Guggulu Powder
Description
Botanical name:Commiphora Mukul
Guggul is made from the guggul tree's oily sap (gum resin) (Commiphora wightii). The guggle tree grows in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
According to Ayurveda, Guggulu, which means “protects from disease” in Sanskrit, is an essential purifying herb used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic physicians.
Guggul contains a mixture of plant compounds, including steroids, essential oils, lignans, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and amino acids — all of which may be responsible for its various health benefits.
This versatile herb blends well with other supporting herbs such as Kanchanar, Punarnava, Gokshura, Triphala, Laksha, Panchatikta, Kaishore, Simhadi, Yograj churna, and Mahayograj churna.
Its oleo-gum resin is used as a binding agent in many tablets.
Suggested Use
Suggested Use:Take one teaspoon twice a day with room temperature water or as otherwise directed by your health care practitioner.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women, those with estrogen sensitivities, people with overactive thyroids, or scheduled for surgery should not use Guggulu. Ask your doctor if you take birth control pills and if Guggulu will work for you.
Properties
Part Used - Gum Rasin
- Rasa- Tikta (Bitter)
- katu (Pungent)
- Guna (qualities) - Laghu (light to digest)
- Rooksha (dryness)
- Vishada (Brings clarity, clears channels)
- Sookshma (Minute) Sara - brings about movement.
Effects on Dosha
It supports Vata and Kapha imbalances without aggravating Pitta.
The sweetness balances vata, astringent properties balance Pitta, and bitter properties, balances Kapha.
Key Benefits
- Guggul is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Preliminary research suggests it may help treat certain anti-inflammatory conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and arthritis.
- It has also been used to manage weight loss, hypothyroidism, and cholesterol and blood sugar levels already in their normal range.
Side Effects
People with sensitive stomachs should consult an Ayurvedic physician, as long-time use of guggulu may cause gastritis.
How is Guggulu purified?
Steps for Purification of Guggul
(Still made the Ayurvedic Way)
- Soak the coarse powder of 1kg Triphala in 16 times water for 8 hours.
- Then boil the mixture on low flame till it is reduced to 1/4.
- Filter the hot Triphala decoction in a large container.
- Put 1kg raw Guggul chunks tied in a cotton bag into the filtered hot Triphala decoction alternating in and out several times to blend it well.
- The heat of the decoction helps to melt the Guggul. The pure guggulu extract oozes out from the bag into the hot decoction, and impurities remain in the cotton bag.
- Simmer the herbal decoction with Guggul until the water has completely evaporated and converted into a thick paste.
- Store the paste in sterilized containers, and once cooled, it can be made into powder, tablets, or encapsulated.