It’s time again to find a wave of peace in natural medicine to heal yourself. Based on many studies, Ayurveda treatment is considered the best natural form of healing in India and all over the world.
In Ayurveda, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 diarrhea, 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.
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 disease 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.