Guggul – The Wonder Herbal

Guggul has been in use since 600 BC. One could say it has stood the test of time!

It is a resin of Commiphora wightii which is known in English as Indian Bdellium. This perennial tree or shrub grows to a height of 1.2-1.8m high in the rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Gujarat. The resin is collected during winter season by making an incision in the bark or in summer season when it falls from the bark itself.

Traditionally it is defined as “one that protects against diseases” as it helps to balance all three doshas; with a particularly balancing effect on Kapha and Vata.

Why is Guggul so effective?

Guggul contains guggulsterones which are a plant steroid found in the resin of the guggul plant. Ancient texts confirm the effectiveness of Guggul for

• cleansing impurities or ama from tissues where it has accumulated,
• helping regulate fat metabolism,
• supporting cardiovascular health by reducing stickiness of platelets,
• and helping to support the thyroid.

It is always great to see traditional claims being supported with modern research

Guggul formulations are used to help

• Reduce weight gain,
• Balance high cholesterol or triglycerides,
• Reduce cardiovascular issues,
• Reduce joint or muscle pain,
• Reduce DOMS from vigorous exercise,
• Balance digestive weakness,
• Restore a low libido,
• When you get sick easily,
• Balance skin issues,
• Balance an underactive overactive thyroid,
• When people 55+ years have a sluggish digestion, low energy and need a tonic,
• Reduce impurities or to detox.

Healthy Fat Metabolism and Thyroid Function

Guggul helps the body process fats more effectively by reducing oxidation of fats. In one study of 205 patients Guggul was shown to lower triglycerides by an average of 22.6% and serum cholesterol by an average of 23.6%. At the same time it raises level of the good cholesterol. (www.globinmed.com)

• Cholesterol Balance (MA1881) supports healthy digestion and metabolism of fats. It helps to promote a good balance between HDL (healthy) and LDL (unhealthy) Lipoproteins.
• MA3697 Guggul/Mountain Ebony complex helps to balance both an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid.

Joint and Muscle Ease

When impurities accumulate in muscles and joints this leads to inflammation and pain. Overtime degenerative disorders such as arthritis or rheumatic pain can arise.

Or if you experience DOMS - delayed onset muscle soreness from pushing your body into strenuous exercise at the gym, at home or outside in nature, then Guggul is likely to be your friend.

Guggul provides a safe and quick acting anti-inflammatory response so is helpful for arthritic or rheumatic pain, headache or backache, after serious exercise or to ease stiffness from spending hours in the garden. It is helpful whenever you need to bend, move or lift heavy things and afterwards feel stiff or sore.

• Joint Soothe MA4572 is traditionally said to ‘scrape out ama’ thereby helping the body to ease soreness and stiffness in the muscles and joints.

Clients explain they experience ease quite quickly. Ease can come within one to two hours. Guggul formulations help to resolve stiffness that may otherwise take one or even several days to resolve. It is one herbal to have in the cupboard for when you need it. One client reported great effects from using a Guggul formulations while waiting for a knee replacement.

A Favoured Tonic

Guggul is also considered to be one of the most important tonics in Ayurveda. When you are feeling low in energy, falling sick easily, experiencing a low libido or finding your digestion is weak then taking a Guggul formulation can make a big difference.

From 55+ years Guggul is also very helpful if you notice your digestion has slowed down and you experience more aches and pains than usual, or you want an energy boost.

• Meda (MA631) helps to increase and support stamina, longevity, digestion and fat metabolism. This combination of Guggul along with Shilajit helps to nourish all the tissues in the body.

Guggul is a friend to health and longevity. It is a wonderful herbal to make part of your wellbeing regimen.

Linda Sinden - Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant.

Prescribed Products

We have a wide selection of herbal and mineral supplements that Maharishi AyurVeda practitioners prescribe for specific individuals. If you have had a consultation from one of our practitioners, and wish to know why a particular product has been recommended, please discuss this with your practitioner.

If your practitioner has given you advice on how to use the product you have been prescribed, that is different from the general advice on the label, please follow the personal advice given to you. We also have a helpful guide on how to make the most of your Maharishi AyurVeda products. Follow the link below:

How to make the most of your Maharishi AyurVeda products

When you buy products from Maharishi AyurVeda Products UK, you can be assured of the products’ quality and safety. Most of our herbal formulations are made in Maharishi AyurVeda Products Pvt Ltd.'s export factory in India which holds the AYUSH Premium Mark, ISO2200, ISO-IEC 17025, and WHO-GM quality certifications.

Product quality and safety