Guggul is a yellowish resin and is a traditional medicine in ayurveda. It is the most popular medicine in ayurveda treatment and has been used for more than thousands of years. It has various health benefits. The resin is used to control medicine and blood purification. In several western countries, it is used in treatment of digestive problems, arthritis, obesity, mouth infections and acne.
Guggul is obtained from Commiphora mukul (Mukul myrrh). It is a tree native to India. For weight loss treatment, guggul is combined with other weight loss compounds like guarana extract or green tea. Guggul is also blended with other substances to cure problems such as hemorrhoids, acne and urinary tract infections. Though, several people believe guggul also has side-effects.
Guggul Benefits
Following are some of the health benefits of guggul –
- Digestion — It controls cholesterol and enhances easy digestion.
- Aphrodisiac — It enhances sperm production.
- HDL and LDL levels — Normals levels of HDL and LDL can be maintained by guggul extract.
- Tumors — Guggul extract can fight tumors. Guggulsterone is a compound in the resin which fights prostrate cancer cells.
- Osteoarthritis — Guggul extract helps relieve the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
- Menstrual pains — Its extract helps in relief from menstrual pains.
- Blood purifier — Guggul is a blood detoxifier and breaks up body stagnation.
- Acne — Guggul is beneficial for acne.
- Heart strengthening — It acts as a heart tonic. It protects heart y preventing the oxidative damage.
- Thyroid — Guggulsterone helps in thyroid stimulation and thus has a positive effect on cholesterol level for individuals who have less activity of thyroid.
- It lowers the triglyceride levels.
Side Effects of Guggul
Some people believe in spite of several health benefits, it also has many side-effects –
- Headache
- Mild diarrhea
- Hiccups
- Hives
- Chest pain
- Mild stomach pain
- Throat tightness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy and swollen skin
Cautions before taking Guggul
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid its consumption.
- Person who are allergic to any medicine should avoid taking it.
- People who take aspirin and with high blood pressure should not take this medicine.
- People who have migraine problem also should not take the medicine.
