Giloy, also known as Amrita or Guduchi in Hindi, is an herb that helps improve digestion and boost immunity. It has heart-shaped leaves that resemble betel leaves. All parts of the plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine. However, the stem is thought to have the most beneficial compounds. In the Ayurvedic textbook ‘Bhavaprakasha’, the properties of Giloy are described in below shloka:
काश्मरी तुवरा तिक्ता वीर्योष्णा मधुरा गुरु।
दीपनी पाचनी मेध्या भेदिनी भ्रमशोषजित्। दोषतृष्णाऽऽमशूलार्शोविषदाहन्धरापहा ॥
तत्त्फलं बृंहणं वृष्यं गुरु केश्यं रसायनम्। वातपित्ततृषारक्तक्षयमूत्रविबन्धनुत् ॥
स्वादु पार्क हिमं स्निग्धं तुवराम्लं विशुद्धिकृत् । हन्याद दाहतृषावातरक्तपित्तक्षतक्षयान् ॥ - भावप्रकाश
Giloy is Titka (bitter) in taste and Ushna (hot) in potency. After metabolization, it becomes Madhura (sweet) and Guru (heavy) in nature. It has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which help in improving digestion. Giloy also helps to reduce excessive thirst, pain, and burning sensation because of its Tridosha balancing property. Regular use of Giloy can boost energy and immunity because of its Balya (strength provider) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) qualities.
The bitter taste of Giloy may help manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Giloy also helps in weight management by improving overall metabolism.
Drinking fresh Giloy juice helps to improve immunity and can be used to manage fevers due to its antipyretic activity. It also increases platelet count and might help in dengue fever.
Giloy powder, Kadha (tea), or tablets can also be used for various skin problems as it helps to remove toxins from the body.
You can apply Giloy leaf paste on the skin to fasten the wound healing process as it helps increase collagen production and skin regeneration[1-3][5].
What are the synonyms of Giloy?
Tinospora cordifolia, Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amruta, Amritavallari, Chhinnaruha, Chakralakshanika, Somvalli, Rasayani, Devnirmita, Gulvel, Vatsadani, Jwarari, Bahuchinna, Amrita
What is the source of Giloy?
Plant Based
BENEFITS OF GILOY
What are the benefits of Giloy for Dengue?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy is useful in managing dengue fever.
It has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (that reduce fever) properties. Regular intake of Giloy during dengue helps in improving the immune system. It also helps in increasing platelet count. Together, it helps to manage dengue fever[5][6].
What are the benefits of Giloy for Fever?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (that reduce fever) herb and is useful in building up the immune system and the body's defense against infections. It enhances the activity of macrophages (the cells responsible for fighting foreign bodies as well as microorganisms) and thus helps in early recovery[1].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy helps in reducing fever due to its Javarghana (antipyretic) property. As per Ayurveda, there are two factors leading to high fever, first is Ama and second is any foreign particle or organisms. Giloy helps reduce fever by improving digestion and absorption due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which in turn prevents the formation of Ama. It also improves immunity to fight foreign particles or organisms due to its Rasayana property.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Giloy Juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water to it and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning once a day.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Hay fever?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy reduces the symptoms of Hay fever which is also known as allergic rhinitis. It reduces the symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, nasal obstruction. It also increases the count of the leukocytes (white blood cells) to fight against infection[4][11].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Allergy occurs due to the imbalance of Kapha as a result of the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. Giloy prevents the formation of Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) nature and helps in balancing Kapha. It also helps improves immunity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Giloy churna
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Diabetes?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy might be useful in managing diabetes by improving blood glucose levels. It also helps to manage diabetes-related complications such as ulcers, wounds, kidney damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[2].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy helps control high blood sugar level and various diabetic complications by improving digestion and absorption due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which in turn prevents the formation of Ama.
Tip:
Take 1/2 teaspoon of Giloy Churna twice a day with water after taking lunch and dinner.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Liver disease?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Liver injury due to an overdose of alcohol can be managed by using Guduchi Satwa, an Ayurvedic formulation prepared from Giloy. It acts by lowering total cholesterol level in the liver. It also improves the level of antioxidant enzymes (reduces damage by free radicals) and oxidative-stress markers thereby enhancing overall liver function[9].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy helps to improve metabolism and liver functions due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Giloy also inhibits degeneration and promotes new cell growth due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) quality.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of Giloy Juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water to it and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning once a day.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Cancer?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy might be useful in managing breast cancer because of its anti-proliferative property.
Rutin and quercetin present in Giloy inhibit cell proliferation and growth of breast cancer cells due to its anti-cancer property. It also changes the expression of apoptotic genes and induces apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells[8].
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy might reduce the risk of cancer by balancing Vata-Pitta-Kapha and also by controlling the growth and spread of cancer cells. Giloy also prevents cell damage due to its Rasayana property.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoon of fresh Giloy juice.
2. Add the same quantity of water and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.
3. Continue for at least 2-3 months for better results.
What are the benefits of Giloy for High cholesterol?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy helps to control high cholesterol level in the body by improving the metabolism and eliminating toxins from the body which are responsible for high cholesterol. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive) nature and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Giloy juice.
2. Add to 1 glass of water and drink it.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Gout?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy is used in Vata rog like Gouty arthritis due to its Vata balancing and blood purifying actions.
What are the benefits of Giloy for Rheumatoid arthritis?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Giloy might be beneficial for the management of pain and inflammation in arthritis.
Giloy suppresses arthritic inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (molecules that promote inflammation). In case of auto-immune disease, the body's own immune system attacks the body and Giloy is known to boost the immune system. When you take Giloy in case of autoimmune diseases, it may over-stimulate the immune system[4].
What are the benefits of Giloy for Diarrhea?
AYURVEDIC VIEW
Giloy helps to reduce digestion related problems like indigestion, hyperacidity, and flatulence due to its Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Giloy powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and mix well.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
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