Gum Guggul / Burdock Root

Gum Guggul, the sticky gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, plays a major role in the traditional herbal medicine of India. It was traditionally combined with other herbs for the treatment of arthritis, skin diseases, pains in the nervous system, obesity, digestive problems, infections in the mouth, and menstrual problems. In the early 1960s, Indian researchers discovered an ancient Sanskrit medical text that appears to clearly describe the symptoms and treatment of high cholesterol. One of the main recommendations was the use of Guggul. Subsequent tests in animals found that Guggul gum both lowered cholesterol levels and also separately protected against the development of hardening of the arteries. Several research trials followed this discovery, culminating in studies examining Guggul's effectiveness in humans. At present, a moderate level of evidence suggests that Guggul can improve cholesterol levels. The primary chemical constituents of Guggul include phytosterols, gugulipids, and guggulsterones. A small controlled trial compared oral gugulipid against tetracycline for the treatment of acne, and reported equivalent results. Also, a study in mice found potential anti-diabetic effects. Guggul is typically manufactured in a standardized form that provides a fixed amount of guggulsterones, the presumed active ingredients in Guggul. Guggul helps reduce high cholesterol, because it lowers harmful low-density lipoproteins while elevating the beneficial high-density lipoproteins. It helps prevent blood platelet aggregation and breaks up already formed blood clots. Thus, it helps prevent heart disease and stroke. Guggul lipid stimulates the activity of white blood cells in the body, contributing to the build-up of the immune system. Assisting with the bodies natural reaction to fight off infection, Guggul lipid also helps eliminate and expel dead tissues, wastes, and toxins from the body. Guggul lipid has been known to relieve coughing, lung congestion, and other respiratory problems.

Burdock is also known by the names Bardane, Clotburr, Beggars Buttons, Gypsy Rhubarb, Gobo, and Burr. In traditional herbal texts, Burdock Root is described as a "blood purifier" or "alterative," and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. The genus name "Arctium" is from the Greek, arktos, meaning "bear"' in reference to the shaggy burrs. "Beurre" is French for "butter" as French women would wrap their cakes of butter in leaves of Burdock to transport it to the marketplace. During the Industrial Revolution, Burdock was used as a medicine to help people cope with the increasing environmental pollution. The Swiss inventor, George de Mestral, who invented VelcroT, was inspired by the Burdock burrs that covered his dog; when he observed the burrs under a magnifying glass, he saw the tiny curved hooks. And in Hawaii, the roots of this herb are sometimes given as a "gag" wedding gift because of their aphrodisiac powers. Medicinally, Burdock Root has been used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, Burdock Root, in combination with other herbs, is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere. Burdock is a mild laxative. It also aids in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. By improving the function of many organs of elimination (liver, kidneys, bowels), many health conditions can be improved. Burdock Root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of Burdock to improve digestion. The polyacetylene constituents have also been shown to have anti-microbial activity. Burdock Root (and the fruit) also have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect).