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.

Water Rich Foods and its Benefits : Which will help to stay hydrated

Water Rich Foods

Water is essential for human health. Proper hydration is extremely important to stay fit and health, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration which can cause several health-related issues i.e., fatigue, headache, skin problems, low blood pressure and muscle cramps. Prolonged dehydration can lead to cause serious health complications like organ failure.

Generally, Doctor/Health expert recommends drinking 2 liters of plain water in a day to meet your hydration need. but water alone does not hydrate the body. In fact, people can increase their hydration level and water intake with healthy foods that can contribute a large amount of water to your diet.

Water Rich Foods and its Benefits

Water Rich Foods and its Benefits, here are the Food (Fruits & Vegetables) that contain plenty of water:

Watermelon (Water content: 92%)

Watermelon is very healthy and tasty, one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. Watermelon is loaded with fibers and other important nutrients like Vitamin A, B & C, magnesium, zinc, copper and potassium and other minerals. Watermelon is also rich in antioxidants, that may provide several health benefits. You can add watermelon to your diet by consuming it as a snack & salad.

Strawberries (Water content: 91%)

Strawberries have a high-water content i.e., hydrating food, it is sweet in taste and very popular berry. Strawberries are high in fiber and low in calories, disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate and manganese. It is simple to add strawberries to your diet, by consuming it in salad or by making smoothies.

Cantaloupe (Water content: 90%)

Cantaloupe is a healthy fruit that provides a significant amount of water and many health-promoting vitamins and minerals. Cantaloupe is a good source of beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A. it is also rich in vitamin C and fibers. You can consume cantaloupe plain or add it to salads and yogurt.

Peaches (Water content: 89%)

This fruit contains plenty of vitamins i.e., A, C, E, and K. Peaches are rich in water, fibers and antioxidants. You can also add peaches to your diet. They are commonly combined with smoothies and salads.

Oranges (Water content: 87%)

Oranges are great source water and rich in Vitamin C. Oranges are also rich in fibers and potassium. which may boost your immune function and prevent Kidney stone. Citrus fruits can also help the body absorb iron from other foods.

Cucumber (Water content: 95%)

Cucumber contains a small number of nutrients i.e., vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. This water-rich vegetable contains low amount of calories. It contains lots of lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect your cells from sun damage and help your skin and it is also contain an anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin which promotes brain health. Cucumbers are healthy hydrating food which are easily available and can also be included in your diet plan.

Lettuce (Water content: 96%)

Lettuce is high in vitamins A and K and fibres which helps to keep your bones and immune system strong. It’s also low in calories and high potassium and zinc. It provides a high amount of water which may help to keep you hydrated.

Tomatoes (Water content: 94%) 

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. They have lots of antioxidants, including one called lycopene that may help fight cancer. They also can help lower density lipoproteins (LDL) and may boost your overall heart health. Tomatoes can be used to cooked soup, salad and many more other dishes.

 

Celery (Water content: 95%)  

 

Celery light green, crunchy vegetable is low in calories and high in vitamin K, folate, and potassium. It is good for digestion because it has lots of fibres and helps in preventing inflammation in your digestive system.

 

Spinach (Water content: 92%)

Green vegetables pack a lot of nutrition and fiber with very few calories. Spinach is rich in lutein, potassium, fibers, and brain-boosting folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E an important antioxidant for fighting off the damaging molecules known as free radicals.

Cauliflower (Water content: 92%)

It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other essentials minerals. They also possess nutrients that may help lower cholesterol and protect you against cancer. 

Plain Yogurt (Water content: 88%)

Plain yogurt contains lots of water and nutrients that may boost several aspects of your health. It may provide hydrating effects, alongside with many other health benefits. Plain yogurt is a great source of protein and electrolytes that make your heart and other organs work the way they should. It also has bacteria (probiotics) that are good for digestion and help keep you regular.

Soup (Water content: 92%)

We are all aware about the soups with their healing benefits. Broths and soups are rich in water and thus excellent foods to incorporate in your diet to promote hydration. Adding soups to your daily meal may promote weight loss. Soup is a great way to get fibers and nutrients, it is very tasty. Make broth from chicken, or vegetables, and add almost anything to it, from beans to greens veggie and meats. Home-made chicken and vegetable soup is not only good for hydration, but it also might help fight the common cold.

Summary

In addition to daily water intake, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a good way to supply the body with vitamins, minerals and fibers. Health experts often recommend drinking several glasses of water per day to satisfy your hydration needs, but the water content of foods is usually often overlooked.

You can consume a significant amount of water which may also include a variety of water-rich fruits, vegetables and dairy products in your diet.

Many people think that sports drinks are a good alternative to water. Sports drinks contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which may be helpful during vigorous exercise or prolonged exposure to heat.

However, most of the time, plain water is the most suitable option because it's free from sugars, sweeteners, and other additives.

As long as you are eating plenty of water-rich foods and drinking water when you feel thirsty, you won’t have a problem of dehydration. This is why most of the people don’t necessarily need to drink a ton of water.