Guggul Me!
Picture it. 600 BC. A traditional Ayurvedic medicine, literally remedying ailments as vast as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and high cholesterol.
In Sanskrit, the word Guggul translates into ‘Guggulu,’ meaning ‘protects from disease.’ While Guggul is the common name for Mukul Myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul), the term itself often refers to the gum that forms from the sap of the tree. It is this resin that is used as a remedy for ailments.
Guggul is an excellent detoxifying agent rich in rejuvenating properties. By soothing pitta, kapha, and vata, it is capable of assisting the body in various ways!
Just Some Of Guggul’s Health Benefits
- Purifies and detoxifies blood and skin
- Assists in weight management
- Supports joint health
- Boosts immune system and menstrual cycle
- Balances agni, also known as the ‘digestive fire’ in Ayurveda
- Promotes rejuvenation
- Helps regulate healthy cholesterol levels
Guggul and Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most occurring disorder when it comes to joint health. This chronic autoimmune disease causes the joints to inflame and deform.
While many potential remedies are yet to be proved effective, recent studies suggest that Guggul possesses great anti-arthritic properties.
The results showed that increased white blood cell (WBC) count, cholesterol, and rheumatoid factor (RF) were normalized.
Guggul and Cholesterol
If you’re dealing with high cholesterol or wish to maintain healthy levels, you’ll be thrilled to know that Guggul is capable of decreasing ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides) while increasing the levels of ‘healthy’ cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).
One study linked Guggul gum to reduced absorption of cholesterol and fats in the intestine. Furthermore, it showed that Guggul inhibits liver cholesterol production while encouraging its removal.
Guggul and Free Radicals
Free radicals are atoms with an uneven number of electrons. In our body, they present considerable danger and are often associated with various severe diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.
Guggul is able to inhibit the formation of free radicals and therefore protect the tissues against damage.
Final Thoughts
Guggul is an outstanding Ayurvedic medicine that has been used for ages to treat various health conditions such as arthritis, high cholesterol, and oxidative stress diseases. While the remedy is safe for use and without dangerous side effects, it should be avoided by pregnant women as it may induce labor.
– Amit Vaidya
Amit Vaidya is the best-selling author of the memoir Holy Cancer and the upcoming Food Is Medicine cookbook series. He is the in-house health & wellness expert for Kapiva Ayurveda, advocating for the empowerment of all individuals to be in the driver’s seat of their own lives. He chronicles his life on Instagram under the handle @live4todayamit.
Also take a look at 3 Ayurvedic Herbs For Immunity
