Giloy (Guduchi) is one of the most valuable Ayurvedic herbs in the Indian system of medicine. It is universally is known as “Guduchi or Giloy” (one which conserves the body). Likewise, “Amrita” a Sanskrit and Hindi name is originated from Hindu scriptures. Amrita means bringing the dead back to life.
In the same way, it gives immortality or increases life span. The mythological description of the name Amrita is the drops of the divine nectar. Giloy has substantial medicinal properties that help in healing the origin of the disease.
Furthermore, it has been approved by the FDA and several distinct nutritionists or specialists for its diverse objectives. It has been used and written about for thousands of years.
Guduchi has been a highly valued Ayurvedic herb as it protects against many diseases. It improves several body channels, restores nourishment, and improves health.
Contents
- 1 What Is Giloy (Guduchi) Good For?
- 2 What Is Guduchi Good For?
- 3 How to Use Guduchi
- 4 Side Effects of Guduchi
- 5 9 Amazing Benefits of Giloy: The Ayurvedic Root of Immortality
- 6 Is Guduchi Good for Kidneys?
- 7 Who Should Not Take Giloy?
- 8 Who Should Not Take Guduchi?
- 9 Tips for Using Giloy (Guduchi)
- 10 Facts About Giloy (Guduchi)
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Guduchi (Giloy)
- 12 Conclusion
What Is Giloy (Guduchi) Good For?
Giloy, or Guduchi, is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the primary uses of Giloy:
- Boosts Immunity
- Giloy is known for its immunomodulatory properties, meaning it helps strengthen and regulate the immune system. This makes it an effective remedy for fighting off infections and diseases.
- Reduces Fever
- Often referred to as “Amrita,” meaning “the root of immortality,” Giloy is traditionally used to reduce fever, particularly in conditions like dengue, malaria, and other febrile illnesses.
- Supports Digestive Health
- Giloy aids in digestion and helps alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, acidity, and constipation. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it effective in treating stomach ulcers.
- Detoxifies the Body
- Guduchi is considered a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the liver, blood, and kidneys by eliminating toxins from the body.
- Promotes Joint Health
- Giloy has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it beneficial for people with arthritis or other joint-related issues.
- Enhances Respiratory Health
- Giloy is often used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough. It helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and supports overall lung function.
- Manages Diabetes
- Giloy is known to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for managing diabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity and can be used as a complementary treatment for diabetes management.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- The adaptogenic properties of Giloy help the body cope with stress, reduce anxiety, and promote mental clarity. It is often used to enhance cognitive function and memory.
What Is Guduchi Good For?
Guduchi, another name for Giloy, shares the same health benefits as outlined above. As a versatile herb, Guduchi is good for:
- Immunity Boosting: Strengthening the immune system to protect against illnesses.
- Detoxification: Cleansing the liver, kidneys, and blood of toxins.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Helping to manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
How to Use Guduchi
Before taking Guduchi in any formulation physician should be consulted.
Doses: As directed by the physician.
Decoction: 40 ml
Powder: 3-6 gm
Sattva (starch from roots and stems) : 1-2 gm
Juice: 20 ml
The mentioned doses should be taken in one day by dividing them. Moreover, there are many formulations and preparations in the market. They should be consumed only after consulting a Doctor.
Side Effects of Guduchi
Guduchi can be equally harmful as it is favorable for health.
1. Decrease Blood Sugar Level- Inappropriate use of Guduchi can lead to a decreased level of blood sugar level. Often causing trouble to health. So it is advisable to consult a doctor before the consumption of Guduchi.
2. Upset Stomach- Incorrect usage can devastate digestive health. In addition to it can cause constipation irrespective of the formulation consumed.
3. Guduchi Consumed Before or After Surgery- Consuming Guduchi can intensify the stake of complications in surgery. So it is advisable to avoid it for weeks before and after surgery.
4. Promoting AutoImmune Disease Symptoms- Guduchi may not sometimes suit the body. As a result, it can overstimulate the immune system. Thus causing the increased frequency of autoimmunity disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
9 Amazing Benefits of Giloy: The Ayurvedic Root of Immortality
Guduchi can be consumed by age of 5 years and above. It is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic professional before taking any medicine. Here are some benefits of Giloy.
1. Boosts Immunity
The antioxidant property of Guduchi enhances the efficiency of the white blood cells. Consequently, it helps to resist infections and bacteria stimulating severe diseases. Guduchi works as a great detoxification agent. As it eliminates toxins from kidneys and liver. As well as it functions as a rejuvenating agent.
It rightfully solves health problems by regulating the bad cholesterol levels and sugar levels. As Guduchi increases, the digestive fire the imbalance of doshas dissolves thus providing immunity.
2. Treat Chronic Fever
The antipyretic, anti-inflammatory property of Guduchi acts against fever. It promotes digestion and absorption which protects against fever. Giloy is beneficial for dengue fever, hay fever, and other types of fever. Regular intake of Guduchi during fever helps in improving the immune system.
The platelet count boosts with Guduchi. It enhances the activity of macrophages and thus, helpful in early recovery. As per Ayurveda due to its appetite and digestion increasing properties it prevents constipation.
As a result, improves immunity to fight foreign particles. Drink 2 teaspoons of Guduchi juice with the same quantity of water once a day on empty stomach. This will alleviate the working of the immune mechanism.
3. Improves Digestion
The active components like alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans, etc make it an extraordinary helpful plant. These properties help to withstand problems like flatulence and stomach ulcer. The membranes of the digestive system get a soothing effect. This effect relaxes the inflamed and injured mucous membranes.
Guduchi consumption increases mucous secretion which acts as a protective barrier against stomach acid. For increasing the efficiency of Guduchi, ½ gm Guduchi + ½ gm amla powder should be consumed. Guduchi juice with buttermilk also maximizes the outcomes for piles patients. Lastly, it eases the mind and prevents indigestion.
