained from Commiphora wightii. It possesses Bitter Pungent and Astringent tastes with Light Penetrating and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it effectively balances all three doshas particularly Vata and Kapha. It is revered as the premier remedy for obesity and lipid disorders due to its fat scraping properties. Clinically it is extensively used to treat rheumatism osteoarthritis skin diseases and for healing bone fractures. It also treats tumors and cysts. Guggul requires purification before use to remove impurities and enhance efficacy. Common formulations include Yogaraja Guggulu and Kanchanara Guggulu with a typical dosage of 2 to 4 grams.
Guggul, known scientifically as Commiphora wightii (or Commiphora mukul), is an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the bark of the Guggul tree. It is one of the most vital drugs in Ayurveda, revered for its binding properties and its ability to scrape away fat and toxins from the body. It is considered the primary treatment for Vata diseases and obesity.
The Guggul plant is a small perennial tree or shrub, typically 1.2 to 1.8 meters high, found in the rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka. The medicinal part is the exudate (gum resin) collected during winter or summer. In Ayurveda, Guggul is unique because while it is a potent medicine for specific diseases, it is also a Rasayana (rejuvenator) that promotes longevity and strength. It is rarely used raw; it usually undergoes a specific purification process (Śodhana) to remove impurities and enhance efficacy.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Guggul is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Formulary:
Guggul is generally safe when used after proper purification (Śodhana). Raw Guggul may contain impurities like sand or glass and can be irritating. It is always processed with cow's urine, Triphala decoction, or milk before medicinal use to remove toxicity and enhance efficacy.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Standards for Herbal Substances)
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Commiphora wightii)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Guggulu
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Commiphora wightii Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Commiphora+wightii
ScienceDirect – Guggul Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/commiphora-wightii
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Guggul & Guggulsterone
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Commiphora mukul Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Ashtanga Hridaya – Guggulu in Vata-Kapha Disorders
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Guggulu Description
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Guggulu Reference
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in therapeutic doses (Rasayana) for specific periods, but dietary restrictions (avoiding sour/spicy food) must be followed for the best results.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is usually taken after food to prevent gastric irritation, often with warm water or milk.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Warm water is the most common vehicle (Anupana). For rheumatic or nerve conditions, it is often taken with milk or Dashamula Kvatha. For obesity, it may be taken with hot water or honey.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Guggul known as Guggulu in Ayurveda is the oleo gum resin exudate obtained from Commiphora wightii. It possesses Bitter Pungent and Astringent tastes with Light Penetrating and Unctuous qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it effectively balances all three doshas particularly Vata and Kapha. It is revered as the premier remedy for obesity and lipid disorders due to its fat scraping properties. Clinically it is extensively used to treat rheumatism osteoarthritis skin diseases and for healing bone fractures. It also treats tumors and cysts. Guggul requires purification before use to remove impurities and enhance efficacy. Common formulations include Yogaraja Guggulu and Kanchanara Guggulu with a typical dosage of 2 to 4 grams.
Guggul, known scientifically as Commiphora wightii (or Commiphora mukul), is an oleo-gum-resin obtained from the bark of the Guggul tree. It is one of the most vital drugs in Ayurveda, revered for its binding properties and its ability to scrape away fat and toxins from the body. It is considered the primary treatment for Vata diseases and obesity.
The Guggul plant is a small perennial tree or shrub, typically 1.2 to 1.8 meters high, found in the rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka. The medicinal part is the exudate (gum resin) collected during winter or summer. In Ayurveda, Guggul is unique because while it is a potent medicine for specific diseases, it is also a Rasayana (rejuvenator) that promotes longevity and strength. It is rarely used raw; it usually undergoes a specific purification process (Śodhana) to remove impurities and enhance efficacy.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Guggul is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Formulary:
Guggul is generally safe when used after proper purification (Śodhana). Raw Guggul may contain impurities like sand or glass and can be irritating. It is always processed with cow's urine, Triphala decoction, or milk before medicinal use to remove toxicity and enhance efficacy.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Standards for Herbal Substances)
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Commiphora wightii)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Guggulu
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Commiphora wightii Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Commiphora+wightii
ScienceDirect – Guggul Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/commiphora-wightii
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Guggul & Guggulsterone
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Commiphora mukul Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Ashtanga Hridaya – Guggulu in Vata-Kapha Disorders
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Guggulu Description
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Guggulu Reference
https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in therapeutic doses (Rasayana) for specific periods, but dietary restrictions (avoiding sour/spicy food) must be followed for the best results.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is usually taken after food to prevent gastric irritation, often with warm water or milk.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Warm water is the most common vehicle (Anupana). For rheumatic or nerve conditions, it is often taken with milk or Dashamula Kvatha. For obesity, it may be taken with hot water or honey.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem