Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)
Introduction: Giloy is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits. Also known as Tinospora Cordifolia or Guduchi in Hindi, this climbing shrub is highly effective due to its nutritional content and the presence of compounds like alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids in its stem, root, and leaves. In this blog, we will explore the medicinal properties and health benefits of Giloy.
Medicinal Properties: The compounds present in Giloy have been found to be effective against various disorders, including diabetes, cancer, neurological problems, fever, and more.
Here are some of the main medicinal properties of Giloy:
Alkaloids: These compounds give plants a bitter taste and may have benefits for blood pressure, pain, malaria, and intestinal problems.
Terpenoids: These are the most abundant group of compounds in Giloy and are involved in giving plants their colors and taste. In lab tests, terpenoids have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-diabetic properties.
Lignans: These compounds are found in fibrous plants and have antimicrobial properties. They are also thought to be antioxidants as well as have anti-inflammatory properties.
Steroids: Steroids may have benefits for skin, wound healing, and heart health.
According to a shloka of Charak Samhita, Giloy is one of the main herbs with a bitter taste. It is used in various disorders and also helps alleviate Vata and Kapha dosha.
According to a shloka of Charak Samhita, Giloy is one of the main herbs with a bitter taste. It is used in various disorders and also helps alleviate Vata and Kapha dosha.
Giloy is considered one of the best medicine to treat various fevers and other conditions.
Giloy is one of the three Amrit plants. Amrit means the ‘root of immortality. Hence, it is also called Amritavalli or Amrita in Sanskrit. The word “giloe” is a Hindu mythological term. It refers to a mythical heavenly elixir that keeps celestial beings eternally young.
In Sanskrit, “guduchi” means something that protects the whole body, and “amrita” means immortality
Giloy is mainly from the botanical family Menispermaceae. The stem of Giloy is considered highly effective because of its high nutritional content and the alkaloids found in it but the root and leaves also can be used.
What are the medicinal properties of Giloy?
The stem of Giloy is considered highly effective because of its high nutritional content and the alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and other compounds found in it, but the root and leaves also can be used.
These compounds present in Giloy have effective against various disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, neurological problems, fever, etc.
Alkaloids : These compounds give plants a bitter taste- Alkaloids may have benefits for blood pressure, pain, malaria and intestine problems
Terpenoids : These are the most abundant group of compounds in Giloy- These compounds are involved in giving plants their colours and taste- In lab tests, terpenoids have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-diabetic properties
Lignans : These compounds are found in fibrous plants- Ligans have antimicrobial properties- They are also thought to be antioxidants as well as have anti-inflammatory properties
Steroids : Steroids may have benefits for skin, wound healing and heart health.
Some familiar Health Benefits of Giloy
Giloy is a strong immunity booster, anti-toxic, antipyretic (that reduces fever), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. This classical medicine is the ultimate answer to all health anomalies.
Giloy is traditionally used to treat fever, urinary problems, asthma, dysentery, diarrhea, skin infections, Hansen's disease (formerly called leprosy), diabetes, gout, jaundice, anorexia, and eye conditions.
1: Giloy for chronic fever
In Ayurveda, two factors cause fever – Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and the second one is due to some foreign particles. Giloy acts wonderfully in chronic, recurrent fevers. It is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic herb which helps to boost your immunity to fight against the infection and also helps in early recovery. Giloy has a Javarghana (antipyretic) property to reduce fever.
How to use – Take 2-3 tablespoons of Giloy juice and a similar amount of water. Mix them well. Drink this mixture daily in the morning on an empty stomach.
2: Giloy for dengue fever
Giloy is an antipyretic herb. It improves platelet count in dengue fever and reduces the chances of complications. Regular intake of Giloy helps to improve immunity during dengue and also for a speedy recovery. For better results boil Giloy juice with a few Tulsi leaves and drink to increase platelet count.
How to use – Extract the juice of fresh stalk of Giloy and mix it with 5-7 tulsi leaves and boil with 1/2 cup of water and drink it daily. It helps increase platelet count
3: Giloy for hay fever
Giloy is very useful in hay fever also known as allergic rhinitis. It reduces the symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, watering of eyes. To reduce the temperature, take ½ teaspoon of Giloy powder mix with honey and eat this before food.
How to use – To reduce the temperature, take ½ teaspoon of Giloy powder mix with honey and eat this before food.
4: Giloy for Corona-virus infection
Giloy can boost immunity hence it may be useful for various fevers specifically for viral fevers like corona infection. Though there is no evidence that Giloy can cure corona infection but it can raise your immunity to fight against it. According to some scientific studies, the results show promising results to control Corona infection.
How to use it – You can take Giloy kadha or Giloy juice two times per day for 4-6 weeks. Some studies suggest that a combination of Giloy and Ashwagandha may provide you a shield against this deadly infection.
