Ultimate immunity booster: Giloy (Guduchi)

What is Giloy?

Giloy has heart-shaped leaves that resemble betel leaves. Tinospora Cordifolia is a scientific name of Giloy, also known as Amrita or Guduchi in Hindi. Giloy is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Srilanka. Giloy is found throughout the tropical regions of India. It is used in various disorders and also helps boost immunity.

In Sanskrit is known as Amruta/Amritavalli.

In Ayurveda medicines, Giloy is considered to treat various disorders and symptoms. Giloy is one of the three Amrit plants. Giloy is commonly called the "root of immortality" due its abundant medicinal properties. The herb has numerous health benefits.

Health benefits of Giloy

Giloy (Guduchi) is a strong immunity booster, anti-pyretic (that reduces fever), anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. Giloy is useful for diabetic patients because it is bitter in taste and helps in managing blood sugar levels. It improves metabolism and is useful for weight management. It also increases platelet count and might help in dengue.

Treats Dengue Fever 

Giloy is an anti-pyretic (that reduces fever) herb, Giloy is useful in managing dengue fever, by regular intake of Giloy during dengue helps in improving the immune system. It also helps in increasing platelet count.

Treats Hay Fever

Giloy reduces the symptoms of Hay fever which is also known as allergic rhinitis. It reduces the symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal obstruction, watering of eyes. It also helps increases the count of the white blood cells.

Treats chronic fever

Giloy is an anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic (that reduces fever) property, which helps to reduce body temperature and boost your immunity to fight against the infection.

Giloy for Diabetes

Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent and helps treat type 2 diabetes. It is also useful in diabetes related complications such as ulcers, wounds, kidney damage.

Improve digestion

Giloy works towards building a stronger digestive system and immune body against hyper acidity, colitis, worm infestations, and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and vomiting.

To control High Cholesterol

Giloy helps to control high cholesterol level in the body by improving the metabolism and Giloy contain anti-toxic properties which eliminating toxins from the body which are responsible for high cholesterol.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Giloy is an excellent adaptogenic 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, it helps get rid of toxins, boosts the memory, calms you down.

Treats Arthritis and Gout 

Giloy contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, which help to treat symptoms of arthritis and gout.

Fights Respiratory Problems

Giloy contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce respiratory problems i.e., cough, common cold and tonsils.

Improves Vision

Giloy is extremely effective to enhance eye-sight when applying topically. Boil Giloy powder in water and let it calm down then apply the paste on your eyelids.

Liver Diseases

Giloy has the ability to detoxify your liver and help in proper functioning, purifies the blood and fights against bacteria. It is especially beneficial for people with disease.

Reduces Signs of Aging

Giloy contains anti-aging properties which help to reduce dark spots, wrinkles and pimples resulting in flawless and glowing skin.

Immunity Booster

Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity. It is a powerhouse of antioxidant which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases and helps to release toxins from the body. Giloy is also used for liver diseases, urinary tract infections and heart-related issues and is also found useful to treat infertility.

Different form of Giloy 

Giloy Juice

• Take 30 ml of Giloy juice.
• Add the same quantity of water and drink it before meals once or twice a day to boost your immunity.

Amla-Giloy juice

• Take 15-30 ml of amla-giloy juice.
• Add the same quantity of water and drink it before meals once or twice a day.
• Amla-Giloy juice is a good source of vitamin C and help in detoxification.

Tulsi-Giloy juice

• Take 15-30 ml of tulsi-giloy juice.
• Add the same quantity of water and drink it before meals once or twice a day.
• Tulsi-Giloy juice is a highly powerful immune booster and helps regulate blood pressure.

Giloy Churna

• Take ½ teaspoon of Giloy churna. 
• Mix it with honey or drink it with lukewarm water.
• Take it after meals twice a day.

Giloy creeper plant

• Take the plant and cut its stem in 1 cm pieces. Crush some pieces slightly and keep them in 1 cup of water for overnight. 
• The next morning boil the water till its quantity becomes half. Filter the water and drink early in the morning before breakfast.

Precautions of Giloy

Use Giloy or its constituents only under a doctor’s supervision if you are allergic to it.

Avoid medicinal use of Giloy during breastfeeding, it is good to remain on the safer side and avoid Giloy during lactation.

Avoid medicinal use of Giloy during pregnancy.

Giloy may lower blood glucose level. So, it's generally advised to watch the blood sugar if you're taking Giloy along side anti-diabetic drugs.

Giloy may cause the system (Immune) to become more active which could further increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it is advised to avoid Giloy if you are suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage of Giloy

Giloy Juice – 30ml of juice and add the same quantity of water, once or twice a day.

Giloy Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.

Giloy Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day.

Giloy Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.