Overview
Guggulu is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for kidney stones. Bola (Myrrh/Bdellium) is an oleo-gum resin from Commiphora myrrha. It is used in wound healing, mouth disorders, skin diseases, and pain management. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used both internally and externally. Verses: 130.
How Guggulu Helps with Kidney Stones
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Guggulu has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing kidney stones:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Volatile oils, resins, gum, commiphoric acid
- Also Known As
- English: Myrrh, Bdellium
Sanskrit: बोल, गोपरस, बर्बर
Hindi: हीराबोल, बोल
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
20 Treatment for over nourishing त मेदो नल ले मनाशनं सव म यते कुला थजूण यामाकयवमु गमधूदकम ् म त ुद डाहता र ट च ताशोधनजागरम ् मधुना फलां ल या गुडूचीमभयां घनम ् रसा जन य महतः प चमल ू य ग ु गल ु ोः शलाजतु] योग च साि नम थरसो हतः वड गं नागरं ारः काललोहरजो मधु यवामलक चूण च योगो अ त थौ यदोशिजत ् Treatments which reduce Medas- fat, Anila- Vata and Kapha are desirable; Use of Kulattha – horse gram – Dolichos Biflorus, Jurna, Shyamaka, Yava – Barley – Hordeum Vulgare, Mudga – green gram – Averr
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya
Snehavyapat Cikitsa – treatment of bad effects :ु त ृ णो लेखन वेद ापाना नभे षजम ् त ा र टखलो ालयव यामाकको वम ् प पल यथा वं फला ौ प यागोमू गु गुलु तरोगं च नेह याप द साधनम ् Kshut, Trushna – Producing hunger, thirst, Ulleka, sveda – vomiting and perspiration, administering foods, drinks and medicines which are dry (cause dryness), use of Takrarista (fermented medicine from buttermilk), Khala – menu prepared from curds, Uddala, Yava (barley), Shyamaka, Kodrava, Pippali (long pepper), Triphala
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy
फला प पल प यागु गु वा द वपा चतान ् नेहान ् यथा वमे तेषां योजयेद वका रणः In these conditions, fats boiled with Triphala, Pippali, Pathya, Guggulu, etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy
Herbal smoking blends – Dhuma dravyani – For Mridu- mild kind of smoke, म ृदौ त या यगु गु गुलु मु त थौणेयशैलेयनलदोशीरवालकम ् वय गकौ तीमधुक ब वम जैलवालुकम ् ीवे टकं सजरसो यामकं मदनं लवम ् श लक कुं कुमं माषा यवाः कु द ु काि तलाः नेहः फलानां साराणां मेदो म जा वसा घ ृतम ् useful drugs are-Aguru, Guggulu, Musta, sthauneya, Shaileya, Nalada, Usheera, Valaka, Varanga, Kounti, Madhuka, Bilvamajja, elavaluka, Shrivestaka, Sarjarasa, Dhyamaka, Madana, Plava, Shallaki, Kumkuma, Masha, Yava, Kunduruk
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
The wound should be fumigated with the smoke of Guggulu, Aguru, Siddhartha, Hingu (Asa foetida), Sarjarasa, Patu (Salt), Sadgrantha(Acorus calamus) or leaves of Nimba (neem), mixed with ghee; Then a wick prepared from paste of Tila, ghee, honey and appropriate drugs should be placed inside the wound and also covered over.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 29: Shastrakarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 14, Ch. 16, Ch. 16, Ch. 21, Ch. 29
Either Rasanjana (Aqueous extract of Berberis aristata), Brihat Pancamula (Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Gambhari, Patala, Bilva), Guggulu – along with the fresh juice of Agnimnatha is suitable;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya
Snehavyapat Cikitsa – treatment of bad effects :ु त ृ णो लेखन वेद ापाना नभे षजम ् त ा र टखलो ालयव यामाकको वम ् प पल यथा वं फला ौ प यागोमू गु गुलु तरोगं च नेह याप द साधनम ् Kshut, Trushna – Producing hunger, thirst, Ulleka, sveda – vomiting and perspiration, administering foods, drinks and medicines which are dry (cause dryness), use of Takrarista (fermented medicine from buttermilk), Khala – menu prepared from curds, Uddala, Yava (barley), Shyamaka, Kodrava, Pippali (long pepper), Triphala
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Snehavidhi oleation therapy
फला प पल प यागु गु वा द वपा चतान ् नेहान ् यथा वमे तेषां योजयेद वका रणः In these conditions, fats boiled with Triphala, Pippali, Pathya, Guggulu, etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Snehavidhi oleation therapy
Herbal smoking blends – Dhuma dravyani – For Mridu- mild kind of smoke, म ृदौ त या यगु गु गुलु मु त थौणेयशैलेयनलदोशीरवालकम ् वय गकौ तीमधुक ब वम जैलवालुकम ् ीवे टकं सजरसो यामकं मदनं लवम ् श लक कुं कुमं माषा यवाः कु द ु काि तलाः नेहः फलानां साराणां मेदो म जा वसा घ ृतम ् useful drugs are-Aguru, Guggulu, Musta, sthauneya, Shaileya, Nalada, Usheera, Valaka, Varanga, Kounti, Madhuka, Bilvamajja, elavaluka, Shrivestaka, Sarjarasa, Dhyamaka, Madana, Plava, Shallaki, Kumkuma, Masha, Yava, Kunduruk
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
The wound should be fumigated with the smoke of Guggulu, Aguru, Siddhartha, Hingu (Asa foetida), Sarjarasa, Patu (Salt), Sadgrantha(Acorus calamus) or leaves of Nimba (neem), mixed with ghee;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dvividha Upakramaneeya; Snehavidhi oleation therapy; Dhumpana Medicated Smoking; Shastrakarma Vidhi
The fumigation with jatu (lac), sevya (Vetiveria zizanoides), patra (Cinnamomum tamala), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium), flower of kakubha (Terminalia arjuna), sarjarasa (Vateria indica) and shveta (Clitoria ternatea) is an excellent remedy for curing poisoning by snake and rat bite.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Devadaru (Cedrus deoda), haridra, (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), sarala (Pinus longifolia), chandana (Santalum album), aguru (Aqualaria agallocha), rasna (Alpinio officinarum), gorochana (Bile of cow), ajaji (Cuminum cyminum), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), ikshurasa (Saccharum officinarum), nata churna, saindhava (rock salt), ananta along with cows bile and honey makes a universal remedy for poisonous bites in the quadrupeds.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Linseed, guggulu (Commiphora mukul), latex of snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
