Giloy: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More

New to Giloy?

Might not be!

You might have heard of Giloy during the Covid era. 

Yes.

Giloy is not just a plant; it is considered one of the best medicines in Ayurveda, used to treat various fevers and other inflammatory conditions. It is one of three Amrit plants. 

It is good for the digestive system and helps to improve digestion. It also helps to reduce burning sensation, pain, and excessive thirst because of its Tridosha balancing property. 

If you have diabetes, then Giloy is a magical medicine for you. Giloy helps manage blood glucose levels and aids in weight management by improving overall metabolism. 

Here in this article, let's learn more about Giloy and its health benefits and see why it might deserve a spot in your wellness routine.

What is Giloy?

Giloy is also known as amrita or guduchi, a herbal plant from the Menispermaceae family, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around India. 

The Giloy stem is effective because of its nutritional content and the alkaloids found in it. It is a climber with heart-shaped leaves, boosting the immune system to fight off infections. 

According to Charak Samhita, Giloy is one of the herbs used to treat various disorders and also helps to reduce Vata and Kapha dosha. 

What are the other names of Giloy?

Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amritavallari, Chhinnaruha, Chakra Lakshanika, Somvalli, Tinospora cordifolia, Rasayani, Vatsadani, Jwarari, Bahuchinna, and Amrita. 

Medicinal Properties of Giloy 

Giloy, also known as Tinospora cordifolia, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its various medicinal properties. Here's a closer look at some of its uses:

• Immunomodulatory
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antipyretic
• Blood sugar management
• Anticoagulant agent 
• Blood-glucose-lowering activity
• Antistress activity
• Antiviral activity
• Antimicrobial activity
• Anti-inflammatory action (reduces swelling)
• Immunity increasing
• Wound-healing

Boost Your Health with Giloy: 5 Key Benefits You Need to Know

Feeling drained or tired? Looking for ways to strengthen your immunity? Look no further than Giloy, an Ayurvedic herb that can boost your overall health. Here, we explore 5 key benefits of Giloy that can help you feel your best.

• Giloy for Fever

Giloy helps to reduce the symptoms of common fevers. It helps to reduce symptoms like nasal discharges, sneezing, and nasal itching.

In Ayurveda, Ama means the toxin remains in the body due to improper digestion, and secondly, the foreign particles are responsible for fevers. It is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic herb and medicine that helps to boost your immunity to fight against the infection. It has antipyretic properties that reduce fever. 

How to use Giloy for fever?

Take 2-3 tablespoons of Giloy juice and mix it with the same amount of water. Drink this mixture every day on an empty stomach.

• Giloy for diabetes

Have diabetes?

You can get the benefit of Giloy in managing diabetes. It improves blood glucose levels and also helps to manage diabetes diabetes-related complications like ulcers, wounds, and kidney damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use giloy in diabetes?

Take 1/2 teaspoon of Giloy powder after eating lunch and dinner. 

Also read: Tired all the time? It would be a sign of diabetes

• Giloy for Dengue Fever

Giloy has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, which means it can effectively manage dengue fever. Dengue fever reduces the platelets, but don't worry, Giloy helps to increase platelet count. Its regular intake during dengue can significantly give a boost to your immune system.

How to use giloy in dengue fever?

Take 2-3 teaspoons of giloy juice daily on an empty stomach. 

Also Read: Dengue fever and its symptoms

• Giloy to Boost Immunity

Did you catch influenza too frequently?

Well, it might be due to a weak immune system. Power your immune system with Giloy benefits. 

Giloy is rich in antioxidants that help to release the toxins from the body. It detoxifies your skin and helps to improve your skin. Apart from this it can effectively be used in liver diseases, urinary tract infections, and heart-related diseases.

How to use it? 

Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy juice and add the same quantity of water in it. Drink the juice twice a day to boost your immunity.

Also read: 10 ways to include amla in your diet to increase the immunity

• Giloy to Improve Digestion

Do you frequently suffer from digestion problems?

Giloy improves digestion and reduces digestion-related issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, hyperacidity, and colitis. Giloy's potential digestive benefits include improving gut health and reducing bloating.

How to use it?

Take 1/2 teaspoon of Giloy powder in 1 glass of water twice a day.

• Giloy for high cholesterol

Giloy helps control high cholesterol levels by improving metabolism and eliminating toxins from the body that are responsible for high cholesterol.

Also Read: Food Items That Can Help Keep Cholesterol in Control

• Giloy for Skin 

Troubling acne and other skin issues? 

Dont worry, Giloy can help!

Giloy is an anti-ageing herb that helps reduce fine lines and dark spots. Its bitter flavour and anti-bacterial properties in Giloy clear pimples and pigmentation. It slows down skin ageing, clears acne, pimples and dark spots, and fights wrinkles.

• Giloy in Joint Pain

Even adults of age 15-18 complain of joint pain these days. This is all due to an inactive or sedentary lifestyle. 

Giloy has anti-inflammatory properties that aids in reducing inflammation in joint pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to treat various conditions, including arthritis. However, if you're experiencing joint pain, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Take Rheumatoid Factor (RA) test from nearby Redcliffe Labs to know your condition.

How to use it?

1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy juice, mix in 1 glass of water, and drink it. 

Also read: Arthritis in Young Adults: Understanding the Impact, Risk Factors, and Early Diagnosis

Side effects of Giloy You don't know 

From boosting immunity to managing blood sugar, Giloy works like a wonder. But before you jump on the Giloy, it's important to understand its side effects as well.

• Digestive Discomfort-  If you consume Giloy in high doses or on an empty stomach, it might cause digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea, and stomach irritation in some people. Therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor first, before adding any new component itoyour lifestyle.

• Blood Sugar Fluctuations- The excessive intake of Giloy can be problematic sometimes. If you have diabetes or are taking blood sugar medications, consult your doctor before using Giloy to avoid low blood sugar levels.

• Allergic Reactions- It can cause allergic reactions in some people. It can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing. 

How can you use Giloy at home for health benefits?

Have you seen the Giloy plant?

It is also known as Tinospora cordifolia and is a climbing shrub. It has heart-shaped leaves and greenish-yellow flowers. It grows by twining around other trees and structures for support. 

Giloy is available in various forms, each with its advantages -

• Powder- Mix with warm water, milk, or juice and consume.
• Juice- Drink directly or diluted with water.
• Capsules- Take 1 or 2 capsules every day, as recommended by your doctor.
• Decoction (Kadha)- Strain the boiled Giloy kadha and consume the liquid.

What Giloy dosage is recommended?

It's always best to begin with a low dosage. For powders, take 1-2 teaspoons one or two times a day. However, consult a healthcare professional to understand the appropriate dosage. Based on your health condition, your doctor can recommend the right dosage. 

Takeaway

Now you know what Giloy is and its health benefits.

Add giloGiloyyour rou and most of the benefits, from its immune-boosting properties to its anti-inflammatory effects, to make you healthier. It strengthens your body's natural defenses, manages blood sugar levels, and promotes health. Giloy might be a valuable addition to your routine. But, before adding it to your routine, consult with your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. Understand its benefits and use it responsibly to embark on a path to a healthier you.