Giloy is a mythical elixir that hosts a prestigious place in Ayurveda. Also known as ‘Guduchi’, this medicinal powerhouse gained prominence like never before during the ongoing Covid pandemic. Due to its ‘immuno-boosting’ properties, Indian households stocked up on this wonder plant in the forms of tablets, powder and even syrups to keep the deadly Covid-19 at bay. Giloy has also been included in Ayush Ministry’s Covid management protocol for the same reason.
According to the Ayurveda, it is an ‘Amrit’ plant, translating to the ‘root of immortality. Due to this, Giloy is also known as ‘Amritavalli’ or ‘Amrita’ in Sanskrit.
This magic herb is traditionally used to treat several health conditions, including fever, jaundice, urinary problems, anorexia, eye conditions, dysentery, Hansen’s disease, dysentery, and gout.
Found in large swathes of India, from Kumaon to Assam to Bihar and Konkan, Giloy is a large climber that grows on tall trees. It has a vast aerial root that can reach as long as 10 metres. In addition, Giloy has heart-shaped leaves that bear a stark resemblance to the betel leaves. Almost every part of this plant has been known for its medicinal properties. Still, the stem is more beneficial because of its high nutritional content and alkaloids in it.
One herb, many benefits
Since time immemorial, Giloy has been used in traditional medicines for its wide array of benefits. An immunomodulator, this herb is best known for its immunity-boosting properties. Not only this, it aids digestion, reduces pain and burning sensation, and has also been found effective in countering excessive thirst.
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this wonder herb helps in reducing arthritis-related joint pain and inflammation. It even comes loaded with anti-cancer and anti-fever properties.
Not only this, being rich in antioxidants, Giloy has been found beneficial in neutralising free radical scavengers from the body. It keeps the cells healthy and helps in keeping various life-threatening diseases at bay. Giloy not only helps prevent chronic degenerative diseases but is also known to be anti-osteoporotic and has shown efficacy in controlling the hepatitis A virus. Giloy has been used as an adjunct in HIV/AIDS management in many studies. Traditional medicine has also made use of Giloy to treat infertility.
Not only for the heart, but Giloy is also good for the brain. This magical herb aids in regulating the antioxidant enzyme system of the brain tissue, besides maintaining the dopaminergic neurons found in the midbrain. It also helps in boosting cognition. As Giloy is known to have a calming effect, it can reduce mental stress and anxiety. Some studies have found it to be effective in improving vision too.
Due to its bitter taste, Giloy has also been shown to help diabetic patients manage blood glucose levels. Apart from this, people who want to reduce weight can include Giloy in their diet to improve metabolism, thus aiding weight management.
Not only this, Giloy is helpful for those trying to improve platelet count after a bout of dengue fever, and it can be used to treat hay fever and chronic fever.
Also, this wonder herb has been utilised to treat bronchitis and chronic cough, asthma, tonsils and cold.
Being a potent anti-ageing herb, Giloy works wonders for your skin and keeps various skin problems at bay. It removes harmful toxins from the body and leaves you glowing and flawless skin. It also reduces dark spots, acne, wrinkles and fine lines.
Have a wound that just isn’t healing? Stop worrying. Simply apply paste from the leaves of this medicinal herb, and your wound will start healing at a faster pace. This is because Giloy is known to aid collagen production and skin regeneration.
If you want more from this wonder herb, simply combine it with other medicinal herbs to give yourself a healthy boost.
The side-effect
An old saying goes, ‘Excess of everything is bad, and Giloy or ‘Tinospora cordifolia’ is no exception to it. Though Giloy comes loaded with many benefits, it should only be consumed in moderation. Though Giloy has been known to aid digestion, its excessive consumption can cause constipation.
As mentioned above, Organic Giloy helps control blood sugar levels. However, Giloy can lead to a drastic drop in your sugar levels if you consume it along with your diabetes medicine. The critical point to keep in mind here is to consult your doctor before taking any Giloy supplements for your diabetes. Doctors and experts also advise against its consumption for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Giloy is mainly known for its immunity-boosting properties. But did you know it can also over-stimulate your immune system and create complications? Well, this also boils down to overconsumption. So if you are thinking of including Giloy in your diet in any form, you should ensure that you are consuming it in the right amount.
Also, Giloy is a strict no-no for those suffering from auto-immune diseases like Crohn’s disease, Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Why choose Slow Bazaar
It’s very rare to find brands that live up to their promise of providing natural and sustainable products. Still, with Slow Bazaar, that promise is very much kept. Following the mantra of ‘Let’s go back to the basics’, Slow Bazaar offers products that hold a niche in Ayurveda, offering you products that are good for your health and overall well-being. Slow Bazaar’s Giloy powder is made from 100 per cent naturally procured Giloy to help you get the most out of this wonder herb.
Due to its rising demand, markets are awash with adulterated Giloy products. However, you can totally rely on Slow Bazaar’s Giloy powder, as it is entirely adulteration-free.
So, if you are looking for a powder with multiple benefits, grab bottles of Slow Bazaar Giloy!