5: Controls blood sugar level
In Ayurveda, Giloy is known as a ‘Madhunashini’ which means ‘destroyer of sugar’. It helps to enhance the production of insulin which ultimately controls the blood sugar levels. Giloy is also useful for diabetes complications like ulcers, kidney problems.
How to use – Take 1/2 teaspoon of Giloy powder twice a day with water after taking lunch and dinner.
6: Boosts immunity
This herb activated the immune system of our body and increase vitality in a person. Include Giloy juice or kadha in your diet twice a day can improve your immunity. It is full of antioxidants and helps to release toxins from the body. Giloy juice also detoxifies your skin and improve your skin. Giloy is also used for liver diseases, urinary tract infections, and heart-related issues.
How to use – Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy juice. Add the same quantity of water to it and mix it. Drink it preferably before meals once or twice a day to boost your immunity.
7: Improve digestion
Giloy improves digestion and reduces digestion-related problems like diarrhoea, colitis, vomiting, hyperacidity, etc.
How to use – Take ½ teaspoon of Giloy powder in 1 glass of lukewarm water twice a day.
8: Reduces stress and anxiety
Giloy is an excellent remedy to reduce mental stress and anxiety. It calms down your body. Giloy also has the power to enhance memory and cognitive functions.
How to use – Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy Juice and the same quantity of water. Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning once a day.
9: Treats arthritis and gout
Giloy contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties which help to reduce arthritis and gout. For joint pains, consume Giloy powder with warm milk.
How to use – For joint pains, consume Giloy powder with warm milk.
10: Improves eye-sight
Giloy is very effective to improve eye-sight when applying topically. It is usually used in Panchkarma.
How to use – All you need to do is boil Giloy powder or Giloy leaves in water, once it cools down apply it over the eyes.
11: Improved respiratory health
Giloy has anti-inflammatory properties. Breathing problems caused by asthma can be traced to inflammation of the trachea. Giloy can help ease the inflammation to help you breathe more freely.
How to use – take a few small branches of the plant, wash them thoroughly and scrape off the outer skin with a knife. Toss the stems into a blender and add one cup of water. Run the blender until you get a smooth juice. Drink it up.
12: Youthful skin
Free radicals speed up the ageing process. Since giloy is loaded with antioxidants, it can prevent oxidative stress and that in turn slows down the ageing of the skin. Giloy can also improve blood circulation which bestows a natural glow to the skin.
It’s able to prevent the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Proteus spp. (16Trusted Source).
It seems to kill larger pathogens, too. One study compared a T. cordifolia lotion with permethrin, a medication to treat scabies, which is an itchy rash caused by tiny mites that infest your skin. The study found that both treatments worked equally well to kill the scabies and clear the rash
How to use – Add a stick of giloy to a cup of milk and boil it. When the beverage cools down a little, drink it. Milk too can benefit the skin in many ways and together, milk and giloy can do wonders for your skin.
Side Effects of Giloy
Giloy herb doesn’t have any side effects. However, when taken Giloy with other diabetic medications it may lead to low blood sugar levels.
Giloy may cause the immune system to become more active which may worsen the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Its effect is unknown to lactating mothers. So, it’s good to remain on the safer side and avoid Giloy during lactation.
FAQ:
1.
Can Giloy be taken daily?
ANS: Giloy can be
taken daily, in moderation but for people with any health condition, the doctor
must be consulted. The duration and frequency of Giloy consumption needs to be
supervised to avoid further health complications.
2.
Where can I buy giloy?
ANS: You can buy giloy tablets or
juice, online from healthcare and products sites. It is also available in most
medical stores and you must only buy the good quality ones.
3.
Which is the best time to
have giloy?
ANS: You can drink Giloy juice every
morning but avoid taking it at night. You can have giloy tablets or capsules
anytime during the day. For best results, drink giloy juice on an empty stomach
in the morning.
4.
Is giloy helpful during
menstruation?
ANS: Yes, giloy is a beneficial herb,
its steam, leaves as well as the root can be used to prevent excessive bleeding
during menstruation or after abortion or delivery.
5.
What is giloy good for?
ANS: Giloy (T. cordifolia) is a
climbing shrub and an essential herb in Ayurvedic medicine. All parts of this
plant are thought to have health benefits. People have long used it to treat a
wide range of issues, including fever, infections, diarrhea, and diabetes
6.
Who should not take giloy?
ANS: While there are no serious or
potential side effects of the herb, in some cases, it can cause constipation or
lower blood sugar levels, the doctor further cautioned. “Also, avoid giloy
if you are pregnant or breastfeed a baby. Anything consumed in excess can be
harmful to health
7.
Does giloy damage liver?