4. Treats Diabetes
The hypoglycemic effect of Guduchi makes Guduchi beneficial for dealing with diabetes. It is equally important for treating both types of diabetes. Moreover, the properties of Guduchi have the proficiency to lower blood sugar and lipids. In the case of diabetes, Guduchi intake should be recommended by the physician.
Besides, taking allopathic medications for diabetes treatment, Guduchi should not be taken. It may further lower the sugar level beyond the extent. Take ½ teaspoon of Guduchi powder twice a day after having lunch and dinner.
5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Guduchi being an antioxidant agent helps to discard the toxins from the nervous system. The psychotropic properties are found to be crucially beneficial for mental disorders. The brain functioning gets improved.
Consuming Guduchi juice helps in controlling headaches, stress, and anxiety. Guduchi manages the stress hormone and suppresses over activation of the nervous system.
6. Treats Arthritis
Guduchi comprises anti-inflammatory along with anti-arthritic properties that benefit in managing arthritis. Also helps in dissolving Gout and Rheumatism and their other symptoms, involving pain. Guduchi suppresses arthritic inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines.
To a considerable degree, it mitigates painful conditions like joint pain. The uric acid in the body gets neutralized. Thereby, it appears to be a significant herb regularly, or drinking its juice regularly can help asthma patients.
7. Reduces Asthmatic Symptoms
The juice of the roots and bark of Guduchi can be used for the treatment of asthma. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for asthma. Guduchi properties reduce inflammation of air passages in asthma and cough. Its extract also regulates mucous hypersecretion. Take 1-2 Giloyghan Vati tablets twice a day after light meals.
8. Improves Vision
By applying a certain formulation of Guduchi on the eyes can strengthen the vision. Using Guduchi + Triphala kwath with Pipalli and Honey (regular use) can cure all eye diseases. The phytochemicals present in Guduchi enable us to illustrate the vision.
The use of Guduchi juice with rock salt and honey on the eyes improves vision. This also helps in healing from sclera itching, cataract, and corneal disorders.
9. Reduces Signs of Aging
The anti-aging properties of Guduchi reduce aging signs. Which also helps with the lowering of dark spots, pimples, wrinkles, and fine lines.
The blood purifying properties benefit skin problems and make it healthy. In the same way, it helps with various skin problems like eczema, rashes, and allergies. For better results apply Guduchi juice on the skin for 15 days.
Is Guduchi Good for Kidneys?
Yes, Guduchi is generally considered good for kidney health. It acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the kidneys and remove toxins from the body.
Guduchi’s diuretic properties can aid in flushing out excess fluids and toxins through urine, promoting kidney function and preventing kidney-related issues.
However, while Guduchi is beneficial for kidney health in general, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using it, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions or are taking medications that affect kidney function.
Who Should Not Take Giloy?
While Giloy is safe for most people, certain individuals should avoid using it or consult a healthcare provider before starting:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: There is limited research on the safety of Giloy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using it in these circumstances.
- People with Autoimmune Diseases: Giloy stimulates the immune system, which may aggravate autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. People with these conditions should use Giloy with caution and under medical supervision.
- Individuals on Immunosuppressive Medications: Since Giloy boosts the immune system, it may counteract the effects of immunosuppressive drugs. Consult your healthcare provider if you are on such medications.
- People with Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Giloy can lower blood sugar levels, which may be problematic for those prone to hypoglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended if using Giloy.
Who Should Not Take Guduchi?
The guidelines for who should not take Guduchi are the same as those for Giloy:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Guduchi unless advised by a healthcare provider.
- People with autoimmune diseases or those on immunosuppressive medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Guduchi.
- Individuals prone to low blood sugar levels should be cautious and monitor their blood glucose levels regularly if taking Guduchi.
Tips for Using Giloy (Guduchi)
- Start with Small Doses: If you’re new to using Giloy, start with a small dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
- Combine with Other Herbs: Giloy can be combined with other herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil) or Neem to enhance its benefits.
- Use in Various Forms: Giloy is available in different forms, including juice, powder, capsules, and tinctures. Choose the form that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water when using Giloy to help flush out toxins and support kidney function.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Facts About Giloy (Guduchi)
- Adaptogenic Herb: Giloy is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with stress and adapt to various physical and emotional challenges.
- Used in Ayurveda for Centuries: Giloy has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, revered for its ability to promote longevity and overall health.
- Natural Antioxidant: Giloy is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Supports Liver Health: Giloy’s detoxifying properties make it beneficial for liver health, helping to cleanse and protect the liver from damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Guduchi (Giloy)
1. Can Giloy Help with COVID-19?
While Giloy is known to boost the immune system and may help the body fight infections, it is not a cure for COVID-19. Always follow public health guidelines and consult a healthcare provider for COVID-19 treatment.
2. How Should I Take Giloy for Immunity?
Giloy can be taken in various forms, including juice, powder, or capsules. For immunity, it is often taken daily in small doses, either on an empty stomach or after meals.
3. Is Giloy Safe for Long-Term Use?
Giloy is generally safe for long-term use when taken in recommended doses. However, it’s important to monitor your health and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any adverse effects.
4. Can Giloy Be Taken with Other Medications?
Giloy may interact with certain medications, especially immunosuppressants and blood sugar-lowering drugs. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining Giloy with other medications.
5. Can Giloy Cause Side Effects?
Giloy is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort or low blood sugar levels. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The pharmacological actions of Guduchi in Ayurvedic texts have been assessed by modern science. Evidence indicates that Guduchi has enormous potential in the line of treatment. Hence the use of Guduchi is beneficial if taken in the proper dosage.