Guduchi / Giloy Ghan – (Extract of Tinospora cordifolia)
Introduction to Giloy Herb
In the ancient literatures, Giloy is called as Amrita, which generally means nectar / honeydew. “Amrita” is described in “Vedas” as a thing that neither dies nor let anyone die. Guduchi is the most famous Sanskrit name of Giloy, which literally means one which protects the body. It is a very commonly known herb, basically used for treating different types of Fevers and Infections.
As per the Dravyaguna, a branch of Ayurveda that deals with the science of therapeutic substances including herbs, may also be known as Ayurvedic Pharmacology, Giloy / Guduchi is known as Vichitra Viray Pratyarabd, that means it will only benefit or create the positive results and never the negative or adverse effects.
But, is it only effective in the treatment and prevention of fever or any other diseases also? What is the better way to take it, in a powder form or the extract?
Let us know answers to all such questions here with the help of Ancient Verses of Ayurveda as written centuries ago by the most intellectual therapist / physicians.
Regional Names of Giloy
- Latin Name: Tinospora cordifolia
- Hindi Name: Giloy
- Marathi Name: Gulvel
- Gujarati Name: Galo
- Bengali Name: Gulanch
- Tamil Name: Shinilkodi
- Arabic Name: Gulanch
- Telugu Name: Tippatigo
Sanskrit Name: In Ayurveda, it is known by many Sanskrit names as mentioned in the Shloka written here.
गुडूची मधुपर्णी स्यादमृता अमृतवल्लरी।
छिन्ना छिन्नरूहा छिन्नोभ्द्वा वत्सादनीति च।।
जीवन्ती तन्त्रिका सोमा सोमवल्ली च कुण्डली।
चक्रलक्षणिका धीरा विशल्या च रसायनी।।
चन्द्रहासा वयस्था च मण्डली देवनिर्मिता।
— Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyaadivarga, 6-7-8
Meaning: Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amrita, Amritvallari, Chhinna, Chhinnrooha, Chhinnobhdwa, Vatsaadni, Jeewanti, Tantrika, Soma, Somvalli, Kundali, Chakralakshanika, Dheera, Vishalya, Rasayani, Chandrahasa, Vayastha, Mandali and Devnirmita, these all are the Sanskrit names of Giloy.
Why is Giloy called as Amrita?
As per the ancient literatures and stories, it is said that Giloy was grown initially during the war of Lord Rama and Ravana. At that time, when a large number of the soldiers in Vaanar Sena (Army) of Lord Rama died then all the Divine Souls (Gods & Goddesses) appeared and showered the Amrit (nectar) as Rain. The drops that fell in the mouths of the army made them alive and the other drops that fell on Earth grown as plant, which is called as Amrita / Giloy.
Properties of Giloy
Now, let us move towards the properties of Giloy that are mentioned in the Ayurvedic literatures to know more of its benefits and effects on our health.
गुडूची कटुका तिक्ता स्वादुपाका रसायनी।।
— Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyaadivarga, 8
Meaning: The Ras (taste) of Giloy is Bitter, Pungent, and Astringent, but its Vipaak (Final Action after Digestion) is Sweet.
संग्राहिणी कषायोष्णा लघ्वी बालया अग्निदीपिनी।
— Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyaadivarga, 9
Meaning: Giloy is a Light, Astringent and Absorbent herb. It is hot in Potency.
Benefits of Giloy
After knowing the properties, now we need to understand the benefits of Giloy, for which an Ancient verse is provided here:
दोषत्रयामतृड्दाहमेहकासांश्च पाण्डुताम्।।
कामलाकुष्ठवातास्त्रज्वरक्रिमिवमीन्हरेत्।
प्रमेहश्वासकासार्शः कृच्छ्रहृद्रोगवातनुत्।।
— Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyaadivarga, 9-10
Meaning: Being possessed with the above mentioned properties, it Enhances Energy and improves Digestion, effectively Balances Tri-Dosha, Eliminates Toxins and Treats Excessive Thirst, Burning Sensations, Diabetes, Cough, Anemia, Jaundice, Leprosy, Gout, Pyrexia (Fever), Intestinal Worms, Vomiting, Obstinate Urinary Disorders, Bronchial Asthma, Piles, Urine Retention, Cardiac Diseases and Vata Disorders.
Therapeutic Properties of Giloy Ghan / Satva (Extract of Giloy)
In the above Shlokas, we have understood the benefits of Giloy for treating numerous diseases. Intake of its extract acts in many ways to ensure the proper functioning and overall well-being of our body. Below are the therapeutic properties of the Giloy Ghan / Satva (Extract of Giloy).
- Immune-Modulator
- Anti-Viral
- Anti-Ageing
- Analgesic
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Diabetic
- Anti-pyretic
- Antiperiodic
- Spasmolytic
- Antirheumatic
- Hepatoprotective
Most Effective Actions of Giloy Ghan / Satva (Extract of Giloy)
After learning about the general and therapeutic properties of the Giloy herb as well as its extracts, below provided are the most common medicinal uses of Giloy Ghan / Satva.
- Balances Tri-Doshas
- Boosts Immunity Levels
- Treats Hyperpyrexia (High Fever)
- Controls Diabetes
- Combats Respiratory Problems
- Treats Pyrexia occurred due to Unknown Cause
- Helps in Liver Diseases
- Aids in Auto-Immune Disorders
- Helpful in Skin Ailments
- Effective in Bleeding Disorders
- Slows Down Ageing
- Helps in Kidney Problems
- Improves Blood Circulation
- Increases Platelet Count
- Aids in Joint Disorders
- Manages Uric Acid, & Creatinine Level in the Body
- Supports Healthy Heart
- Maintains Metabolic Health
Difference between Giloy Ghan (Extract) & Giloy Churna (Powder)
Giloy Ghan or Extract of Giloy is more potent than the Giloy Churna.
Preparation of the extract is required to get the most useful nutrients of that herb separated. The final extract of the herbs contain the most beneficial and efficacious nutrients and the process of getting its final product contributes in increasing its actions by around 100 times than the general powder.
Giloy Ghan / Satva is that extract, which is a finished final product of Giloy and includes only the most essential compounds. On the other side, powder is just the crushed form of its leaves or stem or both.
Giloy Powder can be consumed regularly to maintain the general health or to prevent acute or most common health problems like seasonal flu, etc. But to have the long lasting effects of the herb and for preventing and treating the chronic and severe ailments, one should take the Giloy extract in the form of tablets or capsules.
Planet Ayurveda Giloy Products
Planet Ayurveda is providing two of its single herb products prepared using the standardized extract of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) to benefit the people with the best and effective results of the herb. These products can be either taken as dietary supplements or for the treatment of various disorders after consulting with the Ayurveda experts.
Complications of Giloy Ghan Vati and Giloy Capsules
As already discussed above Giloy does not have any complications on health.
But, excessive intake of any herb may cause some problems. So, It is always better to take the herbal formulations after consulting with the Ayurveda Experts.
To buy Giloyghan Vati, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/giloyghan-vati-120-tablets
To buy Giloy Capsules, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/giloy-capsules