Health Benefits of Guggul
Guggul is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. The botanical name of guggul is Commiphora mukul. It is also known as Indian Bedellium.
For centuries, Indian herbalists and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners have been using this herb for reducing pain, lowering cholesterol level and curing skin diseases.
The medicinal properties of guggul are hidden in its gum. The fresh gum of guggul is pale yellow, dull green or brown in color. Aged guggul gum has dark brown color.
Lowers blood cholesterol
Guggul helps to lower the level of blood cholesterol. Modern studies have confirmed the cholesterol reducing property of guggul. Guggul acts on all the three lipid components of the blood, namely the HDL, LDL and triglyceride.
Researchers have found that regular intake of guggul for three months could reduce about 30 per cent of the total blood cholesterol level. This herb could reduce LDL or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream by about 35 per cent.
HDL or good cholesterol in the blood could rise by about 20 per cent by consuming guggul for about three months. Guggul could lower the triglyceride level by about 25 per cent in people who consume this herb regularly for at least 12 weeks.
Good for heart
Guggul can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. By lowering low density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels and by lifting the high density lipoprotein level in the blood, guggul can prevent atherosclerosis. Guggul is also a powerful antioxidant. It could prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing formation of plagues in the blood vessels that lead to narrowing and stiffening of the arteries.
Guggul helps to lose weight. By boosting thyroid function, this herb can increase the metabolism process of the body. Researchers have found that guggul helps to increases circulation of triiodothyroxine hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. This thyroid hormone pushes up the metabolism process of the body, helping the body to burn more fats.
Reduces pain
Guggul helps to reduce body pain. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This herb is used for treating arthritis pains. It can reduce joint stiffness and improves joint mobility.
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and boils could be cured with guggul.
