Description
Commiphora wightii, the Indian bdellium or Mukul myrrh tree, is a small, irregularly branched thorny tree of the family Burseraceae, endemic to the arid and semi-arid tracts of western India — particularly the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. The tree exudes an aromatic gum resin — Guggalu or Guggal — from incisions made in the bark, which hardens on exposure to air into resinous lumps that are collected, purified, and classified by grade. Referenced across over 300 formulations in the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam, Guggal is arguably the most cited single herb in classical Ayurvedic pharmacology. Traditionally incorporated in preparations for lipid management, joint health, and thyroid function. Currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
