☘ Ayurvedam - Giloy (Tippatiga)

Guduchi or Giloy is a famous Ayurvedic herb that has been used and advocated in Indian medicine for ages. In Sanskrit, Giloy is known as ‘Amrita', which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality', because of its abundant medicinal properties. Many people inlcude giloy in traditional kadhas as well. The stem of Giloy is of maximum utility, but the root can also be used. used extensively in treatment for fever, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, anemia, jaundice, asthma, cardiac disorders etc.  It is a well known immuno-modulator herb used in the correction of auto-immunity .

Giloy/ Guduchi /Tippatiga (telugu)/ amritavalli ( malyalam, kannada) also called heart shaped moonseed is Tinospora cordifolia. Guduchi is a shrub native to India.   It is a staple in Ayurvedic traditions and its roots, stems, and leaves have all been used medicinally for thousands of years.  

Giloy can be consumed in the form of juice, powder or capsules. There is a special extraction technique for Guduchi, called as Guduchi Satva. Many ayurvedic products are marketed under different brand names. 

The main products are:

 1. Giloy Juice or Giloy Ras; 

2. Giloy Satva or Seenthikodi  Sakkarai: Prepared  by grinding the giloy stem in water and the residue that settles down is collected and cleaned again and again. The final product is dried to a fine white powder.

 3. Giloy Powder or Churna: Either buy from the market or prepare by sun drying fresh stems  till crunchy and grinding to a fine powder by sieving – grinding – sieving repeatedly.

4. Giloy Tablets: Patanjali Giloy Ghan Vati is popular.

5. Giloy Syrup: a combination of herbs are used (tulsi, amla and neem).

Amazing Health Benefits of Giloy: 

1. Boosts Immunity :

“Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity”. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases. Giloy helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections. “Giloy is used by experts in treating heart related conditions, and is also found useful in treating infertility”.

2. Treats Chronic Fever :

Giloy helps get rid of recurrent fevers. Since Giloy is anti-pyretic in nature, it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions like Dengue, Swine Flu and Malaria as well.

3. Improves Digestion:

Giloy is very beneficial in improving digestion and treating bowel related issues. Tip: You can take half a gram of giloy powder with some amla regularly to maximize results, or with jaggery for treating constipation.

4. Treats Diabetes : 

Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent and helps treat diabetes (particularly Type 2 diabetes). Giloy juice helps reduce high levels of blood sugar and works wonders.

 5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety :

It helps reduce mental stress as well as anxiety. It helps get rid of toxins, boosts the memory, calms you down and makes for an excellent health tonic if combined with other herbs.

6. Fights Respiratory Problems :

Giloy is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and helps reduce respiratory problems like frequent cough, cold, tonsils .

7. Treats Arthritis :

Giloy contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that help treat arthritis and its several symptoms. For joint pain, the powder from giloy stem can be boiled with milk and consumed . It can be used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

8. Reduces Asthmatic Symptoms :

Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc. which makes it very difficult to treat such a condition. “Chewing on giloy root  or drinking giloy juice helps asthma patients and is often recommended by experts”.

9. Improves Vision :

In several parts of India, Giloy plant is applied to the eyes as it helps boost vision clarity. All you need to do, is boil Giloy powder in water, let it cool down and apply over the eyelids.

10. Reduces Signs Of Aging :

Giloy plant contains anti-aging properties that help reduce dark spots, pimples, fine lines and wrinkles. It gives you that flawless, glowing skin you've always wanted.

 * Note : There are no serious side-effects of consuming Giloy since it is a natural and safe herbal remedy. However, in some cases - the use of Giloy can cause constipation and lower blood sugar levels. So if you are diabetic and have been consuming Giloy on a long-term basis, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Also, avoid Giloy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.