Guggul

ommiphora wightii (Guggul or Mukul myrrh tree) is a flowering plant in the family Burseraceae. The guggul plant may be found from northern Africa to central Asia, but is most common in northern India. It prefers arid and semi-arid climates and is tolerant of poor soil.

It is a shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum height of 4 m, with thin papery bark. The branches are thorny. The leaves are simple or trifoliate, the leaflets ovate, 1-5 cm long, 0.5-2.5 cm broad, irregularly toothed. It is gynodioecious, with some plants bearing bisexual and male flowers, and others with female flowers. The individual flowers are red to pink, with four small petals.

Dietary Supplement

Guggul gum has been employed as a traditional remedy in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Purported benefits of guggul gum included relief from epilepsy, ulcers, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Guggulsterone, a compound found in guggul gum, is believed to exert influence on the production of cholesterol in humans. Recently, nutritional supplements containing extracts of guggul gum have become popular in many Western countries.

This popularity was spurred by the publication of small scientific studies in which regular guggulsterone supplementation appeared to lower cholesterol levels in test subjects with hyperlipidemia. However, a larger study conducted later failed to replicate the positive results reached in the initial studies. Other largely unverified claims for supplements containing guggulsterone include weight loss benefits and alleviation of acne.

Guggul Dhoop: Guggul can be purchased in a loosely packed form which is then burned over hot coals. This produces a fragrant dense smoke. The burning coals which produces the smoke is carried around in different rooms and held in all the corners of the room for a few seconds. This is said to drive away evil spirits as well as remove the evil eye from the home and its family members.