10 Top Benefits, Uses & Side Effects Of Guggul For Weight Loss, Thyroid & Cholesterol

Guggul Resin:

Guggul is called Erumaikan Kungiliam in Tamil. It is always been believed that burning guggul incense in the home removes negativity and also removes the ill effects caused due to vastu defects. I love it because of the wonderful earthy fragrance it exudes.

It calms me and I feel so peaceful and serene. When burning incense I don’t let it smoke in one room instead I take it to all the rooms in the house, that way there is mild fragrance all over the house and since the smoke is mild, it also will not cause any ill effects even for people who are allergic to smoke.

Guggul is not only used for incense, you will surprised to learn that pure guggul extract got from the resin has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than thousands of years. I really wanted to know more about guggul as I have heard about it’s wonderful benefits for a very long time.

Guggul Tree:

Guggul is the Hindi name of the Indian bdellium tree | Mukul Myrrh tree and it’s botanical name is Commiphora Mukul. It is a small bushy shrub filled with thorns and bears reddish round fruits and also produces resin. Guggul tree is usually found in Northern India mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Since guggul resin also called as gum guggul is a very famous ingredient in ayurvedic medicine, it’s usage is increasing every year.

It takes about 8 years till the plant is ready for harvesting the resin and the plant will yield approximately quarter kilo of the resin and then it takes 2 more years for the tree to form that amount of resin. The extract from the resin is called gugulipid and one important steroid found in the extract is called guggulsterone.

Guggul Traditional Uses:

Guggul is usually well known for it’s ability to treat arthritis (you can read about the study proving the use here), reduce inflammation and aid in weight loss. It is a true detoxifying herb and helps reduce cholesterol, you can read about the cholesterol reducing properties here.

But guggulu is rarely used alone as a medicine, it is usually combined with other herbs. I usually get guggul from a local shop and you can also buy guggul through online shops like ebay. This guggul resin is best used only for burning incense as it is not purified.

For medicinal uses, there are quite a few famous ayurvedic formulations made with pure guggul extract that are sold in the markets now. But please remember these formulations should only be taken under medical supervision. I have given all the different famous formulations and their general uses made with the extract of guggul resin below.

Side Effects Of Guggul:

Medicinal Uses Of Guggul:

Here I have given the general usage of the different famous formulations using guggul. You will find that most of these formulations can be used for arthritis, hemorrhoids, weight loss and indigestion…

1. Yograj Guggulu For Arthritis:

Yograj guggul has more than 25 herbs in it with guggul as a main ingredient, some of the ingredients in the formulation other than guggul are thirikadugam, triphala powder, amalaki, jeera etc. It is mainly used for treating arthritic pain, inflammation and bloating. It helps strengthen the joints and even facilitate movement for people with stiff joints. Side effects of yograj guggulu: It can also be taken for longer duration’s without any major ill effects but please take it under medical supervision.

2. Kanchanar Guggulu For Thyroid:

Kanchanar guggul is especially known for treating thyroid disorders, pcos and is very effective for treating hormonal  imbalance, goiter and fibroid so kanchanar guggul is very useful formulation for women. Kanchanar guggulu is a formulation made with ingredients like guggul, amla, haritaki, long pepper, cardamom, etc. Side effects of kanchanar guggulu: Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid it and it might cause stomach irritation in some people. Best to be taken under medical supervision.

3. Triphala Guggulu For Weight Loss:

This is a very very famous ayurvedic preparation that has been used for many years. As the name indicates it is combination of triphala and guggul along with other ingredients like long pepper, haritakai and amla, it is best known for it’s use in aiding weight loss. It helps remove toxins from the body and is also good for treating hemorrhoids, anal fissure and fistula. This is also best taken under medical supervision. Though there is no side effects consuming it over dosage might lead to stomach irritation…

4. Kaishore Guggulu For Healthy Skin:

It is one of the anti aging medicines that prevents premature aging of the skin. It also acts a natural blood purifier, treats arthritis and prevents inflammation. The main ingredients in kaishore guggulu are guduchi, triphala, thirikadugam and guggul. This wonderful formulation has anti bacterial, anti arthritic, analgesic and also anti inflammatory properties.

5. Amrutadi Guggul For Hemorrhoids & Obesity :

Amrutadi guggul is a combination of guduchi, guggulu, triphala, amla, haritaki, long pepper, etc. Like most of the preparation with guggul, it is used for treating inflammations of the joints, hemorrhoids and for obesity. Side effects: People who are prone to get stomach ulcers often or people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should be careful while taking this medicine and should mention it to your physician…

6. Lakshadi Guggul For Fractures:

Lakshadi guggul is best known for treating fractures and joint pain. This preparation has guggul, ashwagandha along with few more ingredients. Since it has got ashwagandha it helps improve bone density too. People who are suffering from osteoporosis, low bone density will greatly benefit taking this medicine. This medicine should be taken only under medical supervision. Side effects of lakshadi guggul: Large doses might lead to stomach irritation.

7. Gokshuradi Guggul For Urinary Tract Infections:

This formulation is very very useful for treating all the problems of the urinary tract especially dysurea (difficulty passing urine). It has got nagarmotha, thirikadugam, guggul and triphala as ingredients. This wonderful preparation strengthens the kidneys and is very good for diabetic patients. This preparation is considered safe and has no side effects but it has to be taken under medical supervision.

8. Rasnadi Guggulu For Nerve Related Problems:

This formulation is very helpful in treating nerve related problems. It has got devadaru, ginger, guggul, giloy as ingredients. Like all other preparations, it is useful for treating joint pain and can be used for hemorrhoids too. This preparation is very safe and can be used by every one including feeding mothers and children but please take it under medical supervision.

9. Medohar Guggulu For Fat Loss:

Medohar guggul is well known for it use in reducing body fat. It helps to improve the metabolism naturally. This formulation has got guggul , dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, ginger, nagarmotha, amla, haritaki, castor oil, etc as ingredients. This formulation also helps treat knee pain, high cholesterol and genral lack of energy. Though this is a medicine that is known for aiding weight loss, the dosage might vary from person to person and should only be taken under medical supervision.

10. Trayodashang Guggul For Arthritis:

Trayodashang guggul is well known for it’s use in treating joint pain, arthritis and inflammation. The main ingredients in this formulations are guggul, ashwagandha, shatavari, juniper berries, ginger, carom seeds, fennel seeds, etc. This is no side effects but over dosage can lead to stomach problems.