Giloy or Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Giloy or Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) occupies an important place in Ayurvedic medicine. This potent herb revered as “Amrit” (nectar) is used as an integral ingredient in numerous Ayurvedic formulations since ancient times.

The stem and leaves of this climbing herb are used for medicinal purposes. A starch-like extract called satva, derived from the stem of Giloy is also known to have curative properties.

Ayurveda considers Giloy to be a tridoshic herb, implying that it has the potential to harmonize the tridosha. It is known to be astringent (kashaya) and bitter (tikta) in taste (rasa), hot (ushna) in potency (virya) and light (laghu) and oily (snigdha) in quality (guna).

Giloy has a long list of medicinal properties- it is anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-pyretic, anti-arthritic, diuretic and detoxifying in nature. Its health benefits can be attributed to presence of chemical compounds such as alkaloids, glucosides, volatile oils and fatty acids.

Health Benefits of Giloy

For treating arthritis and gout: The anti-inflammatory action of giloy makes it beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. A gram of giloy taken along with the same quantity of sonth (dry ginger) powder, combined with guggul taken twice a day is regarded as an effective remedy for arthritis.

Similarly, consuming juice extracted from giloy stem and leaves daily can help treat gout by lowering uric acid level in the body.

Boosts immunity: Giloy acts as a rasayana (rejuvenating agent) on account of its anti-oxidant properties. It is known to boost immunity (by enhancing the efficiency of white blood cells) and aids the removal of toxins from the liver and kidneys and protects from damage caused by free radicals.

It also provides protection against disease causing bacteria. Giloy can be used to combat a large number of ailments such as liver diseases, urinary tract infections and sexual disorders.

Treating chronic fever: Being an anti-pyretic in nature, giloy can be used to treat chronic fever effectively. It is beneficial for increasing blood platelet count, which makes it useful for alleviating dengue fever. Giloy extract taken daily can help relieve chronic fever. It can be combined with honey and used as a home remedy for malaria.

Digestive health: This herb is an effective means to get rid of digestion related ailments. A tried and tested remedy for acidity is ½ a gram of giloy powder taken along with amla (Indian Gooseberry) murrabba, which can be replaced with dry amla powder for diabetics. Giloy juice taken along with buttermilk is a classic remedy for indigestion. The same remedy is effective for piles as well.

Diabetes support: Studies have established that Giloy is an effective hypoglycemic agent, with the ability to reduce blood sugar and lipid levels considerably. This makes it very useful for treatment of type2 diabetes. Diabetics can consume giloy juice daily to lower blood sugar levels.

Adaptogenic herb: Giloy is used as an adaptogenic herb, that is, it has the ability to relieve mental stress and anxiety. Combined with Ashwagandha and Shatavari, it can be used as a general health tonic. It is also known for its ability to promote memory and longevity by reducing oxidative damage to cells and clearing away brain toxins. Thus, it can also be considered as an anti-aging herb.

Other benefits: Giloy has been found useful in fighting various other health problems. It is known to help in decongestion of lungs, making it useful for respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic cough. Excessive menstrual bleeding may be treated by using giloy juice.

Giloy juice is combined with neem and amla to treat skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. The juice can be applied on eyes for healing conjunctivitis. It can also be used for cardiac debility, anemia, jaundice and leprosy.

Dosage and side effects

Giloy is used in powdered, extract or water-based decoction forms, the safe dosages being 1-2 gms, 1-2 ml and 50-100 ml, respectively.

Some people may experience minor side effects such as constipation and sluggish bowel movement. During pregnancy, any herbal extract should not be used without medical supervision.

Various name of giloy in India

Hindi Name

Giloya, Guduchi (Hindi)

Bengali Name

Gulancha/palo(Bengali),

Telugu Name

Tippaatigo (Telugu)

Tamil Name

Shindilakodi (Tamil)

Marathi Name:

Gulavel (Marathi)

It can be used in chronic fever, gouts, vomiting, cardiac debility , skin diseases, anemia, cough, jaundice, seminal weakness, leprosy.

It belongs to the family of Menispermaceae and is a vigorous climber. Its English name is Gulancha Tinospora. There are about 40 species of Giloy which are found throughout the world, comprising parts of Africa, Southern Eastern Asia, and Australia. Out of 40 species only 4 species have been found in India.

Nowadays market is full of giloy tablets as well. If you DONT find the plant which I think you can if you are living in a place which has warm climate and because of its popularity many nurseries too have it now.

Few of its medicinal uses are

1.If you are suffering from any kind of skin diseases if giloy juice is taken with neem and amla it is very effective. You can see the result in fifteen days.

2.In piled its juice with butter milk is very useful.

3.Its juice is considered very effective in removing both exogenous and endogenous toxins.It also cleans out the brain toxins that disturbs mental function.

4. Asthama chewing its root and bark every day this helped .Giloy is effective in respiratory troubles particularly in asthama. My father took it every day weather he was having problem or not.

5.In Diabetes it juice is taken in high quantity regularly.

6.Its steam , leaves and root can be used in excessive bleeding during menstruation or if one have bleeding after abortion or delivery. 5grams of its leaves are crushed together and its juice is extracted. Its juice is taken in 2 to 3ml in half cup of water and given to the patient till its condition improve.

7.Used in malaria and other fever too which is taken with honey.(The stem of the plant with pipli(piper longum) is taken).

8.During indigestion the juice is taken or the paste of the leaves is given with butter milk.

Giloy Dosage

Powder 1-2 gm. up to maximum 5 gm.

Decoction 50-100 ml

Extract 1-2 ml

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