Guggul: Benefits, Dosage, How to Take it, and Precautions

What is Guggul?

Guggul often referred to as Guggulu, is a fragrant resin. This resin has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is still commonly used today.  

It is a natural remedy for heartburn and other digestive problems. It has also been reported to help with diabetes. In addition, Guggul's benefits have also been studied for their potential cancer-fighting abilities. However, more research is necessary to fully understand this herb's effect on cancer prevention or treatment. 

Guggul is often referred to as "Indian Sarsaparilla," as it contains numerous compounds, including saponins, vitamin C, carotenoids (like beta-carotene), flavonoids (such as quercetin), and polysaccharides (such as agarose).[1] 

The most well-known properties of Guggul include: 

• Weight loss 
• An anti-inflammatory agent 
• Cholesterol management 
• Diabetes management 
• Heart health 

It is extracted from the Mukul myrrh tree and has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for weight loss. 

The best Guggul uses include the treatment of obesity, high cholesterol, and arthritis [2]because it contains sterols (which can lower serum levels of bad cholesterol), phenolic acids (antioxidants), flavonoids (flavonol antioxidants), and stigmasterol (an anti-inflammatory compound). 

It has also been shown to have anti-aging effects on the skin. When applied topically, it helps prevent wrinkles by increasing collagen production while reducing oxidative stress on cells due to its antioxidant properties [3], so it's great for people who suffer from dryness. 

Guggul Benefits

• Consuming Guggul is a great way to boost your immune system. Guggul uses been found to help reduce the risk of common colds and other infections such as strep throat and flu. 
• It helps improve digestion by reducing flatulence or discomfort caused by gas in the stomach or intestines. 
• It can also help you lose weight. Studies have shown that people who consume Guggul regularly tend to have lower body fat levels than those who don't consume it at all or don't consume it in large doses. 
• It is a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight free radical damage caused by exposure to the sun, pollution, smoking, and other factors that cause cell damage. 
• It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, anti-coagulant, and antiarrhythmic agent. 
• It has helped people who have suffered from depression or anxiety disorders. 
• It is used to treat various ailments like asthma. 
• It can also be used as an antibacterial agent against Staphylococci and Streptococci. 

Guggul is a natural supplement used to treat many conditions, as mentioned above. It has proven to be effective against several different health issues like 

• High blood pressure 
• Ulcers 
• Diabetes 
• Cancer 
• Coughs and bronchial spasms 

Guggul Dosage

The recommended dosage of Guggul for weight loss is 1.5g to 3g daily.[4] If you are currently on prescription medication, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or changing dosages on your current one.

Guggul can be taken in capsule form or as tea made from its leaves. Take one capsule a day and at least 10 minutes before a meal since it may affect digestion if consumed too close to when you eat. Do not take it at bedtime because it may interfere with sleep quality. 

Additional Read: How to Reduce ESR

Guggul Side Effects

• The most common side effect is indigestion. 
• It causes heartburn. This can be a serious issue if you have GERD or GERD-like symptoms (such as abdominal pain). If you experience heartburn after taking Guggul, speak with your doctor about alternatives to this herb. 
• If you are taking Guggul for weight loss and experience nausea or diarrhea, stop using this product and seek medical attention immediately. 
• Your skin may develop a rash or itchiness if you use this supplement in large amounts over long periods (more than three months). 
• If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult your doctor before taking Guggul. 

Some research suggests that taking Guggul may lead to potential and most common side effects such as: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Irritability

How To Take Guggul

Raw Herbs 

Raw herbs are the most effective way to take Guggul. Although it may not have the most pleasing taste if taken directly, consuming raw herbs will help you reap all the health benefits the plant has to offer.

Capsule 

Capsules are the most common way to have Guggul. They're easy to digest, convenient, and easy to store, travel with, and take with other medications. You can simply open up the capsule and mix it with water or juice. 

Tincture 

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of Guggul, but don't want to deal with the side effects of its use as a supplement, then this may be a good option. Guggul tinctures can be purchased online and at health food stores. 

The process for making tinctures involves soaking the bark in alcohol (vodka is often used). The resulting liquid will contain many compounds from Guggul; however, some of these compounds may not be present in high enough concentrations for your needs. Also, it's sometimes available in oil form, just like Ashwagandha.

Powder Form

Guggul powder can be extracted from the root or leaf and contains the active ingredient guggulsterone.[5] This powder can be used as a nutritional supplement. You can also apply this powder topically if you suffer from dryness. 

Guggul Precautions

You should also be aware of the following: 

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking a guggul. 
• If you have any medical conditions that may be affected by Guggul (see "Special Concerns" below), check with your doctor before taking this supplement. 
• Keep out of reach of children and pets in case they accidentally swallow some pills. 

• Guggul is a natural supplement that can help to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. It's also used for weight loss, but this may not be the best use of it. 
• Guggul is available as a pill or powder, but take note: If you take Guggul in its raw form, then the side effects will likely be more severe than if you were taking it in capsule form. 
• Guggul can be used in many different ways. It is often used as an Ayurvedic remedy or treatment for various conditions. However, it should be noted that not enough research has been done on the plant or its effects. 

Guggul is a powerful herb that can help you to treat many different conditions. It has been used for centuries, and there's no reason why it can't be your next best friend.

However, before taking it yourself, you should ensure that it is safe for your health and well-being. You should also talk to a doctor before taking this supplement on your own because there could be potentially negative side effects associated with its use.

For more queries, contact Bajaj Finserv Health to consult with a doctor. We will help you locate nearby doctors' offices, schedule appointments, get individualized healthcare plans, maintain your medical history, and much more.