Medicinal plants have existed long before human birth. Since ancient times, man has been using different types of plants to get rid of diseases. Most of the plants from which the medicine is obtained are wild. One of these plants is also Giloy, which is commonly found in wild shrubs. The roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and bark of these plants are used for healing.

Importance of Giloy in Ayurveda

Giloy has been considered a classy herb in Ayurveda that is why it is also called the queen of herbs. Giloy is also known by other names like Guduchi, Amrita, Madhuparni, Amrutalata etc. Giloy is a multi-year creeper. Its leaves are like betel leaves and fruits are like peas. Giloy leaves are bitter, astringent and pungent in taste. Alkaline is abundant in Giloy. Other biochemical substances found in it are steroids, flavonoids, lignans, carbohydrates. Due to its high nutrient content, Giloy is used to manufacture many herbal, ayurvedic and modern medicines.

According to Ayurveda, the vine of Giloy also absorbs the properties of the tree on which it climbs that's why Giloy's vine climbed on the neem tree is considered best in terms of medicine. For this reason, it is also known as Neem Giloy. Therefore its effect increases even more. The main property of both these medicines is immunity building (the ability to fight disease). It has the ability to maintain the balance of all the three doshas of the body i.e. Vata (air disease), Pitta and Kapha (mucus) and prevent all kinds of diseases caused by its outbreak. It also pacifies the types of diseases like Kaas (cough), Trishna (excessive thirst), Shool (abdominal pain) etc. Apart from this, due to continuous consumption of Giloy, it also provides relief in diseases like heart-related diseases, joint pain and arthritis etc.

Benefits of Giloy (Guduchi)

Helps in increasing platelets

Giloy is considered an elixir for the treatment of dengue. Due to dengue fever, platelets in the body start decreasing continuously. In such a situation, taking a pill or decoction of Giloy and consuming it in the morning and evening increases the platelet count. Apart from this, drinking a decoction of basil with Giloy, dry ginger, chhoti pippali and jaggery is also beneficial in dengue.

Helpful in getting rid of viral fever-

Giloy is antipyretic, that is, consuming Giloy is good for the treatment of chronic fever. Giloy has anti-oxidation properties, which are helpful in improving health and fighting dangerous diseases. Giloy increases the blood platelets of the body. It also reduces the symptoms of viral infection and fever. For this, take 4-6 cm long giloy and 400 ml water. Boil the water and giloy together till about one-third of the water remains. Drinking this water strengthens the immune system and provides relief from frequent colds and fever.

Helpful in purifying the blood-

When toxins are added to the body, that action is called bad blood. Antibacterial and antiviral properties are found in Giloy which help in removing the toxic particles from the body. For this, drink Giloy juice. By doing this, the toxic particles are passed out through urine which purifies the blood.

Effective in increasing immunity-

If a person is constantly ill, then the main reason for this may also be his weak immunity. In such a situation, consuming decoction or juice of Giloy is very beneficial. The medicinal properties present in it purifies the blood, maintain healthy cells, fight against bacteria and free radicals that damage the body which helps in boosting immunity.

Provide relief in stomach disorders-

All diseases like abdominal pain, bloating, bloating, gas and acidity arise that affect the whole body. Giloy is a better option as a home remedy to get rid of these diseases. For this, consuming giloy extract or juice cures stomach related disorders. Its regular consumption helps in healing the digestive system.

Helpful in controlling diabetes-

According to experts, Giloy acts as a hypoglycemic agent which plays an important role in controlling type-2 diabetes. Apart from this, some antioxidant elements are found in it which reduces the increased level of blood sugar in the body. It also increases the secretion of insulin and reduces insulin resistance. In this way, it is a very useful medicine for diabetic patients.

In the treatment of joint pain, arthritis-

Anti-arthritic properties are found in Giloy which is effective in getting relief from arthritis. Especially for those who are suffering from joint pain, consuming Giloy is very beneficial. For this, mix 2 to 3 spoons of Giloy juice in a cup of water and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning. Apart from this, mixing honey in the decoction of Giloy can be consumed twice a day after meals.

For swelling-

Giloy is rich in antioxidants and minerals which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Apart from this, the anti-inflammatory effect present in Giloy also helps in reducing and preventing inflammation.

Helpful in curing skin disorders-

Giloy is very beneficial in skin-related disorders like blemishes, scabies, itching, spots, wrinkles etc. It has antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties etc. which help in getting rid of skin related problems. For this, making a paste of the stem of Guduchi and applying it to the affected area to cure skin disorders.

Beneficial for eyes-

Giloy is an effective medicine for the eyes. For this, make a paste by mixing honey and rock salt in Giloy juice. Now apply this paste to the eyes like kajal. By doing this, the weakness of the eyes is removed. With this, make a decoction by mixing Triphala in Giloy juice. Now mixing one gram of Pippali powder and honey in 10-20 ml decoction and taking it in the morning and evening improves eyesight. Along with this, diseases like eye pain, prickling, swelling and redness of eyes, cataract etc. get cured soon.

For ear disease-

Make a thin paste of Giloy stem and make it lukewarm. Now put it 2-2 drops in the ear twice a day. By doing this the ear wax (dirt) gets removed.

Beneficial in jaundice-

If a person is suffering from jaundice, he can also consume Giloy. In such a situation, grind it by taking 20-30 leaves of Giloy. Now, mix that paste in a glass of fresh buttermilk and give it to the patient.

Side effects of Giloy

• People who are already patients with low blood pressure should avoid consuming Giloy because it reduces blood pressure which may worsen the patient's condition.
• Even before any surgery, Giloy should not be consumed in any form because it lowers blood pressure, which can increase difficulties during surgery.
• Giloy significantly reduces the level of blood sugar. Therefore, people with low blood sugar levels should not consume Giloy.
• Giloy can sometimes over-stimulate the immune system, resulting in symptoms of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, people suffering from autoimmune disorders should avoid its consumption or consume Giloy only after consulting a doctor.