Giloy

Giloy is a bright-green shrub that has an appearance like betel leaves. It has slender stems that are often found climbing around host trees. This herb is highly valued for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Giloy is rich in alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, and other bioactive compounds. It is often used to support general health, improve digestion, and traditionally manage fevers. It is also believed to help in managing conditions like diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory issues.

Giloy has various alternative names derived from Sanskrit texts or their medicinal value.

Some alternative names for Giloy are Follows.

• Guduchi: This name is derived from Sanskrit, which means “the one who protects” because of its medicinal properties that protect from various diseases.
• Amrita: Amrita is also derived from Sanskrit, meaning “immortality” because of its health benefits.
• Gulvel: In Maharashtra, Giloy is known as Gulvel.
• Madhuparni: This is also derived from Sanskrit, meaning “sweet-leaved.”
• Shindilakodi: In some parts of India, Shindilakodi is the regional name of Giloy.

Giloy has many compounds that make it a valuable herb, and it is used in traditional and modern medicine. The chemical composition contains Alkaloids that help boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Glycosides are good for liver health as they reduce oxidative stress, while Steroids have anti-inflammatory properties and help manage chronic diseases like arthritis.
• Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that protect the cells from damage and support overall immunity. In contrast, as they are astringent, tannins help improve the digestive system, and saponins have antimicrobial properties. 
• Additionally, Giloy contains various nutrients like iron, calcium, and phosphorus that will enhance overall health and immunity.

From ancient to modern times, this super ingredient has been essential in preparing medicines that cure various ailments.

Some common health benefits of giloy are described below.

1. Supports Blood Sugar Levels

Giloy is traditionally recognised for its hypoglycaemic properties, which may support healthy blood sugar regulation by influencing insulin activity and glucose metabolism. It contains compounds such as berberine that have been studied for their potential role in reducing blood glucose levels. Due to its potency, Giloy should not be used as a replacement for prescribed diabetes medications and should only be taken by individuals with diabetes under strict medical supervision.

2. Used for Chronic Fever

Giloy is a well-known Ayurvedic herb valued for its antipyretic and immunomodulatory properties and is traditionally used to support recovery during febrile illnesses. In Ayurveda, it is regarded as a Rasayana that helps strengthen Vyadhikshamatva, or the body’s natural immunity, particularly during recurrent infections. Giloy supports fever management through its Javarghana action and helps address underlying factors such as Ama by improving digestion and metabolism due to its Deepan and Pachan properties. Its anti-inflammatory nature and ability to enhance macrophage activity support the body’s defence against infections and may aid recovery in conditions like viral fevers, including dengue, where it is traditionally used to support overall immune balance and platelet health.

3. Improves Digestion

Giloy has certain compounds like tannins, which improve the digestive system by secretion of digestive enzymes, reducing acidity, bloating, and other issues related to the stomach.

4. Used to Support Immune System

Giloy is a herb known for its immunomodulatory properties that help support the immune system and fight against bacterial infections. It allows the body to fight against various pathogens. 

5. Used to Reduce Inflammation

Giloy helps alleviate inflammation-related conditions. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help counter oxidative stress and inflammation.

6. Helps Manage Urinary Tract  infections

The antibacterial and detoxification properties of Giloy help manage urinary tract infections and other related disorders by reducing inflammation.

7. Enhances Liver Health

Giloy improves liver function by having glycosides detoxify the liver and improve overall functioning.

8. Balances Hormones in Females

Giloy may support women’s reproductive health by improving overall vitality and aiding the body’s natural hormonal functions. Its rejuvenating (Rasayana) and detoxifying properties are believed to help reduce premenstrual discomfort and support regular menstrual well-being.

9. Managing Stress and Anxiety

As a Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) and adaptogen, Giloy helps the body adapt to psychological stress and supports cognitive function.

10. Manages arthritis and gout

The anti-arthritic properties in giloy may help manage chronic arthritis and related conditions. Moreover, the regenerative property of giloy can enhance its benefits in bone and joint disorders. 

11. Enhances skin, hair, and nail health

As an excellent source of antioxidants, it helps manage skin problems like acne, eczema, skin breakouts, and ageing and helps nail and hair health.

In ancient times, giloy leaves were used to prepare various medicines because of their healing properties. Today, it is also widely used as a source of supplements and in cosmetics. It is commonly used in the form of juice, powder, or extract. In-home remedies are often brewed as tea or taken with honey to support immunity and manage fevers. Giloy is also used in decoctions for digestive issues and skin disorders. Giloy is an antipyretic herb that can help reduce symptoms of diseases like dengue, swine flu, and malaria. It enhances immunity, detoxifies the body, purifies the blood, and combats harmful bacteria. Giloy is also known to protect the liver and control urinary tract infections. It is used in the management of type 2 diabetes as a hypoglycemic agent, helping lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, it may help soothe anxiety, improve memory, and support respiratory health by relieving coughs and inflammation. Its anti-aging properties promote glowing skin by reducing acne, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Giloy is generally a safe herb widely used in preparing medicines and has various health benefits. However, you should consume giloy after consulting with your doctor.

