Botanical Overview
Commiphora wightii (Family: Burseraceae) is a resin-producing shrub native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. Commonly known as Guggul or Indian bdellium, the medicinally used part is the aromatic resin exuded from the stem and branches. This resin has been prized historically in Ayurvedic and Unani traditions for its therapeutic properties.
Energetics
The resin is considered warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. Its actions are generally ascending and tonifying, affecting primarily the body’s vital energy or qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering)
- Thyroid-modulating
- Digestive stimulant
Indications
Western
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Skin disorders
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Hyperlipidemia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Acne
- Metabolic syndrome
TCM
No traditional use documented.
Ayurveda
- Joint pain
- Obesity
- Skin eruptions
- Weak digestion
Syndromes
- Medoroga (obesity)
- Sandhivata (arthritis)
- Kamala (jaundice)
Unani
- Joint inflammation
- Skin diseases
- Digestive weakness
Syndromes
- Waja al-mafasil (arthritis)
- Busoor (skin ulcers)
- Za’af al-hazm (indigestion)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The resin contains bioactive phytochemicals such as guggulsterones, commiphoric acids, essential oils, flavonoids, and resin terpenoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Resin powder 500–1000 mg taken 2 to 3 times daily
- Tincture (1:5, 40% ethanol) 2–5 mL 1 to 3 times daily
- Standardized extract capsules 300 mg 2 to 3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe at recommended doses, but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It can affect thyroid hormone levels and blood clotting, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, hyperthyroidism, bleeding disorders, and hypersensitivity to related species. Careful monitoring is advised when combined with anticoagulants or thyroid medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers were identified in authoritative sources for this plant.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of India, Warrier et al., 1996
- Pharmacological review of Commiphora wightii, Singh et al., 2014
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 2014
- Commiphora wightii: Chemistry and therapy, Sharma & Trikha, 2013