Guggulu

Indian bedellium (E), Indian myrrh (E), Guggul (H):

Guggulu resin has a remarkable cholesterol controlling action. It is used in Ayurveda to literally scrape out toxic accumulations that aggravate va-ta and cause arthritis. It is a renowned yogava-h?-, meaning that it carries other substances with it deep into the tissues.

Cholesterol It reduces cholesterol (LDL) and prevents accumulation. It has a lekhana property that 'scrapes' deposits from the channels, joints and tissues. Guggulu is a specific herb for obesity and excessive weight; this works via its pungency, lekhaniya property and ability to enhance thyroid function. It stimulates medasdhatu- agni, which regulates fat metabolism. Arthritis Anti-inflammatory activity and detoxifying action. Very good in kapha/vata types of arthritis to reduce pain and swelling. Heart Ischaemic heart disease, angina, congestive heart failure; it increases blood flow, reduces blood clots and clears atherosclerosis. It regulates vyanavayu, moves avalambaka kapha and raktavahasrotas as well as scraping ama deposits from the channels. Gynaecology Used to clear endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and clots. It reduces all accumulations and ama in the apanaksetra of the lower abdomen. It regulates the cycle and is a strong emmenagogue. Skin Guggulu can be used for skin inflammations. Clinical trials have proven efficacy in acne as opposed to antibiotic treatment (Thappa & Dogra 1994). It is used in stubborn skin lesions that are chronic, 'stuck', and resistant to other treatment. It also benefits general inflammations of the mucous membranes throughout the body, mouth ulcers and lung infections. It helps to regenerate tissue granulation and enhance healing; clears tumours, dead tissue and reduces lipomas. Infections Its ability to increase the white blood cell count helps to clear infections, reduce sore throat and promote the immune response. Bones As a resin guggulu correlates to rakta dhatu (the blood tissue); this is responsible for healing deep-seated wounds and is traditionally used for healing fractures and nourishing majja dhatu (Bhavaprakas´a. See Frawley & Lad 1994 for a useful correlation between the tissues and plant parts. Rasa = leaf juice, Rakta = resin and sap, Mamsa = softwood, Medas = gum and hard sap, Asthi = bark, Majja = leaf, ´Sukra = flowers and fruits). Cancer Used to treat all growths, accumulations and cancers (granthi).