Guggul

Guggul is a yellowish resin, which is secreted by a small, thorny mukul myrrh tree called commiphora mukul. Guggul plant is found from Northern Africa to central Asia, but is most common in Northern India, It prefers arid and semi-arid climates and is tolerant of poor soil. It is a shrub or small tree, reaching a maximum height of 4m, with thin papery bark. The branches are thorny. the leaves are simple trifoliate, the leaflets ovate 1-2 cms long & irregularly toothed. The individual flowers are red to pink with four small petals. The small round fruits are red when ripe. Guggul produces a resinous sap known as fum fufful which is used in Ayurvedic medicines.