ANS: Giloy is a powerful herb, and
there isn't any doubt about it. But unlike any other herb or medicine taking
it inappropriately can be harmful to your health including the liver. "All
the herbs are processed in the liver or through the liver, so they can affect
the functioning of the liver," Pandya explained.
8.
Can giloy reverse diabetes?
ANS: YES, giloy is good for diabetes
as it helps in the secretion of insulin. It also helps reduce blood sugar
levels that makes it awesome to use for diabetes control. The best way to use
giloy is in the form of fresh juice made from its stem.
9.
Who can take giloy daily?
ANS: Not all of us have access to
fresh giloy and for that purpose, giloy tablets are easily available in medical
stores. Adults should have two tablets a day, while children between the
age of five to ten should be given half to one tablet a day. Kids above
the age of 10 can be given one tablet a day
10.
Does giloy increase weight?
ANS: Giloy Helps in Weight
Loss. It also improves the digestive system by eliminating excess fat from
the body. Giloy helps boost immunity and metabolism. As a result, it helps
manage weight.
11.
What are the negative effects of giloy?
ANS: Dr.Ajay Kumar Patwa, associate
professor of gastroenterology at KGMU, said,"We found that giloy was the
main cause of liver issues in 67.4per cent (29) patients as there was
no other factor like excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, thyroid,
hypertension or any other etiological reason.
12. Does giloy remove
toxins from body?
ANS: Giloy removes toxins from the
body, purifies the blood and fights bacteria. It is especially beneficial for
people with liver disease. It is antipyretic in nature, which means it can
reduce fever and ease the symptoms of life-threatening fevers like dengue,
swine flu and malaria.
13. Does giloy increase
blood pressure?
ANS: As per Ayurveda, giloy helps to
maintain overall health. It improves your metabolism and assists in the
functioning of the digestive system. Giloy also reduces flatulence (gas) and
hyperacidity. This helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.
14.
Does giloy increase uric acid?
ANS: The herb is also beneficial
against Gout, a type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain in one or
more joints. Research indicates that Giloy can lower the risk of gout by
bringing down the levels of uric acid in the body.
15.
Is giloy poisonous?
ANS: The Ministry of Ayush reiterates
that Giloy/Gudduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is safe and as per available
data, Guduchi does not produce any toxic effect. In Ayurveda, it is said
to be the best rejuvenating herb.
16.
Is giloy good for brain?
ANS: Giloy is an excellent adaptogenic
herb, which means that it helps in managing stress and anxiety by normalizing
your physiological functions. It has a calming effect on the body. Due to its
ability to cross the blood brain barrier, Guduchi has the power to enhance
memory and cognitive functions.
17.
Does giloy juice reduce belly fat?
ANS: One of the herb's medicinal
properties is that it is used as an adaptogenic substance, which promotes the
body's ability to manage stress. This could help in weight loss by controlling
the effects of stress and preventing binge eating. Therefore Giloy juice
is an excellent remedy to get rid of stubborn belly fat.
18.
Is giloy good for skin?
ANS: Giloy is also attributed with
anti-ageing properties. It can help in combating pimples, dark spots, and
fine lines. Apart from that, as per Ayurveda, Giloy is placed in vyah-sthapan
group that is believed to possess anti-aging properties that may be helpful in
reducing wrinkles and providing a naturally glowing skin.
19.
Is giloy good for eyes?
ANS: Improves Eyesight- Giloy is known
to have antioxidants such as lutein which is great for your eyes. These
antioxidants help in improving your eyesight and keeping your eyes healthy.
Take a handful of giloy leaves and boil them in three cups of water. Apply this
mixture all over your eyelids once it cools down.
20.
How do you use giloy for hair?
ANS: One can simply mix giloy
leaves powder in water or rose water and apply it followed by shampoo. Dandruff
can cause hindrance in hair growth therefore eliminating dandruff can assist in
hair growth
21. How to consume Giloy?
ANS: As per Ayurveda, Giloy can be
consumed in either a powdered form or can be in the form of kadha (decoction)
or even juice. Nowadays it is also available in capsules and readymade powder.
Giloy applied topically too as a paste for skin problems.
The regular dose of
Giloy is a teaspoon at a time, taken twice a day. The dose might vary depending
on the type of health problem.
22. How to prepare Giloy
Juice?
ANS: To prepare Giloy juice, you need
some clean, chopped branches of the plant. Blend these chopped branches with a
cup of water in fine, green liquid paste. Now, sieve this green paste to make a
Giloy juice.
Disclaimer:
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. We don’t recommend it for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Be aware that if you take medicine to lower your blood sugar or if you have an autoimmune disease, giloy might cause an unwanted results.
Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Tinospora". Drugs.com. 15 July 2019. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
- ^ Sinha, Kirti; Mishra, N P; Singh, J; Khanuja, S P S (July 2004). "Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), a reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: A Review". Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 3 (3): 257–70.
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