Benefits of Giloy and Different Uses

Introduction to Giloy, Key Benefits, and How to consume it

Giloy is known as Guduchi in Hindi and scientifically known as “Tinospora Cordifolia.” In Ayurveda, there are many names for Giloy, such as “Root of immortality” and “Master medicine for Ayurveda.” It is also commonly known as Heart-leaved moonseed for its heart-shaped leaves and its reddish fruit.

Giloy Stem is being used in countless ayurvedic medicine because of its endless benefits. Its stem is considered highly effective because of its high nutritional content and its alkaloids. The root and leaves of Giloy also possess medicinal properties and can also be used.

According to a shloka of Charak Samhita(Sanskrit textbook on Ayurveda), Giloy is one of the main herbs which is being used in various disorders and helps alleviate Vata and Kapha dosha.

Giloy or Guduchi clings to the trees, and it tends to acquire the medicinal properties of that tree. Giloy that sticks and grows on the neem tree is considered the best and more beneficial.

Benefits of Giloy

Ayurveda is using Giloy for centuries. The herb has numerous health benefits. Giloy is a powerhouse of antioxidants that fights free radicals in our body and reduces the risk of deadly diseases like cancer.

Some of the uses of Giloy to treat specific health problems are:

1. Giloy for Corona-virus infection

Giloy is an excellent immunity booster; hence it may be helpful in various fevers, specifically for viral fevers like Covid-19 infection. Giloy is not a coronavirus cure, but being an immunity booster, Giloy can raise our immunity which helps in fighting against the virus. It also helps to reduce the fever in the body caused by the virus. Giloy is also known for its qualities to cure chronic fever, and also helpful in Corona Virus fever.

How to use Giloy for Covid-19 – Make Giloy kadha or take Giloy extract or juice and take it two times per day for 4-6weeks. According to some studies, the combination of Giloy and Ashwagandha may provide a better shield against the deadly coronavirus.

 

2. Giloy for Chronic Fever

According to Ayurveda, two factors cause fever – Ama (when toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion of food). The second one is when some foreign particles(bacteria) enter our bodies. Giloy acts wonderfully in chronic, recurrent fevers. It is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic herb that helps boost your immunity to fight against the infection and helps in early recovery. Giloy has a Javarghana (antipyretic) property to treat fever.

How to consume Giloy for Chronic Fever – Take 2-3 tablespoons of Giloy juice and mix it in a similar amount of water. Drink this prepared mixture daily in the morning on an empty stomach for a week or two for a speedy recovery from chronic fever.

 

3. Giloy for Dengue Fever

Giloy is an antipyretic herb. It helps in improving platelet count in dengue fever and reduces the chances of complications. Regular intake of Giloy helps to enhance immunity during dengue and also helps in speedy recovery. For better results in increasing platelet count, boil Giloy juice with a few Tulsi leaves and drink daily.

How to consume Giloy for Dengue Fever – Take the extract of fresh stem of Giloy and put 5-7 tulsi leaves and boil it with 1/2 cup of water and drink it daily. It helps in increasing the platelet count more effectively.

 

4. Giloy to Control Blood Sugar Level

In Ayurveda, Giloy is also known as a ‘Madhunashini,’ which means ‘destroyer of sugar.’ It helps to enhance the insulin production in the body, which ultimately controls the blood sugar levels. Giloy is also helpful for diabetes complications like ulcers, kidney problems.

How to use Giloy to Control Blood Sugar Level – Take 1/2 teaspoon of Giloy powder twice a day with water, or two spoons of fresh Giloy extract with normal water, after taking lunch and dinner.

5. Improves Eye-Sight

Giloy is very effective in improving Eye-sight when applying topically. Giloy is usually used in Panchkarma(An Ayurvedic Therapy for body cleansing).

How to use Giloy to Improve Eye-Sight – Firstly, boil 1-2 spoon of Giloy powder or Giloy leaves in some water; once it cools down, apply it over the eyes at night.

 

6. Giloy for Arthritis and Gout

Giloy stem contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, which help to reduce arthritis and gout. Consume Giloy powder with warm milk for joint pain.

Use Giloy for Arthritis and Gout – For joint pains, Add one spoon of Giloy powder in warm milk and consume it preferably at night.

7. Improve Digestion

Giloy can help improve digestion and thus reduces digestion-related problems like diarrhea, colitis, vomiting, hyperacidity.

Improve Digestion with Giloy – Take half a teaspoon of Giloy powder in 1 glass of lukewarm water after meals twice a day.

8. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Giloy is an excellent remedy to reduce anxiety disorders and mental stress. It helps to calm down the body and mind. Giloy also has the power to enhance the memory and cognitive functions of the brain.

How to use Giloy for Stress and Anxiety – For stress and anxiety issues, Take 2-3 teaspoons of fresh Giloy Juice and add the same quantity of water. Drink it preferably on an empty stomach in the morning once a day. Slowly reduce the amount of Giloy juice as the symptoms improve.

9. Immunity Booster

Giloy activates the immune system of our body and increases the vitality in a person. Include Giloy juice or Giloy Kadha in your diet twice a day can help improve your immunity. It is full of antioxidants that help to release toxins from the body. Giloy extract also detoxifies your skin and improves your skin. It is also helpful for liver diseases, urinary tract infections, and heart-related issues.

How to use Giloy to boost Immunity – Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy extract and add the same quantity of water and mix it. Drink it before meals once or twice a day to boost your immunity.

Side Effects of Giloy

Giloy herb doesn’t have any side effects. However, when Giloy is taken with other diabetic medications, it may lead to low blood sugar levels in the body.

Daily consumption of Giloy may cause the immune system to become more active, which may worsen the effects of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Its effects are unknown on lactating mothers. So, it’s best to remain on the safer side and avoid the consumption of Giloy during lactation.