Imagine a vine so strong that it was called “Amrita”—the root of immortality—by the ancient sages. Its juice contains the essence of nature’s medicine, its stems retain generations of wisdom, and its leaves tell tales of healing. Introducing Giloy, a little climbing plant that’s earned a mighty name in Ayurvedic tradition.
Let’s take a journey through the wonders of this herb and discover how Giloy can become your daily dose of health, vitality, and holistic goodness.
What is Giloy ?
Tinospora cordifolia, the scientific name for giloy, is a climbing shrub that grows throughout India. It grows well on neem trees, absorbing more antibacterial qualities from its host.
It is categorized as a Rasayana, or rejuvenator, in Ayurveda. Giloy is now a common herb in homes and health beverages due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant qualities.
Giloy Juice Benefits
Say Goodbye to fevers!
Yes! Giloy, being your natural anti-pyretic, helps keep recurring fevers at bay. Further, it also helps stabilize the platelets during dengue. Giloy effectively helps purify blood, and it also tackles infections at the root. Being a powerful fever fighter, it also strengthens the body to fight better against sickness.
- You can boil Giloy in water along with Tulsi and ginger to make a powerful fever-fighting decoction.
- Use Giloy with papaya extract and have it as medicine during dengue for an instant platelet boost.
Boost Brain Power and Can be Your Stress Buster
Giloy does not just do good to your body, it pampers your mind too. Whether you are exam stressed or work burnout, Giloy’s got your back to get back on track. Giloy acts as an adaptogen, which helps your body adapt to stress. Reducing the cortisol levels, Giloy even helps in improving cognitive function and memory.
- You can take Giloy tea in the evening to reduce your cortisol levels.
- Infuse giloy n warm water with brahmi to avail brain benefits.
Immunity Booster
Giloys acts like your commander when it comes to strengthening your body’s defense system. Giloy activates the macrophages of your body, also known as the body’s front line soldiers. It also enhances the production of white blood cells and fights oxidative stress with powerful antioxidants.
- You can drink giloy juice every morning in warm water.
- You can also have giloy tablets or powder as per the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Fact: Giloy has been one of the most searched ayurvedic herb in India during Pandemic times.
Your Respiratory Rescue
Are you struggling with a constant cough that’s not ready to leave your side ? Or do you have that wheezy asthma? Then let giloy be your respiratory rescuer. Giloy effectively reduces inflammation in bronchial tubes by clearing the mucus. It soothes the respiratory tract through expectorant and decongestant properties.
- You can use Giloy powder with honey to soothe your respiratory tract.
- You can also add giloy to herbal kadha along with tulsi and mulethi to effectively reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Manages Diabetes Naturally
Besides the lungs and brain, giloy is excellent for your pancreas as well. It protects our kidneys and pancreas from oxidative stress while improving glucose metabolism. Giloy effectively reduces blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and maintaining the sugar level.
- Use Giloy powder with amla juice to cure sugar naturally.
- Use Giloy stem decoction on an empty stomach.
Tip: Giloy is potent, hence consult your doctor if you are on diabetes medication
Skin Savior
Giloy naturally helps in the treatment of acne and eczema. It holds the superpower to even slow the process of aging. Giloy purifies and removes toxins from the blood while also combating free radicals that age the skin. Besides this, the ayurvedic bliss heals chronic skin diseases like psoriasis as well.
- You can use giloy in the form of a paste to apply topically on the skin.
- You can drink Giloy juice for inner cleansing.
Boosts Digestion and Detoxifies liver
Your gut’s best buddy: Giloy can effectively detoxify the liver and kidneys. The magical juice of giloy can promote bile secretion while clearing up indigestion, acidity, and constipation issues.
- You can have giloy juice as a homemade detoxification drink with aloe vera or turmeric.
- You can have giloy satva powder after meals for good digestion.
Supports Joint Health and Relieves Arthritis
If you are dealing with joint problems, then the prowess of Giloy can definitely help you relieve some of it. Giloy anti inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. It also boosts calcium retention and bone health, which can fight auto immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and more.
- You can use giloy decoction with ginger or turmeric to relieve some joint pain.
- For joint massage, you can go for a giloy and castor oil mix.
Ways to Consume Giloy
Giloy is available in many forms. And it entirely depends upon you whether you want to go traditional or trendy:
Juice | Available easily in bottled form. You can drink it with warm water on an empty stomach. |
Tablets/Capsules | Perfect for those on the go. |
Fresh Stem | The old school method is also known as DIY kadha method. |
Powder | You can consume Giloy powder mixed with honey or infused in water. |
Some Cautions to follow with Giloy
- Giloy can worsen autoimmune conditions such as lupus or MS due to immune stimulation.
- Giloy should also be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women and should be consumed only under the doctor.
- Giloy may lower the sugar levels more than expected; hence, monitor your sugar levels regularly when consuming giloy.
- Dosage matters a lot in the case of giloy, overuse can cause constipation or even affect liver enzymes.
Final Thoughts
Giloy provides a breath of grounded, earthy wellbeing in a world full of pharmaceutical drugs and pills. Giloy can sync with nature, is respectful of ancient wisdom, and is powerful enough to navigate modern-day ailments.
It will silently work its way through your system, cleaning, healing, and invigorating whether you drink it, boil it, or mix it with honey.