Guduchi is widely acknowledged for its extensive health advantages. The term Guduchi or Amrutha is drawn from the celestial elixir: Amrutha, the concealed secret of everlasting life and vigour among divine beings that, upon ingestion, confer perpetual youthfulness and vitality.
The sacred Hindu epic, Ramayana, recounts that after Ravana, the demon king, abducted Sita, consort of King Rama, a subsequent battle resulted in the demise of Rama’s monkey army or vanara sena. In despair, Rama appealed to Lord Indra, ruler of the Gods, to revive his fallen troops. Upon hearing his plea, Lord Indra showered heavenly nectar to resurrect the vanara sena. As droplets of this nectar touched the monkeys, each was revived, and the drops that fell on the Earth sprouted into the sacred Amrutha plant. For this reason, this herb is regarded as brimming with life force and holds great reverence in Ayurveda.
Besides being an adaptogenic plant, Amrutha bolsters immunity enhances digestion by expelling ama (toxins), and supports the body’s natural detoxification process, rendering it a vital element in numerous Ayurvedic preparations. Let’s delve into understanding more about this miraculous herb and its applications.
Properties of Guduchi
Guduchi is a climbing herbaceous vine native to India. It features a succulent stem with coiling branches, heart-shaped leaves, and greenish-yellow blossoms. It possesses katu and tikta (bitter and pungent) tastes and transforms into a sweet taste post-digestion. It is light to digest (laghu) and balances all three doshas (Tridoshas). Guduchi rejuvenates, augments agni (digestive fire), alleviates thirst, burning sensations, diabetes, anaemia, fever, and vomiting. Furthermore, it enhances vision, relieves breathing difficulties, and addresses joint problems and liver disorders.
The ancient Ayurvedic text, Bhavaprakasha, designates it Chiinodbhava, highlighting its ability to regenerate even when cut, underscoring Guduchi’s vitality or prana, making it profoundly sattvic.
Benefits of Guduchi
Guduchi or Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) finds applications in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine for various disorders. The very name Guduchi signifies ‘the safeguard of the entire body’ in Sanskrit. While the stem of Giloy is commonly used, its roots, leaves, and bark also serve medicinal purposes. Here are several benefits of Giloy:
Enhances Immunity: Giloy aids white blood cell activity, thus elevating immunity. It enhances the body’s capacity to combat infections and manage stress. Rich in alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and other compounds, Giloy’s immunomodulatory nature also benefits autoimmune conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus. A herbal decoction (kadha) can be prepared by boiling two cups of water with tulsi leaves, grated ginger, and a Giloy stem.
Combats Infections and Fevers: One prominent attribute of Giloy is its efficacy in countering infections and persistent fevers. As an antipyretic herb (Jvarahara), it has historical usage in malaria, fever, and dengue, either as a kadha or dried herb combined with honey. Numerous Ayurvedic fever formulations feature Guduchi due to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Facilitates Detoxification and Liver Health: Guduchi enhances digestion due to its metabolism-promoting traits (deepana-pacahana). This aids in eliminating ama, the accumulated metabolic toxins responsible for doshic imbalances and general ailments. It supports a healthy gut microbiome and appetite. Its potent liver tonic characteristics foster the growth of healthy liver cells and are employed in treating jaundice (Kamala). The ideal form for use can be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Advances Joint Health: Giloy is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic herb. It proves highly beneficial for joint inflammation and muscle pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis. Maintaining uric acid levels makes it a prime choice for gout. Traditionally, a mixture of powdered Guduchi and ginger is employed to alleviate joint discomfort.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Guduchi operates as an adaptogenic herb known for managing stress and anxiety and reinstating balance. Giloy’s high sattvic and nourishing nature promotes mental equilibrium (sattva guna), encouraging tranquillity and serenity. It can also enhance memory and cognitive functions. A 21-day study exhibited that pure aqueous Giloy root extract enhanced verbal learning and logical memory.
Prevents Urinary Disorders: Giloy belongs to the mutravirechaniya group of herbs, enhancing urinary output. Its property of dahaprashamana, relieving burning sensations, makes it valuable in urinary infections and related disorders.
Balances Blood Sugar: Also recognized as Madhu nashini, Giloy is effective against type 2 diabetes. It mitigates oxidative stress, amplifies insulin production, and improves glucose metabolism. This aids in managing high blood sugar and its associated complications.
Thanks to its rasayana or rejuvenating quality, it supports healthy ageing and contributes to good skin health.
At Gahano Ayurveda, Giloy features diverse herbal formulations available for online purchase and delivery across India:
Guduchi Ghanvati: Guduchi is a novel Ayurvedic traditional planning arranged from watery concentrates of Tinospora cordifolia stem. It is otherwise called “Giloya” or “Amrita”. This 100% organic herbal composition boosts immunity and increases memory power.
In conclusion, Guduchi, known as Giloy, is a versatile and cherished herb in Ayurveda, offering various health benefits for holistic well-being.
