Giloy is considered as an essential part of Indian Ayurvedic culture and folk medicine. It grabbed people’s attention because of the covid-19. The prominent reason behind it is its effective medicinal properties. The herb is the best natural remedy to heal and cure several health conditions, mainly fever. Giloy (Scientific name – Tinospora cordifolia) is a climbing shrub from the botanical family Menispermaceae. The plant is Indian-originated but is also found in China, Australia, and Africa. The stem of the plant carries high nutritional content and the alkaloids leave a beneficial effect on the body. Recently, the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India agreed to use the plant stem for medicinal purposes.
Giloy Health Benefits
Research on giloy suggests that it might have amazing health benefits. However, it’s important to note that most of the research was performed on rats and cells in laboratories. There are only a few human studies, so it’s not clear if the benefits will apply to humans or not. We have listed some of the Giloy benefits that can transform overall health below.
1. Benefits of Giloy for Skin
Free radicals speed up the aging procedure. Since giloy is full of antioxidants, it may prevent oxidative stress and that slows down skin aging. Giloy also benefits the skin by improving blood circulation, which gives a natural glow to the skin.
2. Giloy Boosts Immunity
Giloy is the herb that aids in activating the immune system and also boosts overall strength. Including giloy juice in your diet plan may provide resilience from many infections and illnesses. It is full of antioxidants which help the body in releasing harmful toxins from the body. We can also use giloy for treating liver diseases, urinary tract, and heat-related problems.
3. Mends Chronic Fever
The principal causes of fever in Ayurveda are ama (unreleased toxins) and foreign particles. Giloy possesses anti-inflammatory, antipyretic properties that naturally cure chronic fever. The herb giloy benefits fever by boosting the immunity to provide resistance to infections and promotes early recovery. giloy contains javarghana, which works wonderfully while treating fever and helps to lower the temperature.
4. Improves Respiratory Health
We mainly know Giloy for its anti-inflammatory properties, which might help in reducing respiratory problems such as cough, cold, and tonsil. Giloy may ease the inflammation that helps to breathe at a normal pace.
5. Giloy Good for Hair Health
The antioxidant properties of giloy help with hair issues and keep the hair healthy. Because of the raktashodhaka and its anti-inflammatory properties, it can counter inflammation. Giloy benefits the hair by helping in fighting hair issues, dandruff, and hair ailments.
6. Good for Weight Loss
Giloy works wonders when combined with natural healers such as aloe vera and shilajit. It boosts the metabolism rate which aids in proper digestion, thus resulting in weight loss as no toxins are left behind. Giloy benefits can help in weight loss if you mix a tablespoon of giloy with a bit of honey and consume it in the morning on an empty stomach.
7. Regulates Blood Sugar Level
In Ayurvedic science, giloy is popularly known as madhunashini which means demolisher of sugar. The herb enhances insulin production, which naturally regulates the blood sugar level. Giloy is beneficial for diabetes issues, such as ulcers and kidney problems.
8. It Helps In Stress and Anxiety
Giloy is a miraculous herb that aids in regulating and managing stress and anxiety. Giloy juice may benefit you by relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. The herb aids in regularising physiological functions. Because of its adaptogenic properties, the shrub helps the nerves to calm down and boosts the stress-relieving hormones.
Giloy Nutrition Value
Giloy is one of the active herbs which is being used for ages to cure several health issues. It consists of multiple constituents that make it the best natural cure for many diseases, especially viral fever. As per current data, the nutritional value of giloy is:
| Moisture | 17.69% (Daily Value) |
| Protein | 4.13% (DV) |
| Fat | 3.12% |
| Ash | 12.01% |
| Fiber | 16. 19% |
| Natural Detergent Fibre | 37.90% |
| Acid Detergent Fiber | 34.65% |
Giloy Side Effects
There is no proper evidence to date of any serious side effects of giloy due to short-term usage. However, if brought into long-term consumption for more than 8 weeks may lead to several health-related issues. The issues can vary as few will be curable and few might be life-threatening. We list some of them for more clarity.
1. Can Lead to Constipation
Giloy is believed to refine the digestive system, but few people experience constipation because of overconsumption. One must consult a physician if changes in bowel movement are observed.
2. May lower the sugar level
Giloy is considered to regulate diabetes in a natural way by keeping a check on the blood sugar level. It works effectively in lowering the glucose level in a diabetic patient. If you are on diabetic medication and also consuming giloy along with it, then it may cause an alarming effect on the glucose level in the body. It’s better to consult a doctor before moving ahead with giloy supplements.
3. Autoimmune Diseases can get Instigated
Giloy is popular among health enthusiasts for its immunity-boosting properties. While having it in a higher dosage can lead to several immune-related issues. So it’s our best to avoid giloy intake if you are positive for auto-immune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Can Harm Pregnant Women
Health experts advise pregnant women or the ones who are breastfeeding to avoid giloy consumption. The scientific evidence for the saying is still to be established. However, it is best to listen to the health coaches and avoid giloy usage in the pregnancy phase.
Conclusion
Giloy is an immunity booster that carries several health benefits within itself. Health experts bring every part of the medicinal shrub into use for curing health issues. Some benefits of giloy that can bring drastic changes in the overall health care are, It reduces stress, maintains weight, regulates glucose levels, promotes healthy hair, etc. Regular consumption may benefit the body if taken in proper quantity as per the need of the body if taken for a longer period can make you witness the harmful effects of giloy. People should pay attention to both the benefits of the prospects as well as the side effects. A slight change in quantity can bring a drastic change to the body. The first thing one should do is consult a doctor before moving further with this medicinal plant and its supplements.
