Guggul Myrrh is an herb that benefits the thyroid and the body in many ways. Its scientific name is Commiphora myrrha and is the same plant which produces the myrrh mentioned in the bible. Resin from the Guggul plant has been used medicinally since at least 600 BCE. That’s over 2600 years of accumulated clinical experience!
It has been used in a variety of medical traditions to treat obesity, arthritis and muscular disorders, heart conditions, tumors, liver disorders and thyroid disorders, among others. Modern studies have indicated that certain components of guggul resin—the guggulsterones— have anti-inflammatory actions, reduce cholesterol and other blood lipids, and support thyroid function in a number of ways.
In animal studies, the anti-inflammatory actions of guggul are about equal to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Studies show that guggul can benefit arthritis, and patients with heart disease.(2,3) Inflammation often plays an important role in thyroid disorders. Supporting a normal inflammatory response helps support normal thyroid health as well as overall health to boot!
Guggul has been shown in studies to decrease cholesterol and other blood lipids,(4-6) both by directly affecting cholesterol levels and by supporting thyroid health.
Guggul, of course, is beneficial for the thyroid as well. It supports the normalization of T3/T4 levels,(7-10) supports the thyroid’s ability to properly absorb iodine, and supports the activity of a number of important thyroid enzymes.(7,11) Oh yes—guggul also has been reported to support normal blood sugar and healthy weight. (12-14) So, Guggul myrrh not only benefits the thyroid but also supports a normal inflammatory response, as well as supporting healthy cholesterol, blood sugars, and weight.
Watch for our next newsletter to learn about another beneficial herb…Ashwagandha!
1. Duwiejua M, Zeitlin I, Waterman P. Anti-inflammatory activity of resins from some species of the plant family burseraceae. Planta Med 1992;59:12–6.
2. Bordia A, Chuttani S. Effect of gum guggulu on fibrolysis and platelet adhesiveness in coronary heart disease. . Indian J Med Res 1979;70:992–6.
3. Mester L, Mester M, Nityanand S. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by “Guggulu” steroids. Planta Med 1979;37:367–9.
4. Wang X, Greilberger J, Ledinski G, Kager G, Paigen B, Jürgens G. The hypolipidemic natural product Commiphora mukul and its component guggulsterone inhibit oxidative modification of LDL. Atherosclerosis 2004;172:239-46.
5. Urizar NL, Moore DD. Gugulipid: a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. Annual Review of Nutrition 2003;23:303-13.
6. Nohr LA, Rasmussen LB, Stra. Resin from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul, can it be used for treating hypercholesterolemia? A randomized, controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2009;17:16-22.
7. Tripathi YB, Tripathi P, Malhotra OP, Tripathi SN. Thyroid stimulatory action of (Z)-guggulsterone: mechanism of action. PLANTA MEDICA 1988;54:271-7.
8. Yarnell E, Abascal K. Botanical medicine for thyroid regulation. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2006;12:107-12.
9. Welch K. Herbs for potential adjunct treatment of thyroid disease: a review of botanical preparations for hypo- and hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer summary. HerbalGram 2008:52-65.
10. Mishra LCBB. Scientific Basis for Therapeutic Uses fo Guggul (Commiphora mukul). Topics in Clinical Chiropractic 2000;7:1.
11. Tripathi YB, Malhotra OP, Tripathi SN. Thyroid Stimulating Action of Z-Guggulsterone Obtained from Commiphora mukul. PLANTA MEDICA 1984;50:78-80.
12. Schar D. 5 Cutting-Edge Superherbs. Prevention 1999;51:110.
13. Glabman M. WOMEN’S SECRET HEART TRAP. Prevention 2003;55:116.
14. Deng R. Therapeutic effects of guggul and its constituent guggulsterone: cardiovascular benefits. Cardiovascular Drug Reviews 2007;25:375-90.
Gluten can make antibodies to the thyroid and other glands and destroy them. No gluten/dairy/soy/sugar help lower inflammation and help me. No gluten and…. Iodide/iodine along with Se may stop antibodies.