Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) - Overview, History, Uses, Benefits, Precaution, Dosage.

What is Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)?

For centuries, the Ayurvedic medicine system talks about the giloy. It is a heart-shaped fruit-bearing plant, also known as Guduchi, heart-leaved moonseed, giloe, amrita and many more. According to the Hindu mythological term, "Giloe" means that keeps eternally young. Whereas in Sanskrit "Guduchi" means to protect the whole body. Its scientific name is Tinospora cordifolia or T. cordifolia. Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing shrub native to Southeast Asian regions like India. It is a plant that grows on other trees. Ayurvedic medicine uses its roots, stems, and leaves. The whole plant of giloy is helpful for the body and offers many solutions in the Ayurveda. It is useful for overall body health. The most beneficial properties of Giloy (T. cordifolia) is its antioxidant and immune-enhancing power. Likewise, it is also used in many problems related to diabetes, cholesterol, arthritis, stomach, gout, immunity, hepatitis, fever and many more.

• Latin Name: The Latin name of Giloy is Tinospora cordifolia.
• Family: Giloy belongs to the Menispermaceae family. It is a flowering plant. Menispermaceae also known as moonseed and crescent. 
• Common Name: Guduchi, Moonseed, Giloya are the most tinospora cordifolia common name.
• Habitat: Giloy is familiar with the tropical regions. It is a type of vine that needs support and is highly found in deciduous and dry forests.
• Season: Spring to the summer season is most suitable to grow a giloy. Suitable months will be February to March and July to August. 

Active Compound In Giloy

The array of benefits of Giloy comes from the numerous compounds found in the Giloy plant from roots to the leaves. The major compounds present in the Giloy are below-

• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids
• Lignans
• Steroids
• Antioxidants

Terpenoids, an active compound mostly present in plants. It is the largest class from the plant that is related to the plant's fragrance, taste and color. Terpenoids are rich in antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties.

Alkaloids are powerful substances. From ancient times, it has been used for illness and serious problems. Alkaloids present in the plant are also used in medicine, even prescription medicine. It is able to work on blood pressure, pain relief, malaria and many more.

Lignans from giloy plants are helpful to boost the immune system and prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. Lignans are mostly present in fibrous plants and trees.

Steroid compounds are highly used to lower cholesterol. In addition, it also works for skin, wounds healing, etc.

Antioxidant compounds are used to decrease oxidative stress and it is a required compound for the health of the body.

History Of Giloy

Giloy is a magical shrub that is effective for health and skin problems. Do you know that Giloy is also known as Amrita as per the history?. Amrita means nectar of life. It is said that during Samudra Manthan, a full pot of amrita came out from Manthan. Demon and devil start to fight for the amrita. When the demon took it and ran away, some drops of amrita fell on the earth. It is said that these drops of Amrit turn into a climbing herb. This climbing herb is the Giloy. Like nectar, giloy also holds magical benefits for the human body. 

Giloy Benefits (Tinospora Cordifolia Uses and Benefits)

Below are the various health benefits that you can achieve by the use of Giloy use.

Metabolic Benefits: Giloy is very helpful for diabetic patients and heart patients. It is able to reduce blood sugar by making cells less insulin resistant and keeping the blood sugar level healthy. Basically, giloy contains alkaloid compounds called berberine that make it effective in diabetes. This Berberine compound not only works on the blood sugar level but also manages cholesterol and blood pressure and supports healthy living. 

Boost Immune System: From Ayurveda, giloy has been used as immunomodulatory or rejuvenating properties. It contains many properties that support the immune system. This mysterious plant works against the body's toxins containing antioxidants, regulates the gland and hormones and also contains anti-inflammatory properties. The regular use of giloy juice protects the body from invading unpleasant things while increasing antioxidant levels in the body's inflammation, And boosts immune function.

Weight Loss Management: Giloy may benefit from both weight loss and weight management. Giloy is rich in adiponectin and leptin, proteins that play an important role in the body's endocrine function. This function is responsible for controlling weight as well as growth, development, etc. Giloy strengthens the metabolism, reduces appetite and acts as a diuretic. It is good to reduce the excess fat as well as eliminate excess water and toxins too. Regular use of giloy juice or capsules with an empty stomach shows possible effects.

Support Hair Health: Giloy is a source of great antioxidants. The giloy's antioxidants reduce the free radicals and facilitate hair growth, strengthen and protect the hair, restore and repair the damaged hair and improve the scalp health. For a long time, adding giloy as an antioxidant to the beauty regimen will restore hair health. It benefits the hair by adding protection before introducing chemicals, dyes, heat, etc. 

Support Skin Health: Giloy is known for its skin-strengthening effect. It is full of antioxidants, which causes oxidative stress and fights the nasty free radicals that damage the skin cells. Antioxidants have wrinkle removing functions as well as reduce pigmentation and darkening of the skin. The use of giloy improves skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, eczema, herpes and herpes labialis, various skin lesions and scars, etc. Giloy clams the skin cells and protects them from external attacks. 

Improve Chronic & Dengue Fever: In Ayurveda, the stomach's toxic and external particles cause fever. Giloy contains anti-inflammatory, antipyretic herbs that help to increase immunity, fight infections and help in recovery. In dengue cases, giloy is also helpful to increase the platelet count and also boost the recovery process. You should try Giloy Tulsi Juice in the Chronic, Hey and Dengue Fever.

