What Is Giloy Good For?

Giloy belongs to the Menispermaceae family.

This herbaceous vine is indigenous to tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent but is also found in China and tropical areas of Australia and Africa.

The roots, stems, and leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat fever, infections, and diabetes.

Giloy is also called:

• Ambervel
• Amrita
• Gilo
• Giloe
• Glunchanb
• Guduchi 
• Gulancha Tinospora
• Gulvel
• Gurcha
• Heart-leaved moonseed
• Heavenly elixir
• Indian tinospora
• Jetwatika
• Mehahara
• Mehaghna
• Pramehahara
• Sindal
• Sittamrytu
• Somida
• Tinospora indien
• Tinosporia cordifolus’

The English translation of giloy from the Sanskrit word “Amrita” means “the root of immortality.”

Giloy is used to treat:

• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Constipation
• Liver diseases
• Skin problems
• Chronic fever
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Hay fever
• High cholesterol

Additionally, giloy is an immunity booster and aids in digestion.

Studies reported that different parts of the giloy plant, including the roots and stems, contain antioxidants and phytochemicals.

The four major compounds found in giloy are:

1. Terpenoids: Contributes to the fragrance, taste, and color of the plant.
2. Alkaloids, including berberine and choline: Powerful compounds that give some plants their bitter taste.
3. Lignans, including polysaccharides: Prevent the growth of viruses, fungi, and other microbes.
4. Steroids, including beta-sitosterol: Are compounds with a similar chemical structure to cholesterol.

Some of the other active compounds and nutrients include:

• Diterpenoid lactones
• Sesquiterpenoid and phenolics
• Aliphatic compounds
• Glycosides
• Lycopene
• Carotenes
• Anthocyanin

1. Boosts immunity
   • Contains antioxidant properties that can protect cells from oxidative damage and rejuvenate the body and improve health by flushing out free radicals and removing toxins from the liver and the kidneys.
   • Fights disease-causing bacteria and other pathogens to combat liver diseases, urinary tract infections, and skin disorders, such as scabies.
2. Treats chronic fever
   • Is a natural anti-inflammatory and antipyretic herb that can increase the blood platelet count and alleviate symptoms of several life-threatening conditions, such as dengue fever and malaria.
   • Helps boost immunity to fight the infection and speed up the recovery process.
3. Improves digestion
   • Consuming half a gram of giloy powder with Indian gooseberry regularly can keep all digestive problems, such as diarrhea, colitis, nausea, and hyperacidity, at bay.
   • Giloy juice with buttermilk is effective for people suffering from piles.
4. Regulates blood sugar level
   • Several animal and test tube studies reported that giloy acts as a hypoglycemic agent by making cells less insulin resistant.
   • Contains berberine, an alkaloid compound that works similarly to the diabetes medication, metformin.
   • Besides blood sugar regulation, berberine helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
5. Prevents and treats several diseases
   • Can be used to treat various diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, and eye disorders.
   • Helps improve attention span and prevents mental stress and anxiety.
6. Manages arthritis and gout
   • The anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties of giloy help relieve symptoms (joint pain and inflammation) of arthritis and gout by inhibiting the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines (proteins that regulate the activity and growth of other immune and blood cells).
7. Skin health
   • Giloy stems are extremely helpful to manage skin allergies and enhance skin quality.
   • Antioxidants in giloy fight free radicals in the body, improve skin cell health and regenerate skin cells.
   • Possesses anti-aging properties and reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and droopy skin.

Consuming giloy in the recommended dose on the package or by a healthcare provider does not seem to be associated with any side effects in healthy people.

However, consuming giloy may cause certain side effects, such as:

• Constipation
• Stomach irritation
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

In people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn’s disease, giloy may overstimulate the immune system, causing it to attack certain healthy cells instead of harmful pathogens.

Moreover, giloy is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women because of a lack of authentic data in these populations.

Here are the general recommended giloy dosages:

• Giloy stems powder: 2 to 6 grams per day in divided doses (about ½ to 1 teaspoon or 2 to 4 capsules per day).
• Giloy juice: 2 to 3 teaspoons mixed with the same quantity of water, ideally consumed on empty stomach in the morning one time a day.
• For children: No more than 500 mg two times a day.

Always ensure to follow dosage recommendations and directions carefully for the specific product you are using.

Giloy is available as a supplement in pill, capsule, dried powder, and tincture (juice made from the roots and stems) forms.

For topical use, look for it in a cream or lotion.

For rejuvenating skin

• Boil 6 to 7 giloy leaves in water
• Let it cool once they have boiled sufficiently
• Strain the giloy water and apply it evenly to the face
• Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes
• Rinse the face with lukewarm water, and pat dry

For hairs

• Take 3 to 6 grams of giloy powder and mix it with one glass of water
• Mix it until you get a runny paste
• Section your hair and apply the paste on the scalp, hair, and tips of the hair
• Leave it on for about 30 minutes
• Then, rinse your hair with any shampoo