Similarly, bhurjagranthi (nodes in the tree of Butea utilis), asmakasisa (copper sulphate), purgatives, guggulu and excrement of sparrow and pigeon should be used for depressing the wounds.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा)
[151] One should inhale the powder of manahshila, vacha, trikatu, vidanga, hingu and guggulu.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 25: Wound Management (Dwivraniya Chikitsa / द्विव्रणीयचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
That which destroys aging and disease is called Rasayana (rejuvenative), like Amrita/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Rudanti (Capparis moonii), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)
Guggulu should be equal to the powder, and honey should be equal to that amount.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Shilajatu (mineral pitch) should be eight Karsha and Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) also eight Karsha.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Yogaraja Guggulu [for Vata diseases and Amavata]: Nagara (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Pippalimula (root of long pepper), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Chavya (Piper retrofractum), and Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) —.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Yogaraja Guggulu is one of the most important Guggulu preparations in Ayurveda, considered the foremost remedy for Vata disorders, joint diseases, and rheumatic conditions.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Then, fumigate the wound area with powders of Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Aguru (Aquilaria agallocha), Sarja-rasa (Vateria indica resin), Vacha (Acorus calamus), white mustard (Sinapis alba), mixed with salt and Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, and anoint the vital points with ghee (18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Post-operative fumigation with antimicrobial herbs (Neem, Guggulu, Vacha are all proven antiseptics).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
The ear should be fumigated with guggulu (Commiphora mukul), aguru (Aquilaria agallocha), and ghee.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Fumigation with guggulu is best for foul smell of the ear.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21
preparations of Bhallataka, Silajatu, Guggulu prescribed;
— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 11: Prameha Chikitsa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 21: Chapter 21; Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 11: Prameha Chikitsa
Safety & Precautions
Guggulu is a powerful herb — more so than many "gentle daily tonics" in Ayurveda. Used correctly (purified, in classical formulations, at standard doses) it has a long safety record going back thousands of years. Used incorrectly — raw resin, high doses, wrong population — it can cause real problems. Here is what you need to know.
Shodhana (Purification) Is Non-Negotiable
Never consume raw Guggulu. The fresh oleo-gum resin contains irritant fractions that classical authors identified centuries ago. Bhavaprakasha describes the purification process in detail — boiling the resin in Triphala decoction, milk, or Gomutra until it forms a clean mass called Shuddha Guggulu.
Unpurified Guggulu is associated with:
- Gastrointestinal irritation — burning, nausea, diarrhoea
- Skin rashes and allergic reactions
- Hepatotoxicity — elevated liver enzymes have been reported
Every classical formulation on the market today should start from Shuddha Guggulu. Buy only from reputable manufacturers.
Drug Interactions — Important
Guggulsterones affect liver enzymes (particularly CYP3A4) and thyroid function. Known interactions:
- Thyroid medication — Guggulu modulates thyroid hormone levels. If you are on levothyroxine or have diagnosed thyrotoxicosis, do not use Guggulu without endocrinologist supervision.
- Blood-pressure medication — Guggulu has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of propranolol and diltiazem. Dose adjustment may be needed.
- Oral contraceptives — CYP3A4 induction may reduce the levels of birth-control pills. Use backup contraception or choose a different herb.
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin) — Guggulu has mild blood-thinning activity. Combination raises bleeding risk.
- Hypoglycaemic medication — Guggulu may enhance glucose lowering. Monitor blood sugar closely if diabetic.
- Statins — No dangerous interaction documented, but stacking two lipid-lowering agents should be supervised.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — Classical texts consider Guggulu a uterine stimulant and potential abortifacient. Avoid completely during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding — Insufficient safety data. Avoid.
- Thyrotoxicosis / Graves disease — Guggulu stimulates thyroid; contraindicated.
- Acute kidney infections — Bhavaprakasha-era caution; still relevant.
- Excessive uterine bleeding, heavy menstrual periods — may worsen bleeding.
- Active peptic ulcers or GERD — the herbs hot, pungent nature aggravates Pitta.
- Known liver disease — use only under practitioner supervision.
Common Side Effects
Even with properly purified Guggulu, some users report:
- Mild skin rash or itching (usually within 1–2 weeks — stop and see a practitioner)
- Loose stools or GI upset (reduce dose or take with milk)
- Headache or restlessness (Pitta aggravation — pair with cooling herbs or reduce dose)
- Nausea if taken on empty stomach — always take after food
Stop and Seek Medical Attention If...
You develop yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or a widespread rash. These are uncommon but require immediate evaluation.
Bottom line: Guggulu is safe and effective when purified, taken in classical formulas, and matched to your constitution. It is not a casual daily tonic like Amla — respect its potency, use it for the condition at hand, and rotate off once the condition resolves.
Other Herbs for Kidney Stones
See all herbs for kidney stones on the Kidney Stones page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.