Health Benefits of Giloy

   

What is Giloy?

Giloy is scientifically known as Tinospora Cordifolia or Guduchi in Hindi. 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.

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 also gets its name Heart-leaved moonseed by its heart-shaped leaves and its reddish fruit. 

Did You Know?

• A study has shown that giloy extract can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes in the United States. 
• Some studies suggest that giloy may have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.
• Some studies suggest that giloy may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially help in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 
• Studies have shown that giloy may have hepatoprotective properties, protecting the liver from damage. s
• Research suggests that giloy may have antipyretic properties and can help reduce fever. sWhat 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

In my experience, I have observed that the extract of Giloy leaves may have hepatoprotective effect. This effect is believed to be due to its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation, which can damage liver cells. The combined action of Giloy’s constituents and micronutrients work synergistically to protect the liver and promote its normal functioning.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

How to consume Giloy?

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. 

Over the years, I have observed that Giloy may have promising anti-HIV effects. It has been found to decrease the recurrent resistance of the HIV virus, which can improve the effectiveness of HIV therapy. Additionally, it has been shown to stimulate certain immune cells, such as B lymphocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and enhance the percentage of hemoglobin, suggesting its potential application in managing the disease.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to prepare Giloy Juice?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

I have observed that Giloy may have potential anti-cancer activity. It has been found to show promising effects in reducing the metastatic potential of B16-F10 melanoma cells, which are associated with its spread. Giloy may work by increasing the levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-angiogenic agents, which can help inhibit the growth and development of blood vessels that support tumor growth.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

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.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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