NAT. ORDER BURSERACEÆ.
BALSAMODENDRON MUKUL.
Syn. Balsamodendron Agallocha.
Sans. Guggulu. Vern. Guggul. Beng. Hind.
Guggulu or Indian bdellium is obtained by making incisions in the tree, through which the gum resin exudes. According to Sanskrit writers, new or recently exuded guggulu is moist, viscid, fragrant and of a golden colour. It burns in the fire, melts in the sun and forms a milky emulsion with hot water. Old guggulu is dry and without flavour or colour ; it should not be used in medicine.
Guggulu is said to be demulcent, aperient, alterative and a purifier of the blood. It is used in rheumatism, nervous diseases, scrofulous affections, urinary disorders, and skin diseases. In rheumatism it is used in a great variety of forms. The following called Yogarája guggulu is a favourite preparation.
The Sanskrit name in Devanagari beside the Sanskrit heading and the Sanskrit verses in the footnotes are not transcribed. The formulas that continue the article on pp. 133–135 are not transcribed.