Health with Giloy
Giloy is mentioned in our Hindu history as amrita i.e. nectar of life. According to the story, during samudra manthan when the pot full of amrita came out of the sea, the demons took it and ran away. So while running few drops of amrita fell on earth, took form of a climbing herb known as Giloy. And ever since, we are reaping benefits of its magical properties. With the recent dengue spread in Delhi; ramdev baba’s words got me thinking. He claimed to treat dengue, malaria, any type of fever with the help of Giloy. I started reading about it online and found that it not only helps cure fever but also strengthen immunity system. I myself have suffered a lot when my immunity system went for a toss and every few days I used to be down with fever and flu. We all have seen various chawanprash ads claiming to improve our immunity system. Have you wondered what that magical ingredient in chawanprash is?
“The stem of Giloy is of maximum utility, but the root can also be used. Its benefits and uses have even been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)”, adds Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Baidyanath adds, “Giloy can be consumed in the form of juice, powder or capsules”.
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used and advocated in Indian medicine for ages”, says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. In Sanskrit, Giloy is known as ‘Amrita’, which literally translates to ‘the root of immortality’, because of its abundant medicinal properties
Uses OF Giloy:-
- It detoxifies our system and aides digestion. With all the junk and adulterated food we keep eating, it’s absolutely necessary to make sure we include something healthy in our diet which helps keeping our stomach clear.
- Helps fight all kinds of skin diseases, yes even eczema and psoriasis which are very difficult to get rid of completely.
- Keeps diabetes in check.
- Helps cure asthma and bronchitis.
- Keeps high blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
- We all have read Zara’s articles about UTI and how it’s very important to maintain personal hygiene. I completely agree with her. You know Giloy helps curing UTI as well.
- Giloy roots are rich in anti oxidants. Some scientists are claiming it can even cure cancer.
- It has anti ageing properties.
- Mixture of turmeric and Giloy stem’s satva cures tuberculosis completely.
- Regular usage reduces arthritis pain as well.
- It has the unique quality of removing toxins from lymphatic nodules.
Here are 10 reasons why this root deserves your attention:
1. Boosts Immunity:
Dr. Ashutosh says, “Giloy is a universal herb that helps boost immunity”. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which fight free-radicals, keep your cells healthy and get rid of diseases. Giloy helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections. “Giloy is used by experts in treating heart related conditions, and is also found useful in treating infertility”.
2. Treats Chronic Fever:
Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Baidyanath says, “Giloy helps get rid of recurrent fevers. Since Giloy is anti-pyretic in nature, it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions like Dengue, Swine Flu and Malaria as well”.
3. Improves Digestion:
“Giloy is very beneficial in improving digestion and treating bowel related issues”, says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. Tip: You can take half a gram of giloy powder with some amla regularly to maximize results, or with jaggery for treating constipation.
4. Treats Diabetes:
According to Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital, “Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent and helps treat diabetes (particularly Type 2 diabetes)”. Giloy juice helps reduce high levels of blood sugar and works wonders.
Giloy would definitely be effective for you. Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent. It can lower the levels of blood pressure and lipids. This makes it very easy to treat type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients can also take Giloy juice in order to reduce high levels of blood sugar.
5. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
Did you know Giloy can be used as an adaptogenic herb as well? It helps reduce mental stress as well as anxiety. It helps get rid of toxins, boosts the memory, calms you down and makes for an excellent health tonic if combined with other herbs.
6. Fights Respiratory Problems:
Dr. Ashutosh further adds, “Giloy is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory
benefits and helps reduce respiratory problems like frequent cough, cold, tonsils”.
7. Treats Arthritis:
“Giloy contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that help treat arthritis and its several symptoms. For joint pain, the powder from giloy stem can be boiled with milk and consumed”, says Dr. Ashutosh. It can be used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
If you know someone who is suffering from gouty arthritis, do tell them about Giloy. It contains anti-flammatory as well as anti-arthritic properties that take care of arthritis and its several symptoms, including joint pains.
8. Reduces Asthmatic Symptoms:
Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc. which makes it very difficult to treat such a condition. “Chewing on giloy root helps asthma patients and is often recommended by experts”, adds Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital.
9. Herb:
Did you know Giloy can also be used as an adaptogenic herb? It can reduce both mental stress as well as anxiety. Giloy is often combined with other herbs to make an excellent health tonic. It will boost memory and help you pay attention at work (2). It can clear all brain toxins too. Giloy has often been called an anti-aging herb.
10. Asthma:
Asthma is one of the most dangerous diseases cited so far. It causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing etc. One should also remember that it is very difficult to treat such a condition. However, simple steps can be taken to reduce asthmatic symptoms. One solution is definitely Giloy. It has often been used by experts to treat asthma patients.