Giloy is just one of the many useful plants found in India. The Giloy plant was once known as Amrita in Indian legend. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, mentions Giloy as a medicinal herb with great potential benefits.
What is Giloy?
Giloy, or Tinospora cordifolia, is a climbing shrub of the Menispermaceae family of plants. Besides its native nation India, the plant can also be found in China and the tropical regions of Australia and Africa.
In both Ayurvedic and traditional Western medicine, it plays a pivotal role as a treatment for a wide number of diseases.
In Ayurvedic medicine, every component of the plant is used for healing purposes. However, it is believed that the most beneficial chemicals are found in the stem.
The herb is also known as Guduchi, giloe, and amrita and is a key ingredient in many ayurvedic immunity booster tablets. Giloe is a phrase from Hindu mythology. The Sanskrit word “Guduchi” means “whole body protector” and the word “amrita” means “immortal nectar.”
Giloy has been used for centuries to treat various diseases and ailments which include:
- Urinary Problems
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Eye Conditions
- Hansen’s Disease (formerly called leprosy)
- Anorexia
- Asthma
- Dysentery
- Diabetes
- Skin Infections
- Jaundice
- Gout
Also Read: Easy Ways To Your Strengthen Immune System
Here Are The Top 10 Benefits of Giloy
1. Giloy helps with chronic fever
In Ayurveda, it is believed that fever happens due to two reasons, one is the toxins in the body after improper digestion and another is the foreign particles. For those suffering from chronic fevers, Giloy is an excellent treatment option.
The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of this herb help in fighting off infection and speed up the healing process afterward. The Javarghana (antipyretic) feature of Giloy can help bring down a high temperature.
2. Giloy for blood sugar
Giloy is prepared from the stem of the plant and that is why it has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Some research suggests that it may help in the body’s natural synthesis of the insulin hormone. Since Giloy’s stem extract may control glucose production enzymes, it has been shown to be a strong treatment for diabetes mellitus.
3. Giloy for skin health
When combined with water, the powder from the Giloy stem can be a beneficial beverage. The degeneration of cells due to ageing may be slowed with the help of Giloy juice. Consuming Giloy juice for the skin may help minimize issues including acne, dark spots, pimples, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin pigmentation, resulting in skin that is radiant and spotless.
Though Giloy makes the main ingredient in many ayurvedic immunity booster products, its benefits for skin are not recognized due to a lack of research on humans. Thus, if you are using Giloy for specific skin benefits, it’s recommended to consult a medical professional prior to consuming Giloy in large quantities for it.
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4. Can give your immunity the boost it needs
The antioxidants found abundantly in this heart-shaped herb can help our bodies in fighting off harmful bacteria and toxins. It helps the body in detoxification, blood purification, and fighting liver illness, urinary, and other infections.
Because of its antipyretic properties, Giloy Ghanvati tablets are recommended for dengue patients who experience persistent fever. The use of Giloy can also strengthen our resistance to infection by external agents.
5. Can reduce stress and anxiety
An interesting fact is that Giloy has adaptogenic properties which means it possesses a quality that aids in the body’s adaptation to stressful situations. This health tonic is endowed with sedative properties and soothes the senses with pain-relieving benefits.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory qualities of Guduchi make it useful for treating painful illnesses like arthritis and gout. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo clinical examinations report much less discomfort.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice: Three Reasons to Consume
7. Remedy For Dengue
Giloy is said to be a herb that effectively treats dengue as it helps in increasing the blood count, improving metabolism, and strengthening the immune system. So you can very well use Giloy tablets as the remedy if you catch dengue fever.
8. Giloy Detoxifies Scalp
Keeping your hair in good condition is one of the main functions of Giloy due to its antioxidant capabilities. Additionally, it eliminates harmful pollutants and cleans the scalp.
9. Lowers Risk of Cancer
The antioxidant properties of Giloy can help balance free radicals which increase the risk of cancer. Research has revealed that Giloy has shown promise in lowering the danger of developing breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Thus, consuming Giloy Ghan vati tablets every day will be health-promoting for you.
10. Helps Maintain Good Eyesight
Including Giloy in your daily diet helps improve your vision. To enhance your eyesight, boil some Giloy in water, let it cool, and then apply the mixture to your eyelids. Applying Giloy on your eyelids has shown to have beneficial effects.
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11. Helps in Dengue
Giloy can reduce dengue fever. It has antipyretic (fever-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming Giloy regularly can boost the immune system and can also improve platelet count.
12. Manages Diabetes
Giloy helps to manage blood glucose levels and also controls various complications related to diabetes. It improves digestion and absorption due to its digestive properties. You can consume half a teaspoon of Giloy powder twice a day after meals.
13. Can Help in Liver Disease
Giloy contributes to the balanced metabolism and functioning of the liver due to its appetizer and digestive properties. It decreases cholesterol levels in the liver and also reduces free radical damage. Hence, it enhances overall liver functioning.
14. Reduces Risk of Cancer
This herb might be useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer. It has anti-proliferative properties. These properties can stop the growth of breast cancer cells and cell proliferation. It also leads to cell death in breast cancer cells.
15. Reduces High Levels of Cholesterol
Giloy has the ability to improve metabolism and detoxify the body, resulting in reduced cholesterol levels. It has digestive, appetizer, and rejuvenating properties. Thus it is a great herb for reduced overall cholesterol.
How to Consume Giloy?
Giloy can be consumed in various forms. You can consume Giloy powder with milk or water or can also make its kadha. The market also sells Giloy juice, tablets, and capsules. For skin problems, you can even apply it topically.
For effective benefits, consume Giloy twice a day.
Precautions While Using Giloy
- When using topically, apply Giloy on a small area of the skin. If you do not experience any allergic reactions, it is safe to use. Any signs of irritation, redness, or swelling mean that you are allergic to this herb and should avoid further use.
- If you are allergic to Giloy, only use it after consulting your doctor. For external uses, mix it with milk or honey and then use it.
Also Read: Ambic Ayurveda: Health benefits of Ashwagandha
Conclusion
Giloy is among the most popular herbs used in Ayurveda. It is used as the main ingredient in various Ayurvedic products including ayurvedic juices, tablets, and powders. You can find a number of ayurvedic immunity booster products with the main ingredient Giloy.
Ambic Ayurved has a number of products like Giloy Ghanvati Tablet, Giloy Amla juice, Giloy Neem Tulsi juice, and more. You can shop for these beneficial products to help your immunity naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Giloy useful for?
Giloy is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda and is known to treat a number of diseases. It is a great immunity booster and a detoxifier that can help as a barrier to various ailments. People also consume Giloy along with other herbs like neem and tulsi.
2. What are the different forms of Giloy?
Giloy is available in a number of forms out there. You can choose to buy the herb in the form of juice, tablets, capsules, or powder form. Ambic Ayurved has more than one option for Giloy medicines. You can check out the different benefits of each product type and shop accordingly.
3. What is Giloy juice good for?
Although Giloy juice has numerous advantages, it is majorly known to be good for immunity, metabolism, digestion, prevention of chronic fever, and reducing arthritis pain. The herb has been used as a medicine for years in Ayurveda and has proven benefits. You can also buy it to fight various health problems.
Disclaimer: This article only provides information to educate the reader. It does not promote skipping or substituting treatments by medical experts. It is recommended the readers consult experts according to personal needs to understand their medical condition precisely.
