Plant Profile: Guggul

Guggul

(Commiphora wightii)

Family: BURSERACEAE

Energetics: Warming. Drying. 

Taste:

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Circulatory system. Digestive system. 

Parts Used: Gum.

Key Components: Guggulsterones which are made up of diterpenes, sterols, esters & fatty alcohols. Resins. Volatile oils. 

Preparations & dosage: 

Actions: 

Foundational: Aromatic. Stimulating. Demulcent.
Primary:
Secondary: Nutritive.

Uses: 

Removes Ama from the body (In ayeurveda, Ama is a toxin that is produced as a result of slugish digestion and circulation). Specific for all circulatory disorders including: high cholesterol, high triglycerides, arteriosclerosis, numbness & poor circulation. 

Also useful for arthritis as well as rheumatic complaints. 

Lipid imbalances. 

Increases livers metabolism in a sluggish liver, which in turn increases the ability of the liver to take up LDL cholesterol from the blood. 

Also stimulates the thyroid which aids in lowering lipids. 

Weight loss (perhaps as caused by hypothyroid?). Increases energy (same reason?). 

Strengthens bones and thus prevents osteoporosis. 

Used to treat cancers and tumors. 



Combines well with: Triphala

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting:

Contraindications: Use with caution if you have gastritis, diarrhea or dysentery. 

Sources: 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 318-319
https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/guggul-commiphora-wightii/

Studies: