Commiphora spp.
·
Burseraceae
·
India

Guggul

Gum guggul, Corkwood, Kanniedood, Torchwood

Useful parts

Resin

Key actions

Anti-inflammatory, Lipid-lowering, Antimicrobial, Cholesterol-lowering

Active compounds

Terpenoids

This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Possible Proposed Uses

  • Acne
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • High cholesterol
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Urinary tract disorders
  • Weight loss

Mechanism of Action

Research pending

Possible Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Liver toxicity
  • Laxative effect

Possible Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants
  • Antifungals
  • Birth control pills
  • Liver-metabolized drugs

Abigail's notes

Guggul (Commiphora wightii) is basically myrrh's cousin, same family, same ancient resinous energy. If myrrh had a slightly less famous sibling who was equally useful but didn't get a shoutout in the Bible, it would be guggul.

It's cleansing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent. As a tincture it's great for cleaning out cuts and scrapes. And here's the thing: it also technically works as a mouthwash. Technically. In the same way that something can be functional and also completely unpleasant to experience. Like it legit tastes like ass. I said what I said. If you want the oral health benefits without that particular adventure, a capsule exists and I fully endorse choosing it.

The disinfectant properties are strong enough that they carry even into perfume form, which is genuinely unhinged and also kind of cool. You're out here smelling nice AND disinfecting things. Multitasking.

Taken as a capsule internally, guggul may support healthy cholesterol levels and encourage weight loss when necessary. And again, capsule means you never have to taste it. Everyone wins.

Safety note: Skip this one during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Allergic reactions are possible so patch test before applying topically. And do not mix with alcohol-based extracts. That one is a hard no.

Last updated on:
May 20, 2026

Deeper research options for you (because I would never ask you to just take my word for it)

Therapeutic effects of guggul and its constituent guggulsterone: cardiovascular benefits https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18078436/

Medicinal properties and health benefits of guggul-Commiphora mukul https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2023AIPC.2800b0158S/abstract

Googling the Guggul (Commiphora and Boswellia) for Prevention of Chronic Diseases https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6087759/

Herbal Remedies by Andrew Chevallier

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.

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