
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): The Ultimate Immunity Booster and Ayurvedic Rejuvenator
Botanical Name: Tinospora cordifolia
Common Names: Giloy, Guduchi, Amrita, Gulancha (Bengali), Amritavalli (Sanskrit)
Family: Menispermaceae
Parts Used: Stem (main), leaves, root
Available Forms: Juice, tablets, powder (churna), capsules, decoction, satva (extract)
🌱Introduction
Giloy, also known as Guduchi or Amrita (meaning “divine nectar”), is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda for its extraordinary immunomodulatory, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.
Traditionally used in the treatment of fever, diabetes, jaundice, arthritis, and chronic infections, modern research confirms its use as a natural immunity enhancer and adaptogen.
✅Top Health Benefits of Giloy
1. 🛡️ Boosts Immunity & Fights Infections
· Enhances white blood cell production and strengthens immune defense.
· Effective in recurrent fevers, viral infections, and seasonal flu.
🔬Study: Research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2004) shows Giloy stimulates macrophage activity and immune response.
2. 🌡️ Reduces Fever & Dengue Symptoms
· Acts as a natural antipyretic (anti-fever).
· Supports platelet count and recovery in dengue and malaria.
Often used with Tulsi and Papaya leaf in herbal fever remedies.
3. 🧬 Detoxifies Liver & Blood
· Supports liver function and purifies the blood.
· Used in jaundice, hepatitis, and skin allergies.
4. 🧠 Reduces Stress & Enhances Brain Function
· Acts as an adaptogen, balancing stress hormones.
· Improves cognition, focus, and mental clarity.
5. 💪Helpful in Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
· Giloy improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar.
· Supports metabolic balance and appetite regulation.
6. 🦴 Treats Arthritis & Joint Pain
· Has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects.
· Reduces symptoms of gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
⚗️Key Compounds in Giloy
· Alkaloids – Berberine, tinosporin, magnoflorine (immunomodulatory)
· Diterpenoid lactones – Anti-inflammatory
· Glycosides – Antioxidant and hepatoprotective
· Steroids & polysaccharides – Adaptogenic, rejuvenating
📚Traditional Uses
📌Ayurveda:
· Known as Amrita – symbolizing immortality
· Used in fevers, diabetes, liver disorders, and thirst/dehydration.
· Balances all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
📌Unani Medicine:
· Known as Guluncha
· Used as antispasmodic and immune booster.
· Prescribed for chronic fevers, liver diseases, and blood purification
📜Scientific References
1. Saha, S. et al. (2011).Immunostimulant and antioxidant properties of Tinospora cordifolia. Indian Journal of Pharmacology.
2. Upadhyay, A. K. et al. (2010).Tinospora cordifolia as a source of natural antioxidants. International Journal of Green Pharmacy.
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Tinospora+cordifolia
🧴 How to Use Giloy
Form |
Recommended Use |
Giloy Juice |
15–30 ml daily on an empty stomach with water |
Giloy Tablets/Capsules |
250–500 mg twice daily after meals |
Giloy Powder (Churna) |
3–5 gm with warm water or honey, once/twice daily |
GiloySatva (Extract) |
125–250 mg twice daily with honey or milk |
Decoction (Kadha) |
Boil crushed stem (5–10 gm) in water, take 1 cup daily |
⚠️ Precautions
- Avoid overdose; may lower blood sugar too much
- Consult doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, or using blood sugar-lowering drugs
- Safe for long-term use under proper guidance
📝 Conclusion
Tinospora cordifolia, or Giloy, is truly a natural powerhouse of immunity, healing, and rejuvenation. From fighting viral fevers and infections to detoxifying the liver and balancing blood sugar, this herb stands out as a must-have remedy in every herbal cabinet.
Whether you take it as juice, tablet, or decoction — Giloy offers holistic wellness from root to cell.