Giloy
Giloy is an ancient herb helps in actively fighting against various pathogens. Giloy literally means ‘Amrita’, which means the root of immortality. It is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae having botanical name Tinospora cordifoliaIt is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae having botanical name Tinospora cordifolia, indigenous to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. It is a large, deciduous, extensively spreading, climbing shrub with several elongated twining branches.
Chemical Composition –
Researchers have identified four major classes of compounds in giloy:
• terpenoids
• alkaloids
• lignans
• steroids
Properties –
• Antipyretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Digestive
• Rejuvenator
• Hepato-protective
• Immunomodulatory
Dosage and Preparations –
• Giloy Juice – 2-3 teaspoon of juice, once or twice a day.
• Giloy Churna – ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
• Giloy Tablet – 1-2 tablet twice a day.
• Giloy Capsule – 1-2 capsule twice a day.
• Giloy Extract – 1 pinch twice a day.
Benefits –
• Manages Dengue fever.
Giloy is useful in managing dengue fever.It also helps in increasing platelet count.
• Treats Hay Fever.
Giloy reduces the symptoms of Hay fever which is also known as allergic rhinitis. It reduces the symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, nasal obstruction. It also increases the count of the leukocytes (white blood cells) to fight against infection.
• Good for Diabetes.
It might be useful in managing diabetes by improving blood glucose levels. It also helps to manage diabetes-related complications such as ulcers, wounds, kidney damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports liver functioning.
Liver injury due to an overdose of alcohol can be managed by using Guduchi Satwa, an Ayurvedic formulation prepared from Giloy. It acts by lowering total cholesterol level in the liver.
• Help managing breast cancer.
It might be useful in managing breast cancer.It also changes the expression of apoptotic genes and induces apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells.
• Good for Gout.
It is used in Vata rog like Gouty arthritis due to its Vata balancing and blood purifying actions.
• Lowers cholesterol.
It helps to control high cholesterol level in the body by improving the metabolism and eliminating toxins from the body which are responsible for high cholesterol.
• Good for digestion.
It helps to reduce digestion related problems like indigestion, hyperacidity, and flatulence.
• Manages Arthritis.
It might be beneficial for the management of pain and inflammation in arthritis.
• Beneficial for respiratory system problems.
Giloy plant has an excellent result in Kapha related disorders like asthma, cough and nasal allergy. It works on Kapha related problems through two ways: Giloy helps to balance Kapha due to its Ushna Virya property and it boost the immune system to fight foreign particles or organisms.
Precautions-
As it has the potential to lower blood sugar, you should be cautious with this herb if you take medications to lower your glucose. You might have a low blood sugar (hypoglycemic) reaction.
Giloy could also potentially cause problems if you have an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn’s disease. This is because of its stimulating effects on the immune system.
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