Giloy: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses & More

Giloy is also known as Guduchi or Amrita and is scientifically called Tinospora cordifolia. It is a climbing shrub packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Giloy is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.

What is Giloy?

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), the heart-leaved moonseed, is a herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae native to South and Southeast Asia. It is widely found throughout India, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

It grows in areas from Kumaon to Assam in the north and extends through West Bengal, Bihar, the Deccan, Karnataka, and Kerala in the south. 

Properties of Giloy

Giloy is a large leafy vine that spreads widely and has many long, twining branches. 

Its leaves are simple, grow one at a time on the stem, and have long stalks up to 15 cm (6 inches) long. The plant can be found up to an elevation of 1200 meters. 

The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers on separate male and female plants, usually when it has no leaves. Its fruits grow in small clusters of one to three. These fruits are smooth, oval-shaped, and bright scarlet or orange in color, sitting on thick stalks.

Nutritional Value of Giloy

Giloy is rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to overall health. Below are Nutrient content of Giloy leaves per 100g:

 

Giloy in Ayurveda

Ayurveda describes Giloy as a Rasayana herb, which helps strengthen the body’s immune system, balance the 3 doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and promote overall vitality. It is used in traditional Indian medicine, especially Ayurveda, for conditions such as chronic fever, asthma, dysentery, diarrhea, skin infections and overall health.

Due to its strong rejuvenating and healing properties it is the most powerful herb for boosting health and longevity. It is also valued for its ability to purify the blood, remove toxins, and support mental clarity. Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend Giloy in the form of juice, powder, or decoction to naturally restore balance and boost energy levels.

Other Names of Giloy

Giloy is known by various names in India based on regional languages:

Health Benefits of Giloy

Giloy, often called the "root of immortality," is a powerhouse of natural healing properties. Here are some of the top benefits of Giloy for overall health and wellness:

1. Boosts Immunity

One of the major health benefits of Giloy is its ability to strengthen the immune system. It activates white blood cells, enhances antibody production, and increases the body's resistance to infections. Regular consumption of Giloy can help your body fight off common illnesses like cold, cough, and fever naturally.

Its immunomodulatory properties make it especially valuable during seasonal changes when viral infections are more common. By cleansing the blood and eliminating toxins, Giloy helps the body stay healthy and resilient against harmful pathogens.

2. Helps Manage Chronic Fever

Another important benefit of Giloy is its use in Ayurveda for treating chronic and recurring fevers. Its antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties help reduce high temperatures and also address underlying infections like malaria, dengue, and viral fevers.

By boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, Giloy not only helps lower fever but also prevents future episodes. It supports quicker recovery by improving the body's overall strength and energy levels.

3. Improves Digestion

Among the numerous health benefits of Giloy, improving digestion stands out. Giloy helps stimulate digestive enzymes, promotes the proper breakdown of food, and enhances nutrient absorption.

It can relieve issues like indigestion, acidity, bloating, and constipation. Regular use of Giloy keeps the digestive system strong, clean, and balanced, preventing various stomach-related disorders.

4. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

A notable benefit of Giloy is its natural role in managing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. It works by improving insulin production, improving glucose metabolism, and reducing blood sugar spikes.

It is often used as an adjuvant therapy alongside conventional diabetes treatments. By balancing blood sugar levels naturally, Giloy can reduce dependence on heavy medication over time (always under a doctor’s supervision).

5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

When listing the health benefits of Giloy, its adaptogenic effect cannot be missed. Giloy helps the body reduce stress, calms the mind, and boosts cognitive function.

Regular intake of Giloy can improve memory, focus, and emotional resilience. It supports mental well-being and can aid in the management of anxiety and mild depression.

6. Promotes Healthy Skin

Another important benefit of Giloy is promoting healthy, radiant skin. Packed with antioxidants, Giloy helps fight free radicals, slow down aging, and maintain glowing skin.

It purifies the blood, removes toxins, and clears up skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Consuming Giloy or applying it topically can lead to healthier and clearer skin.

7. Supports Respiratory Health

Giloy is highly effective in treating respiratory problems such as asthma, cough, cold, and bronchitis, making respiratory support one of the key health benefits of Giloy.

It acts as a bronchodilator, soothes airway inflammation, clears mucus, and strengthens lung function naturally.

8. Helps in Arthritis and Joint Pain

Managing arthritis and reducing joint pain are significant benefits of Giloy. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties help ease joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Giloy works on the root causes of inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It is commonly included in Ayurvedic arthritis treatments.

9. Detoxifies the Body

Another critical health benefit of Giloy is its detoxifying power. It detoxifies the liver, kidneys, and blood, eliminating harmful toxins from the body.

Detoxification with Giloy leads to better energy, boost metabolism, and healthier skin, and it is often recommended during Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies.

10. Strengthens Liver Health

Giloy offers excellent support for liver health, one of the most valuable benefits of Giloy. It helps repair liver cells, boosts liver function, and protects against infections like hepatitis.

By ensuring better digestion, body detoxification, and hormonal balance, Giloy promotes overall health and strengthens the body's natural defenses.

Potential Side Effects of Giloy

Giloy side effects and symptoms may not be seen in anyone unless the dosage is taken more than the recommended. It is generally considered safe for most people and has been widely used in traditional medicine. 

However, experts recommend that it should always be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional to avoid any unwanted side effects.

Although rare, some side effects of giloy and allergic reactions associated with Giloy have been observed, such as:

• Constipation

• Stomach irritation

• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)

• Increased autoimmunity in people with autoimmune diseases

• Skin rashes

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Liver inflammation (in rare cases)

It is advisable not to take Giloy with other immune-boosting herbs or medications without medical advice, as it may overstimulate the immune system. 

Similarly, individuals on blood sugar-lowering drugs should be cautious, as Giloy can enhance their effects, leading to very low sugar levels.

How to Use Giloy

There is no one size fits dosage that is suitable for all. Ayurvedic doctors usually assess an individual’s body constitution (Prakriti) and levels of doshas before suggesting the right dosage. 

The form of Giloy you choose may also depend on your health goals and current condition. There are different ways in which Giloy can be consumed:

• Tablets: 500 ml to 1 gram daily, taken twice after meals.

• Syrup: 15–30 ml (about 2 tablespoons) of Giloy juice can be consumed once or twice a day.

• Powder: Take 1 teaspoon (around 3–5 grams) of Giloy powder. Mix it with warm water or prepare a herbal tea.

• Decoction: Boil small pieces of Giloy stem in water until reduced to half, then drink 20–30 ml once daily.

It is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the most suitable form and dosage for your body type and health condition.

Conclusion

Giloy is a powerhouse herb known for its incredible healing properties. The health benefits of Giloy include boosting immunity, managing chronic fevers, improving digestion, controlling blood sugar levels, promoting healthy skin, and supporting respiratory health. However, like any herbal remedy, it must be used carefully and in the right dosage.

Also it’s important to use Giloy carefully to avoid potential risks. Some reported side effects of Giloy include low blood sugar, constipation, allergic reactions, and rare cases of liver inflammation. Always consult a healthcare expert before adding Giloy to your routine to enjoy its full benefits safely.