Commiphora mukkul, which is also known as Indian bedellium, gum guggulu or simply guggul is a tree found throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names of the yellowish resin exuding from the trunk of the tree which serves as the source of the modern extracts of guggul.

In ayurvedic medicine, guggul has been used to stimulate healthy circulation to the skin and through the veins.

It has also been used to treat arthritis and obesity as well as lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Guggul is beneficial in treating the following conditions:

Congestive heart failure and high cholesterol - In India, clinical tests have found that 75 percent of people lowered their total blood-cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 20 - 25 percent through the use of guggulsterones (compounds found in guggul) over a three month period. Roughly half the people who used the herb for three months saw higher HDL (good) levels. By stimulating the incorporation of cholesterol into cell linings, where it is beneficial, and by increasing the excretion of excess cholesterol into the bile removed with intestinal wastes, guggul extracts are able to lower blood-cholesterol levels. Additionally, guggul stimulates the liver to process LDL (bad) cholesterol into HDL (good) cholesterol. Other clinical studies in India have found guggulsterones to be beneficial for people with high cholesterol related to kidney disease.

Acne - Guggulsterones were shown to be just as effective as tetracycline in treating nodulocystic acne for three months with a 50 percent lower rate of reoccurrence according to one small-scale clinical test. In people with oily skin, these compounds were shown to be especially effective.

Guggul is taken in the form of an extract of the resin that has been refined to prevent diarrhea and abdominal discomfort called guggulsterones. A common dose of this extract is 25 mg 3 times daily. In ayurvedic preparation, the herb is called rasayana. Guggul is also available in tinctures and in combinations with other substances that are beneficial to the heart like niacin and/or hawthorn.

* Important notes: It's not recommend using crude guggulu because it can cause loss of appetite, skin rashes, nausea and diarrhea. People with Crohn's disease, liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome and pregnant women should use guggul with caution. Those taking beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure should avoid guggul altogether.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Guggul or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.