GUGUL RESIN

Commiphora wightii

Guggul, also known as Indian Bdellium, is a resin that is derived from a species of Myrrh. Its name has lead to much confusion. In ancient times, 'Bdellium' mostly referred to African Myrrh resin. But as early as the 1st century AD, ‘Indian Bdellium’ is mentioned as an import that was used to adulterate ‘true’ Bdellium. 

Today, all ‘Bdellium’ comes from India. But its botanical identity is still not clear since it is collected from different species of Indian Myrrh trees. Gugul grows in arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which are the commercial centres of its trade. (Sadly, harvesting practices are often unsustainable: over-harvested trees struggle to heal and regrow. As a result, several Commiphora species are now listed as endangered.)

Traditional
Guggul has been on record as a healing plant since ancient times. It was mentioned in the earliest Indian medical literature dating back to 1700BC. Back then it was recommended as a treatment for a host of ailments. It was equally popular in Pakistan, Nepal and Tibet. 

Magical
Guggul is used as an ingredient of many incense blends. Traditionally, it is associated with rejuvenation, maybe due to its aphrodisiac properties. It was also used as a magical aid to secure love.

Synonyms
Indian Bdellium-tree, Gugal, Guggul, Gugul, Gugal, Guggal, or Mukul Myrrh tree,