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. |
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Garlic , a member of the family that includes onions, leeks and shallots, is native to Europe and Central Asia. Garlic, also known as Stinking Rose, Rashona, Poor Man's Teacle, Da Suan, and Russian Penicillin, has long been used by many cultures to support a variety of health conditions. The name Garlic is derived from an Anglo-Saxon term leac, meaning "pot herb", and gar, meaning "lance shape", after the shape of the leaf. The slaves that built the pyramid of Cheops were fed rations of Garlic to give them strength. Olympic athletes in ancient Greece chewed a clove at the start of a competition, believing it increased their stamina. It was once used to help protect one from the Bubonic Plague and to ward off evil. For thousands of years, Garlic has been one of the most popular medicinal herbs, in spite of the legendary myth that Garlic will ward off vampires. Garlic is considered to be Nature's very own antibiotic. Unlike most antibiotics, Garlic will not deplete the body of flora, and is considered to be the cure-all herb because of its effectiveness on the entire body. Popularly used as a digestive aid, Garlic increases bile production while enhancing digestion and reducing stomach gases. Garlic's strong odor is due mostly to a sulfide called allicin. For those who like to steer clear from Garlic's odor, an encapsulated form a standardized "odorless" Garlic can eliminate any unpleasant odor and taste. Garlic is a source of selenium, which must be present in the body for proper immune response, and which acts as an antioxidant in combination with vitamin E. Rich in potassium, zinc, selenium, and Vitamins A & C, Garlic is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been known to detoxify the body by cleansing the kidneys and increasing urine flow. Furthermore, Garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flu, bacteria, and fungi. Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, and treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
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