Giloy is a very popular herb, made even more popular by the descent of Corona Virus.  T. Cordifolia is the scientific name and in Sanskrit, it is known as Guduchi. Also referred to as Amruta(Elixir) because of its multidimensional usage and efficacy. Perhaps according to Ayurveda Giloy is useful in all types of diseases.

Giloy is a climbing shrub, large, perennial, deciduous, of the weak and fleshy stem that grows across India. Giloy benefits and extensive usage have been found across Ayurvedic and folk schools of medicine.

There are a number of chemical compounds found in Giloy, such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, phenolics, aliphatic compounds, and polysaccharides.

Classical Ayurveda Literature describes Guduchi of having efficacy in multitudinous ways – Pandunashaka, Kamla-Kushta-Vataraktanashaka, Jwarhara, Krimihara, Prameha, Arshnashaka, Rasayana, Sangrahi, Balya, Agnideepana, Kricch-Hridroganashak, Tridoshshamaka, Dahnashaka, Mehnashaka, Kasa-swasahara, etc.

Medicinal uses of Giloy – In the last two decades, a lot of research has been carried out to scientifically validate its efficacy across various ailments. Scientific research has validated Giloy’s efficacy as antimalarial, hepato-protective, immuno-modulatory, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic.

Giloy is useful in all forms, it can be consumed in the form of juice, powder, extract, satwa, or in the form of a tablet. Giloy Kadhas in conjunction with other herbs has become very popular in the last 2 years.

Health Benefits of Giloy

1. Boosts Immunity

Giloy is an all-purpose plant that acts as an immunity booster. It is an antioxidant powerhouse that fights free radicals, keeps your cells healthy, and helps you avoid ailments. Giloy also aids in the removal of toxins, the purification of blood, the battle against disease-causing germs, and the treatment of liver and urinary tract infections.

How to use Giloy for immunity: Take a couple of teaspoons of Giloy juice. Mix in an equal amount of water. To increase your immunity, drink it once or twice a day, ideally before meals.

2. Treats Chronic Fever

Giloy aids in the treatment of recurring fevers. Because Giloy is anti-pyretic, it can help to lessen the signs and symptoms of various life-threatening illnesses such as Dengue, Swine Flu, and Malaria.

How to use Giloy for fever – Combine 2-3 teaspoons Giloy juice with an equal quantity of water. Stir them properly. On an empty stomach, drink this mixture every morning.

3. Improves Digestion

Giloy is excellent for aiding digestion and treating digestive problems such as diarrhoea, colitis, vomiting, hyperacidity, and so on. To get the best benefits, use half a gram of Giloy powder with some amla on a regular basis, or combine it with jaggery to relieve constipation.

How to use Giloy for digestion– Take ½ teaspoon of Giloy powder with some amla in 1 glass of lukewarm water twice daily.

4. Treats Diabetes

Giloy has a hypoglycemic agent that aids in the treatment of diabetes (especially Type 2)”. When this Giloy satva is consumed, the insulin-producing β-pancreatic cells in the pancreas become active. It prevents the breakdown of starch into glucose that in turn performs wonders in lowering high blood sugar levels.

How to use Giloy for diabetes- Take Giloy juice twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.

5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Giloy is also an adaptogenic herb, in case you didn’t know. It aids in the reduction of both mental stress as well as anxiety. It assists in the removal of toxins, improves memory, soothes you down, and, when combined with other herbs, produces a fantastic health tonic.

How to use Giloy for stress and anxiety– Combine 2-3 tablespoons Giloy Juice with an equal amount of water. Once a day, drink it on an empty stomach in the morning.

Also Read: 5 Natural Home Remedies For Constipation

6. Fights Respiratory Problems

Giloy is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in the reduction of respiratory issues such as frequent coughing, colds, and tonsils.

How to use Giloy for respiratory problems: Chew on Giloy root or drink Giloy juice once a day in the early morning

7. Treats Arthritis

Giloy has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic characteristics, which aid in the treatment of arthritis and associated symptoms decreasing the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α.

How to use rheumatoid arthritis: Mix powder from Giloy stem with warm milk and add a pinch of turmeric & sonth, to make it more efficacious.

8. Reduces Asthmatic Symptoms

Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms, making it difficult to cure.

How to use Giloy for asthmatic: Chew on Giloy root or drink Giloy juice once a day in the early morning. 500mg of Giloy Satwa mixed with 200mg of Prawal Pishti and Godanto Bhasm gives significant relief.

9. Improves Vision

Giloy plant is applied to the eyes in different parts of India to improve visual clarity. It is commonly used in Panchkarma to improve eyesight because it is quite effective. All you have to do is boil Giloy powder in water, chill it, and then apply it to your eyelids.

How to use Giloy for good vision: Simply boil Giloy powder or Giloy leaves in water, then apply to the eyes once it has cooled.

10. Reduces Signs Of Aging

Giloy plant contains anti-aging agent flavonoids, which help to prevent cell damage and promote new cell growth. It also nourishes the skin and boosts collagen formation, reducing dark spots, pimples, fine lines, and the appearance of wrinkles.

How to use Giloy for skin: Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of Giloy powder with water and drink daily in the early morning.

11. Giloy for Corona-virus infection

Giloy can improve immunity, making it effective for a variety of fevers, particularly viral fevers of all types. Although there is no proof that Giloy can treat coronavirus, it can boost your immune system to help you combat it. Ministry of Ayush protocols have also recommended Giloy in all forms as a line of treatment along with other Ayurveda medicines as a support therapy to treat Covid-19 infection.

How to use Giloy for covid: Giloy kadha or Giloy juice can be taken twice a day for 4-6 weeks. According to certain research, combining Giloy and Ashwagandha may act as a protective shield against this dangerous infection.

How to consume Giloy?

​1. Have it with milk and ginger

When boiled with milk, Giloy works wonders for joint discomfort. When coupled with ginger, the combination can be used to cure rheumatism.

2. Chew on Giloy stem

Chewing on the stem of Giloy is the simplest and easiest way to consume it. This method of consuming Giloy works well for Asthma sufferers.

3. Apply on eyes

Giloy extract can help you improve your eyesight. Simply boil Giloy powder or Giloy leaves in water, then apply to the eyes once it has cooled

4. Drink Giloy shot

To strengthen your immunity, blend Giloy with alma, ginger, and black salt in a shot. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender with a little water and blitz until smooth. Before eating, strain the mixture through a strainer.

5. Giloy juice

Boil some Giloy stems in a glass of water until the water is reduced to half its original volume. Strain the water and drink it on a regular basis. This will aid in the purification of your blood, the removal of toxins, and the fight against disease-causing microorganisms.

What are the side effects of Giloy?

Giloy herb has no negative effects. When Giloy is taken with other diabetic drugs it can cause low blood sugar.

Giloy, on the other hand, might cause constipation and reduce blood sugar levels in some people. If you have diabetes and have been taking Giloy for a long time, keep track of your blood sugar levels. Giloy should also be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Giloy is one of the miraculous herbs in Ayurveda that is easily available everywhere. If you are suffering from any above-mentioned disease, Giloy may act as a panacea for you in tandem with Yoga & Pranayama exercises.

However, to get the best out of Giloy kindly consult your Ayurvedic physician. Remember that every herb taken in the right dosage and in the right way is the best to take.