Indian Bdellium Gum (Guggul)

Names

1. In Hadees it is called as Kanda
2. In Sanskrit it is called as
3. In English it is called as Indian Bdellium
4. In Latin it is called as Commiphora Mukul or Commiphora wightii.

In Hindi it is called as Guggul.

Introduction: –

It is a flowering plant; all parts of it are used, but especially resin (gum) of it is used.

Nabi صلي الله عليه وسلم’s guidance about Guggul: –

Guggul for weak Memory: –

1. Hazrat Anas Bin Malik says that they were in Nabi صلي الله عليه وسلم’s company, one person  came  &  complaint  about his  weak memory   to Nabi  صلي الله عليه وسلم &  He  صلي الله عليه وسلم replied:  “Take  Kandar   (Guggul),  soak  it  in water, overnight & drink this water at morning empty stomach because it is best for Nisyaan (lack of memory).

[At-Tibb Al-Nabawi (Al-Jawzi) vol. 1; page. 294]

Guggul for weak memory & urinary problems: –

2. Hazrat Abdullah Bin Abbas says that Nabi صلي الله عليه وسلم drank Kandar  (Guggul)  water mixed  with sugar  at  morning  empty stomach & said that it removes urinary problems & it is best for Nisyaan (weak or lack of memory).

[At-Tibb Al-Nabawi (Al-Jawzi) vol. 1; page. 294]

Content: –

Guggulsterone, magnesium, iron, silica, aluminum, Balsum, tola etc.

Scientific benefits: –

It lowers lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, improves Insulin production & helps in controlling diabetes, helps in arthritis, sciatica, gouts & inflammatory diseases. Reduces hardening of arteries, (atherosclerosis), acne, & skin problems, reduces weight, tumors, ulcers, sores, tones the heart & is also helpful in urinary problems, worms, seizures (convulsion) etc.

Science & Hadees regarding Guggulu: –

Guggulu has anti-bacterial activity so helpful in urinary problems & it is mostly lipid soluble & helpful in weak memory.

Modern medical investigations have shown that the gum-oleoresin & guggulu are beneficial in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma & ulcerative colitis with no side effects as & are drugs of choice. They improve blood supply to the joints & restore integrity of vessels weakened by spasm. According to a review of unpublished studies, preliminary double-blind trials have found Lobaan & guggulu effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Two placebo controlled studies, involving a total of 81 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, reported significant reductions in swelling & pain over the course of 3 months.

In one study conducted at the Government Medical College in Jammu, India, nearly 60 percent of arthritic patients tested experienced good to excellent results against stiffness & pain. Over three-quarters of the patients in the study were either bedridden or incapacitated from doing normal work. Within two to four weeks after starting on Guggulu extract, they reported a lessening of morning joint stiffness, pain & improved grip strength.

In another study of 26 patients suffering from arthritic, dramatic improvement was experienced within four weeks. A German review published in 2002 documents the effectiveness of boswellic acids (key active ingredient) in treating arthritis, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bronchial asthma & reactive swelling around a brain tumour, as shown by clinical trials.

Experimental & clinical usage of Lobaan & guggulu indicates that they have no side effects on blood pressure, heart rate, gastric irritation & ulcers associated with many anti-inflammatory & anti-arthritic drugs. It is now an approved herbal medicine in India for use against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, low back pain, myositis & fibrositis.

Animal studies have suggested that both reduce cholesterol & triglyceride levels in the blood. In other controlled human studies, it was shown to decrease the duration of bronchial asthma, possibly by blocking formation of the chemicals that cause the blood vessels to contract. Also has shown to be effective in epilepsy.

One rat study showed the Guggulsterone Z, at a dose of 10mg/kg bodyweight, increased iodine uptake & metabolic activity of the thyroid gland. The mechanisms of action of guggulsterone Z in this regard is unlike Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone & is not a pituitary mediated. It was shown (again, at 10mg/kg bodyweight) to increase serum T3 & T4 levels. (It should be noted that this dose is much higher than what is customarily used in herbal supplements).

 Conclusion of Hadees: –

1. Use Guggul in urinary problems & weak memory, soak in little water overnight & drink the water in morning empty stomach