Saturday, May 17, 2008

Guggulu

Guggulu Commiphora mukul

Parts used: Gum resin, steam, leaf

Historical aspects: Guggulu, the resin from Commiphora mukul has been mentioned in the atharva veda and in early medical texts of a charaka, sushruta samhita and nighantus. Its original properties have been described as medoghna,mehaghna.

Habitat:
The mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant. This resin has been used historically and is also the source of modern extracts of guggul

Pharmacognoy: The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics have been described in considerable detail.

Indication:

  • Rheumatic disorders
  • Hypercholesterolaemia
  • Promotes comfortable movement of the joints and muscles
  • Rejuvenates the muscular-skeletal system
  • Maintains healthy metabolism and removes toxins from the system

Ayurvedic Energetic:

· Rasa (taste): bitter, astringent, sweet, pungent

· Guna (constitutions): Balancing for all doshas, especially pitta

· Virya (action): heating

· Vipaka (post-digestive effect): neutral

Herbal Actions:

Analgesic, antipyretic, alterative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, decongestant, demulcent, depurative, remunerative, stimulant, tonic

Traditional Uses :

Arthritis

Gout

Sciatica

Boils

Hemorrhoids

Sprains

Bursitis

Muscle aches/cramps

Stiffness

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Myositis

Strained muscles

Dysmenorrhea

Neuralgia

Swollen joints

Fever

Repetitive motion injury

Tendonitis

Fibromyalgia

Rheumatism


caution: Use with care during pregnancy

Dosage: Daily recommendations for the purified Guggulu extract are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. a common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5–5% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

guggula is even used popularly nowadays in obesity