Guduchi, along with garlic and haritaki, is one of the three Amrit plants used in Ayurvedic medicine. “Amrit,” a Sanskrit word, means “nectar” or “ambrosia.”
The literal translation of the word “Guduchi” is “one which shields and protects our body from infections.” Known as Giloy, it is one of the most revered plants in Ayurveda. It is a climber that primarily grows on banyan, mango, and neem trees. It is distinguished by the green leaves that resemble hearts. Neem-Giloy is the most effective integration out of all of them because it receives all of the benefits of the Neem plant as well.
Ancient Indian texts also mention its sacred beginnings; for instance, in the Ramayana, when Lord Rama begged Lord Indra to bring back to life the monkeys who had perished in the war, Indra sprinkled nectar from the heavens on their bodies. From the drops that fell to the ground, the sacred herb Guduchi was created. Guduchi (Tinosporsa cordifolia) is prized for its rheumatoid, immune-stimulating, detoxifying, and rejuvenating.
Botanical name of Guduchi– Tinosporsa cordifolia
Synonyms of Guduchi:
Amrita: The nectar of God;
Amrita-valli: The nectar-creeping creeper.
Jivanti: sustaining.
Chinnodbhava : Able to regenerate after being cut.
Chakrangi, Chakralakshana: Wheel-like appearance in transverse section of stem.
Chandrahasa : Transverse part of the stem has a moonlike appearance.
Ayurvedic Composition:
Rasa (Taste)- Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Qualities)- Laghu (Light to digest), Snigdha (Oily)
Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Taste conversion after digestion)- Madhura (sweet)
Effect on Tridosha: Tridosha-hara (Balances Tridoshas- Vata, Pitta and Kapha)
Part Used:
Guduchi Stem, Guduchi Root, Guduchi Leaves, Guduchi bark
Health Benefits of Guduchi:
Researchers writing in the National Institutes of Health observed that a remarkable body of contemporary evidence has verified the pharmacological activities attributed to Guduchi in Ayurvedic scriptures, suggesting that this biochemically rich plant has enormous potential in contemporary treatment approaches. This ancient plant is more than relevant in our time due to the prevalence of stress-related health problems, nutrient-deficient diets, and inadequate rest that we encounter today.
- Improves immunological function.
- Effective against all fever types.
- Used to treat dengue fever because its antipyretic qualities raise platelet count
- Diuretic action by removing toxins and extra uric acid from the body.
- The ethanol in brain tonic aids in relaxing our nerve cells.
- Lowers cholesterol levels, which aids in removing fat deposits from various body parts.
- Provides relief from inflammatory symptoms like redness, burning, itching, and swelling.
- Emetic effect, which is the induction of therapeutic vomiting that is beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders.
- Relieves symptoms such hyperacidity, indigestion, and excessive thirst.
- Beneficial for conditions of the skin, such as leprosy, soreness, and puffiness.
- Promotes liver health.
- Helpful for infertility.
- As a result of its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis qualities, helps with arthritis.
- Anti-cancer effect, regenerates new cells.
- Anti-diabetic effect.
It keeps the balance between our dosha, dhatu, and mala, according to Ayurveda.
How to take Guduchi:
- Glass of lukewarm water, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Guduchi powder and whisk thoroughly. To lessen issues with digestion, such as indigestion, hyperacidity, and gas, consume it after lunch and dinner.
- Add 1 glass of water to 2-3 tablespoons of Giloy juice. Regularly consume this to increase metabolism and lower cholesterol levels.
- Consume two to three teaspoons of Giloy juice. For appropriate liver function, mix the same amount of water with it and consume it once daily in the morning on an empty stomach.
- To treat allergic rhinitis, mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Giloy powder and take it after lunch and dinner.
- To treat jaundice, combine Giloy leaves with buttermilk and consume 2 to 3 times a day with honey.
- Castor oil and giloy are effective for treating gout.
- To treat allergic rhinitis, mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Giloy powder and take it after lunch and dinner.
- To treat jaundice, combine Giloy leaves with buttermilk and consume 2 to 3 times a day with honey.
- Castor oil and giloy are effective for treating gout.
- Cut 4-5 cm of the stem into small pieces, smash them a little, and add them to 2 glasses of boiling water to make a decoction. Boil till liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup. Drink it after filtering it two or three times daily to boost immunity and in case of fever.