• People with autoimmune diseases should consider consulting their doctor before consuming giloy, as it can stimulate the immune system and worsen the symptoms.
• Diabetic patients should monitor their consumption of Giloy because it lowers their blood sugar levels and can cause hypoglycemia. So, if you consume giloy juice to maintain blood sugar levels, check with your doctor once.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the consumption of giloy in any form unless advised by their gynaecologist. 

If you take supplements, know the giloy tablets' benefits and purpose before consuming them, as they might have specific compositions that might cause allergy. Additionally, it is recommended that you stick to the dosage on the supplement label or prescribed by your doctor.

Giloy is usually consumed as juice or tablets as the raw and bitter taste of giloy leaves and stems are not tolerable. 

Here are some ways how you can consume giloy.

1. In the form of Juice:

You can make use of Giloy in the form of juice. Here are the following steps:

• Mix the powder or paste with water and consume 10-15 ml of giloy juice on an empty stomach, as your doctor prescribes. 
• You can simply dilute it with water or drink it directly for better absorption.  It helps to improve digestion, enhances liver health, and supports immunity. 

2. In the form of Supplements:

• One can consume 1-2 tablets in a day for better immunity, stress management, and overall health. You must follow the dosage given on the supplement labels.  

3. In the form of Powder

Giloy Power can be used in multiple ways. These are the following steps:

• You can mix 1-2 spoons of giloy powder in water and honey and consume it for weight management, reduction of inflammation, and detoxification.
• Giloy leaf powder can be used to make a paste that acts as a face mask for skin rejuvenation to manage acne and breakouts.

The recommended dosage of Giloy is described below.

1. Giloy Juice

You should consume 2-3 teaspoons of giloy juice after diluting in water, and drinking once in the morning on an empty stomach is preferred.

2. Giloy Supplements

Giloy tablets, also known as Giloy Ghan vati or giloy supplements, should be consumed in the morning or evening. You should not take more than two tablets in a day. 

3. Giloy Powder

You should not consume more than 6 grams of giloy powder daily.

Disclaimer for children’s usage: For children, consumption should not exceed more than 500 mg in a day.

However, you must refer to the directions and dosage recommendations of the product you are using. You must consult your doctor if you are on some specific medication to avoid side effects.

Giloy is a powerful and versatile plant with many health benefits; however, there are some side effects to consuming giloy. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before starting the consumption of giloy, as it might disturb your existing medication.

• Can Cause Hypoglycemia: If you are consuming excessive amounts of giloy, it can significantly lower your blood sugar levels, which causes hypoglycemia.
• Can Cause Dizziness and Fatigue: You may experience dizziness and fatigue mainly due to lowered blood sugar levels. Additionally, it might cause a reaction with some other medication that is a cause of fatigue and dizziness.
• Can Cause Bowel Irritation:One might feel discomfort or irritation in the stomach after consuming giloy, which affects bowel movements and sometimes causes constipation.

Giloy might disrupt the working of other medications and can cause side effects that worsen your existing medical conditions. To avoid this situation, consult your healthcare provider for possible giloy side effects. 

Some ways in which giloy can disrupt the efficiency of other drugs are:

• Giloy’s antistress properties can cause excessive dizziness or drowsiness as it reacts with sleeping aids.
• If you are on thyroid medication, consuming giloy can disturb the thyroid hormone levels and decrease the efficiency.
• You should never consume giloy if you are taking chemotherapy medications as it can affect the metabolism levels and reduce efficiency.
• You should not consume giloy if you are taking hypertension drugs, as it can affect its efficiency and might cause hypotension.

• Giloy supports immunity, manages chronic fever, reduces stress, and improves overall health.
• Giloy can be consumed as a powder, juice, tablet, or supplement.
• Giloy can cause specific side effects like low blood sugar levels, dizziness or fatigue, and upset stomach, so it should be avoided if you are on particular medication.
• Caution: The medicinal benefits mentioned here pertain specifically to Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi). Do not confuse it with other species, such as Tinospora crispa, which may have ill effects. Therefore, it is essential to ensure correct identification and exercise care before consumption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a potent and revered herb in both traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern wellness practices. Known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating properties, Giloy is used to manage various chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and fever-related illnesses. Its ability to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) makes it a valuable addition to holistic health routines. With a strong legacy rooted in ancient healing and growing scientific interest, Giloy continues to be a trusted natural remedy for enhancing overall health and vitality.