Guggul is a small shrub or tree which is approximately 6 m tall with very thick bark and thorny branches. A guggul tree is known for its gummy resin which is tapped or harvested from its bark. Guggul tree is tapped from November to January so that the gum or resin can be collected from May to Jun.
Guggul tree yields about 700 to 900 g of gum or resin annually. The name Guggul which means the one which can protect from diseases. The resin of the plant has shown its use in balancing doshas like Vata and Kapha. The resin has a unique essence and when it is sprinkled on hot coal, it gives a dense smoke with a fragrant.
Due to this, it is used in making dhoop and essence sticks. Guggul plant contains a mixture of phytochemicals like steroids, gum, flavonoids, lignan, essential oil, myrrhanol, guggulsterone, and guggulipids are used in treating various diseases.
