Giloy is known as the “root of immortality.” Some of the other popular names for this plant are amrita, Guduchi, Giloe, Tinospora. It originated and is abundantly grown in India due to its medicinal properties. The herb has also been used in preparing Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Moreover, this herb in the form of extracts, juices, and capsules has been used in treating people or recovering from multiple viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. In addition to that, it helps to support the respiratory system, immune system, and heart health.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the possible benefits and side effects of using Giloy.
What is the Giloy Plant?
Tinospora cordifolia is the scientific name for Giloy. It belongs to the Menispermaceae plant family. The stems, leaves, and roots of the plant are also used for making traditional ayurvedic medicine in India. In addition, the plant’s stem is used for making powder, juice, herbal tea, and topical products.
It is rich in many nutrients like [1]:
- Moisture – 17.69%
- Fiber – 16.19%
- Protein – 4.13%
- Ash – 12.01%
- Crude Fat – 3.12%
- NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber) – 37.90%
- ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber) – 34.65%
Benefits of Giloy
Giloy is also considered one of the best herbs for boosting your immunity levels. The anti-inflammatory properties help fight against viruses, infections, fever, and many chronic diseases.
Moreover, research studies and many years of Ayurveda practice support many health benefits of Giloy.
Keep in mind that Giloy should not be used to replace any medication or treatment your doctor has recommended. While it has numerous health benefits, some of these are not proven by concrete evidence, and not everyone may respond in a similar manner to Giloy consumption.
With that in mind, let’s explore its benefits!
1. Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Effects
Giloy is rich in compounds that have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. These properties help reduce problems like aches and pain and protect other body parts like the brain, eyes, and skin.
In addition to that, the other traditional uses of this herb include treating skin infections, fevers, coughs, and respiratory issues.
2. Aids in Digestion and Detoxification
Giloy can also help with problems related to digestion like vomiting, diarrhea, hyperacidity, and colitis, which is the inflammation of your colon (large intestine).
It also acts as food for good bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome in the gut, and thus, helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
3. May Help Manage Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
Giloy may support a healthy respiratory system. It could help people with respiratory and nasal problems like asthma, breathing difficulties, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Research studies have shown improvement in people suffering from the above problem. It was found that 83% of patients with nasal allergies got 100% relief from sneezing. Meanwhile, 69% of patients were relieved from nasal discharge, and more than 60% noticed reduced nasal pruritus and nasal obstruction [2].
4. Controls Blood Sugar Level
It is known as ‘madhunashini’ in Ayurveda, which means destroyer of sugar. As per a study, it acts as a hypoglycaemic agent [3], which helps to keep the glucose level down in the blood. It can enhance the production of insulin levels in the body. Plus, Giloy is also an excellent remedy for diabetic-related complications like ulcers and kidney problems.
5. Giloy for Hay Fever
Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis. Giloy may help reduce symptoms like runny nose, watering of the eyes, sneezing, and nasal obstruction.
6. Giloy for Dengue Fever
Platelet count reduces drastically in dengue fever. Consuming Giloy during dengue may help to increase platelet count and improve immunity levels. This could lead to a faster recovery.
If you wish to try out this natural remedy, add 2-3 tulsi leaves in Giloy juice for better efficacy.
7. Giloy for Chronic Fever
It has an antipyretic property that could help with chronic and recurrent fevers. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to boost immunity and fight against infections.
8. Improves Eyesight
It has antioxidants like lutein which is effective in improving eye-sight. You can use it topically on your eyes for the best results.
However, more research is warranted to confirm the effects of topical Giloy application on your eyesight.
9. Youthful Skin
It has anti-oxidant properties that prevent oxidative stress. This slows down the aging of the skin. It also improves blood circulation, resulting in a natural glow on your skin.
10. Supports Metabolic Health
Studies show it helps to normalize cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism. This aids in cardiovascular health.
11. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
It is an excellent remedy for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, it calms your mind and body.
It can also enhance your memory and cognitive functions.
12. Boosts Immunity
Antioxidants present in Giloy activate the immune system and increase energy levels in the body. It helps to release toxins out of our bodies.
