Giloy Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More
Introduction:
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) is a climbing shrub and an essential herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is native to India but also found in China and tropical areas of Australia and Africa. All parts of the plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine. However, the stem is thought to have the most beneficial compounds. People take it to support general wellness and treat a wide range of health conditions including fever, infections, and diabetes. This miraculous herb has many names as Giloe, Guruchi, Amrita, etc. Giloe is a Hindu mythological term that refers to a mythical heavenly elixir that keeps celestial beings eternally young. Guruchi is a Sanskrit word that means something that protects the whole body. Amrita is an Ayurvedic name given to Giloy which means immortality.
Chemical Composition:
Giloy is a source of many important plant compounds namely terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids. This chemical composition provides the plant with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Terpenoids found in Giloy make it antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-diabetic. Alkaloids in Giloy give therapeutic benefits for maintaining blood pressure, pain relief, fighting cancer, preventing malaria, and stopping intestinal spasms. Lignans present in Giloy prevent the growth of viruses, fungi, and other harmful microbes. They also develop antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in Giloy. Steroid compounds in Giloy may also have benefits for skin health, wound healing, and cardiovascular health.
Medical Uses:
Ayurved has named Giloy as Amrita and suggested a wide range of medical uses for a number of health issues. Though all parts of this plant are thought to have health benefits especially its stem is used by people to treat a wide range of issues such as:
- Normal Fever
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Urinary problems
- Asthma
- Dysentery
- Diarrhea
- Skin infections
- Leprosy
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Jaundice
- Anorexia
- Eye problems
Potential Benefits:
Researches show that Giloy can be helpful for seasonal allergies and to treat a skin rash called scabies. It might have benefits for diabetes and high cholesterol. Ayurved suggests that it might have many health benefits as some of the chemicals present in its pulp enhance metabolic processes to fight diabetes and heart problems. One of the alkaloid compounds in Giloy is ‘Berberine’, it is a traditional herbal remedy for diabetes as it reduces blood sugar. Berberine may be as effective as some medications at helping reduce not only blood sugar but also LDL, bad cholesterol, and blood pressure. Lab studies on Giloy show that it has antioxidant effects which means that it can help protect cells from oxidative damage. When tested on breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer cells in the lab, some compounds in Giloy show anticancer potential.
Immune System Benefits:
Taking Giloy might help boost your immune system against allergies, attacks of viruses, and other microbes. Certain compounds in Giloy can also stimulate your immunity against bacteria and other pathogens. During the corona period it was found that it may kill larger pathogens too. Thousands of people protected themselves from corona by boosting their immunity with the help of this very herb.
Right Way to Use Giloy:
One can take Giloy as a pill, capsule, powder, tincture, etc. For skin problems like scabies, one can use it as a cream or lotion. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest doses to patients according to their problems and the degree of suffering. As an immunity booster, it is suggested to take the fresh stem of Giloy, crush it, boil it with water for at least fifteen minutes, let it cool for five minutes, and then take it by sipping as tea. Juice of Giloy made from root and stem should be taken fresh.
Risk of Using Giloy:
There is no evidence of any side effect in healthy people related to the use of Giloy so far, but be aware it might interact with some medications or certain health conditions like autoimmune diseases. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Giloy.
Conclusion:
Giloy is called Amrita in Ayurveda which means immortality, it is called Guruch in Sanskrit which means the protection of whole body. As the names suggests, Giloy is really a magical herb, it has potential to cure almost all types of health disorders simple fever to cancer. It is best medicine for all types of Jaundice and all types of fever.
FAQs:
What is Giloy called in English?
The Latin name of Giloy is Tinospora Cordifolia but it is also called herbaceous in English.
Is Giloy helpful in increasing platelet count?
Boiled Giloy juice with some Tulsi leaves may do it.
Can it be taken every day?
Yes, it is good to have daily.
Is there any side effect of using Giloy regularly?
Not for all users, but since it lowers blood sugar levels so diabetic people should be aware of it.
Does Giloy affect the liver?
Giloy keeps the liver healthy and efficient.
Does Giloy reduce belly fat?
Yes, some chemical present in Giloy reduces belly fat.
What is the best time to take Giloy?
Early morning at least one hour before breakfast.
Also Read: Ashwagandha a Boon for Human being.