Digestive Health: Giloy is a good remedy for one who has a weak digestive system. It improves digestion, reduces constipation, lowers acidity and gas problems, etc. The regular use of Giloy or its extract reduces digestion related problems and improves the situation of diarrhoea, hyperacidity, vomiting, colitis and many more.

Improve Arthritis: Giloy is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and anti-arthritic properties. Somewhere, it is able to reduce the inflammation between the joints, lower joint pain and shows positive results in arthritis and gout. It is suggested to use giloy extract with warm milk to lower joint pains. 

Giloy Precaution

Giloy is one of the magical herbs for the body. If you are thinking of adding giloy or giloy extract to your diet, then you should be aware of the precaution first. Below are the following precaution point to remember-

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough data about the use of giloy by the pregnancy and breastfeeding status, Hence, it is good to avoid without healthcare professionals' recommendations. Please be safe.
• Diabetes: Giloy is able to lower the blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, use caution and keep an eye on your blood glucose levels. Your diabetes medication dose may need to be adjusted. Hence, it is good to talk to healthcare professionals.
• Autoimmune Disorder: Giloy may activate the immune system, which can worsen the symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other conditions. Giloy should be avoided if you have any of these symptoms.
• During and after surgery: Giloy can influence glucose levels and interfere with glycemic control. Giloy should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery.

Giloy Dosage

Giloy is a traditional herb used for the benefit of the body. There are many methods to consume giloy in regular life. From the Ayurveda, it has been used as a decoction, powder, etc. In the modern world, giloy juice, giloy tablets are also famous. You can select any of them that best matches your needs. Let's know how much you used for better results and any giloy side effects (tinospora cordifolia side effects) from it.

By the fresh giloy roots/stem

• To prepare the giloy decoction, mix some water and giloy root/stem and heat it at a high temperature. The recommended dose is 10-20 ml in a day. Do not overdose.
• As Giloy powder, you can use 5-10g of Giloy powder. do not overdose on it and consume it with water or milk.
• As Sattva, you can consume 0.5-1g of giloy in a day. Do not overdose on it.

By the giloy extract

• If you are having giloy extract in the form of juice, tablets, capsules, etc, then recommend 0.5-1g of giloy extract. Do not overdose on it.

The overdose of Giloy is not good like other herbs and supplements. The overdose of giloy might cause constipation, drop in blood sugar level, headache and many more.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) on Giloy

How is giloy known in other languages?

Giloy in Hindi known as Giloe, giloy in Sanskrit known as Guduchi,giloy in Marathi known as Gulvel, giloy in Telugu known as Tippa teega)

What is the purpose of giloy?

Giloy is helpful to remove the toxin compounds, boost the immunity system, protect from the virus, bacteria and infection-causing pathogens. It is also good for the heart and blood sugar level of the body. Hence, giloy is effective for overall health.

What are the giloy side effects?

The common side effects of giloy are constipation, drop in blood sugar level and many more. Well, the side effect is the cases when you do not use giloy in the right way.

What is the English name for giloy?

Giloy is Tinospora cordifolia in English. It is also known as Heart-leaved moonseed at some places.

Is giloy harmful?

Giloy is a magical plant. It is not harmful until used as suggested by healthcare professionals.

Who should avoid giloy?

A pregnant, breastfeeding woman, diabetic patient, autoimmune disorder patient, etc should avoid the giloy or giloy extract without the use of a healthcare professional.

In nature, is giloy hot or cold?

Giloy is cool in nature. Basically, giloy belongs to the pitta problem. It is good for problems that have a healing effect on the body like fever, cough and many more.

What is the purpose of Giloy juice?

The pure juice of giloy is good for the overall body health. It increases the immune system, makes the body stronger to fight pathogens and free radicals. In addition, it also manages high blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels. The regular use of giloy juice for a period of time shows positive results.

What happens if you consume giloy on a daily basis?

Giloy is very good for your health if used every day. It is a perfect immunity enhancer with powerful antioxidants. It reduces oxidative stress and stimulates the immune system and protects the body from viruses and all. Giloy is one of the magical shrubs that are easily available in India.

Is giloy bad for the kidneys?

No, giloy or giloy extract is not harmful to the kidney. Instead, giloy supports kidney function and kidney health. As giloy is rich in powerful antioxidant properties, it kills the free radicals during aflatoxicosis and prevents kidney damage.

What is Tinospora cordifolia identification?

If you notice heart-shaped leaves or reddish fruits, then it is the Tinospora cordifolia or giloy plant.

Tinospora cordifolia is a steroid, right?

Tinospora cordifolia or giloy has many active compounds that make it good for the human body. Among all, steroids are one of them. Yes, Tinospora cordifolia contains steroids with flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, antioxidants and many more.

How to use giloy?

The basic and oldest method to use giloy is decoction. You can boil some giloy stem with water in a container. Give it a proper boil until the giloy's compound is mixed with water. Stir it and drink it daily.

How to identify giloy plant?

A heart-shaped leaf is the key sign of a giloy plant.

How to use giloy leaves?

For the drinking of giloy leaves, you can prepare a decoction by the giloy leaves. Boil giloy leaves in a glass of water. Keep it boiling until water becomes half of it. Stir it and use it every day. For hair or skin, you can prepare a fine paste by blending the giloy leaves. Add some rose water and apply prepared paste on the skin or hair's scalp.

How to make Giloy juice?

For giloy juice, grab some giloy's stem or wine. To prepare Giloy juice, the decoction method is used. Boil the giloy steam in water and stir it. The method is traditional from the Ayurveda times.