Guggul

Guggul is a small, thorny, much-branched shrub or tree of the frankincense family with ash-coloured peeling bark, small trifoliate leaves and red fruits. When the bark is cut it releases a fragrant, yellowish gum resin. It grows in the arid and semi-arid regions of western India, mainly Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The gum resin, called Guggulu, is a central ingredient in many classical Ayurvedic formulations traditionally used for joint comfort, and it is also burned as incense. Over-tapping has made it critically endangered, and it is restricted for export from India, so it is protected in trade and not offered here.