Guggul, Indian bdellium-tree

Commiphora wightii

Physical Characteristics

Commiphora wightii is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Pakistan, central and northern India.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Edible Uses: Gum A bitter, pungent gum is obtained from the bark[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anticholesterolemic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Astringent Carminative Demulcent Emmenagogue Expectorant Stomachic The resin is alterative, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant and stomachic[ 46 , 240 ]. It is used in the treatment of muscular rheumatism[ 46 ]. The gum resin has been used extensively by Ayurvedic physicians for centuries to treat a wide variety of disorders[ 303 ]. It is a natural health product, used primarily to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels[ 303 ]. It has been used for many years as a hypocholesterolemic agent in India, where it is has received prescription drug status, due to its high level of efficacy as determined by clinical trials[ 303 ].

Known Hazards

None known