It can help boost the cell-based activity of macrophages, a large phagocytic cell that acts as the first line of defense in our body. These cells fight against any infection.
13. Giloy Helps in Weight Loss
It is important to have an excellent immune system for managing weight. Good metabolism improves the digestive system and burns excess fat. Giloy boosts immunity levels and metabolism, thus helping to reduce weight.
Giloy Juice Benefits
Studies have shown the benefits of drinking Giloy juice.
- It helps to boost immunity.
- It can help in treating dengue fever and Covid.
- Reduces stress level.
- It helps in healing the wound faster.
- It reduces throat-related ailments like cough and tonsilitis.
- Helps with respiratory problems.
How to Prepare Giloy Juice at Home?
Anyone can make Giloy juice at home. The process is simple. All you need is a few Giloy stems and some water.
First, take Giloy stem. Wash, peel and cut them into small pieces. Add some water and blend. Strain the mixture using a muslin cloth. The juice is ready for drinking.
How to Use Giloy
As per Ayurveda, consuming Giloy in any form is beneficial for a healthy mind and body. You can take it in the form of traditional kadha (decoction), juice, powder, or capsule. Applying Giloy paste topically can treat many skin problems.
How to Make Giloy Kadha
Take 1-2 tsp of Giloy powder or juice in a cup of water. Add ½ tsp of ginger, turmeric, and black pepper each. Bring it to boil for 2-3 minutes. Strain and drink hot.
Drinking hot kadha is good for fever and respiratory problems.
How to Make Giloy Paste for Skin
Take Giloy stems and break them into small pieces. Grind the small pieces to form a powder. Add some water to form a paste. You can use cotton to apply this paste to your skin.
Giloy Dosage Recommendations
Always follow recommended dosage as directed or prescribed as per the product or as suggested by the practitioner [4].
- Giloy Juice – 2-3 teaspoons of juice once a day. It should ideally be consumed on an empty stomach.
- Giloy in powder form – 1/4th – 1/2th teaspoon twice a day (2-6 gms/day)
- Tablet – 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Capsule – 1-2 capuless twice a day.
- GiloExtract – 1 teaspoons twice a day
Giloy in any form should be used for a short duration, like 2 – 3 months at a stretch, for coping with illness and stress. If you want to use it for a longer duration, speak with a herbalist.
Giloy Side Effects
Giloy is extremely safe to consume, but you should stick to recommended doses to avoid side effects.
People with certain conditions should be cautious before including them in their diet. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women should avoid it as there is no proper evidence about its pros or cons.
It can lower your sugar level drastically if you are taking any anti-diabetic medicine or insulin. Plus, during or after surgery, it can interfere with blood sugar medicines. Thus, it may not be safe to consume Giloy if you are currently on certain medications.
And suppose you have any kind of allergy. In that case, always seek medical practitioner advice before consuming it to reduce your risk of adverse effects.
Giloy is safe to consume. But if taken for a prolonged period without consulting an ayurvedic physician can lead to liver toxicity.
Bottomline: Benefits and Risks of Giloy
Giloy is a native herb to India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for making herbal remedies for thousands of years. It can help treat many health problems like fever, skin infections, digestive issues, high sugar, high cholesterol, etc.
Always follow dosage directions or consult an ayurvedic practitioner before consuming it.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Sood, S. (2016). Studies on the Nutritional Evaluation of Dietetic and Sugar Based Giloy (Tinospora Cordiofolia) Beverage. Nutrition & Food Science International Journal, 1(5). https://doi.org/10.19080/nfsij.2016.01.555572
- Badar, V. A., Thawani, V. R., Wakode, P. T., Shrivastava, M. P., Gharpure, K. J., Hingorani, L. L., & Khiyani, R. M. (2005). Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 96(3), 445–449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.09.034
- Sharma, R., Kumar, V., Ashok, B. K., Galib, R., Prajapati, P. K., & Ravishankar, B. (2013). Hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity of Guduchi Satva in experimental animals. Ayu, 34(4), 417–420. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.127726
