Ayurvedic Benefits Of Guggul

Guggul

According to Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'The science of life. Ayurveda is a natural medicine system that originated in India more than 5000 years ago. Ayurvedic formulations are made with herbs and spices to cure diseases. Now we are going to learn about the herb' Guggul' and the health benefits.

Guggul has been widely used in Ayurveda to cure various diseases like cholesterol, obesity, inflammations, and joint pains. Guggul is made from the gum resin of the Guggul tree. The resin is harvested from the plant's bark through the process of tapping. The Guggul plant is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.

Types Of Guggul

Guggul can be mainly of five types.

• Mahanila.
• Mahishaksha.
• Padma.
• Kumuda.
• Hiranaya.

Mahanila, Mahishaksha, Padma, Kumuda, Hiranaya are the five types of Guggulu.

Ingredients Of Guggul

The major ingredients of Guggul are:-

• Black pepper

  Black pepper is rich in antioxidants that help in preventing cell damages.

• White pepper

  White pepper contains rich flavonoids and vitamins and a chemical called piperine which helps to prevent joint pains.

• Ginger

  Ginger is rich in antioxidant properties which help your body to fight various chronic diseases.

• Harithaki

  Haritaki is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Harithaki helps absorb nutrients and eliminate them from our body and prevents indigestion problems.

• Bibhitaki

  Bibithaki is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. Bibithaki stimulates blood sugar levels and prevents inflammation.

• Amalaki

  Amla is rich in Vitamins, calcium, fiber, etc. Amla is found to be very effective in treating high cholesterol and high sugar.

• Cardamom

  Cardamom contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and phytochemical properties that treat skin ulcers, infections, etc.

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon has various health benefits as it contains a rich amount of potassium, calcium, carbohydrates, etc. Also cinnamon contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Cinnamon helps to treat digestive disorders, lessens blood sugar, and inflammations.

• Varuna (crataeva nurvala bark)

  Varuna is rich in laxative properties which prevents constipation troubles. Varuna is a fantastic blood purifier. .

• Kachnar (bauhinia variegata) bark

  Kachnar is rich in Deepan (appetizer) properties that help to improve digestive fire. .

Black pepper, White pepper, Ginger, Harithaki, Amalaki, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Varuna, and Kachnar Bark are the major ingredients of Guggulu.

Phytochemical Constituents Of Guggul

Guggul plant is rich in phytochemicals that have medicinal properties. They are:

• Gum 32%.
• Essential Oils 1.45%.
• Sucrose.
• Fructose.
• Amino acids.
• Flavonoids, .
• α-camphorene.
• Ellagic acid.
• Sterols such as guggulsterone, β-sitosterol, Z- and E-guggulsterone. .

Guggul plant contains various phytochemical properties such as essential oils, gum, sucrose, fructose, amino acids, flavonoids, ellagic acid, sterols, etc.

Health Benefits Of Guggul

Guggul can be used both internally and externally in various forms. Guggul can cure various diseases like:

• Control high cholesterol levels

  Studies have shown that Guggulu can reduce LDL( bad cholesterol) and increase HDL( good cholesterol). Guggul extracts act as an antagonist which helps to lessen high cholesterol. .

• Prevents Acne formations

  Guggul is rich in plant steroids which helps to reduce the swelling and redness that arises in some types of acne.

• Helps to reduce Gingivitis

  Guggul extract contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat weak gums.

• Ensures relief from Joint pains

  Guggul pastes were found very effective in treating joint pains due to the rich content of anti-inflammatory properties.

• Treats Skin ulcers

  Guggulu acts as a blood purifier that helps to fight infections and inflammations. Skin disorders can be effectively managed by consuming Guggul regularly.

• Relieves from Urinary tract infections

  Guggul extract contains antibacterial and diuretic properties that help to prevent Urinary tract infections. .

• Helps in Weight loss

  Guggulu is very effective in suppressing appetite and reduces fat accumulation. .

• Treats Vitiligo

  Vitiligo is a condition of pigment loss from the skin. The powerful ingredients in Guggulu act positively in tissue levels that help to prevent Vitiligo symptoms.

• Controls Intestinal worms

  Guggul is rich in anti-bacterial properties. Hence, guggul is a fine remedy in treating intestinal worms.

• Treats Hypothyroidism

  Guggul is very effective in treating Hypothyroidism as it can enhance the function of the thyroid gland that in turn helps in increasing the production of thyroid hormones through the enzymatic approach. .

• Treats Liver diseases

  Guggul contains a hepatoprotective property that increases the production of certain useful enzymes and enzymatic reactions which is good for liver health. .

Guggulu is widely recommended in Ayurveda to treat various diseases such as high cholesterol, obesity, liver diseases, hypothyroidism, vitiligo, urinary tract infections, intestinal worms, gingivitis, skin ulcers, acne, joint formations, etc.

How To Use Guggul

Guggul is available in different forms like Guggul paste, Guggul capsule, Guggul tablet, and Guggul Powder. Guggul can be consumed in the following method.

• Guggul Powder

  First take 2-4 pinch of Guggul powder and swallow it with warm water 1-2 times a day.

• Guggul Tablet

  One or two tablets twice a day can be taken with lukewarm water.

• Guggul Capsule

  One or two capsules twice a day can be taken with lukewarm water.

• Guggul Paste

  Guggul paste can be applied to the affected area to get relief from joint pains.

Guggul is available in the form of powder, paste, tablet, and capsule form.

Precautions

While using Guggul please consult your doctor if you find any symptoms of skin rashes and itching.

Point To Remember

• Guggul is not advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
• Guggul should be avoided two weeks before any surgery.
• Giving Guggul to children is also not recommended.

Conclusion

All the information mentioned above was collected from various Ayurvedic resources. Kindly get the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before starting self-medication.