Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

 गुडूची

Botanical name - Tinospora cordifolia

Family - Menispermaceae

Hindi name - Giloy

Introduction

In the ancient literatures, Giloy is called as Amrita, which generally means nectar / honeydew. “Amrita” is described in “Vedas” as a thing that neither dies nor let anyone die. Guduchi is the most famous Sanskrit name of Giloy, which literally means one which protects the body. It is a very commonly known herb, basically used for treating different types of Fevers and Infections.

As per the Dravyaguna, a branch of Ayurveda that deals with the science of therapeutic substances including herbs, may also be known as Ayurvedic Pharmacology, Giloy / Guduchi is known as Vichitra Viray Pratyarabd, that means it will only benefit or create the positive results and never the negative or adverse effects.

Regional Names of Giloy

• Latin Name: Tinospora cordifolia
• Hindi Name: Giloy
• Marathi Name: Gulvel
• Gujarati Name: Galo
• Bengali Name: Gulanch
• Tamil Name: Shinilkodi
• Arabic Name: Gulanch
• Telugu Name: Tippatigo

Sanskrit Name: In Ayurveda, it is known by many Sanskrit names as mentioned in the Shloka written here.

गुडूची मधुपर्णी स्यादमृता अमृतवल्लरी।
छिन्ना छिन्नरूहा छिन्नोभ्द्वा वत्सादनीति च।।
जीवन्ती तन्त्रिका सोमा सोमवल्ली च कुण्डली।
चक्रलक्षणिका धीरा विशल्या च रसायनी।।
चन्द्रहासा वयस्था च मण्डली देवनिर्मिता।

— Bhavprakash Nighantu, Guduchiyaadivarga, 6-7-8

Meaning: Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amrita, Amritvallari, Chhinna, Chhinnrooha, Chhinnobhdwa, Vatsaadni, Jeewanti, Tantrika, Soma, Somvalli, Kundali, Chakralakshanika, Dheera, Vishalya, Rasayani, Chandrahasa, Vayastha, Mandali and Devnirmita, these all are the Sanskrit names of Giloy.

Habitat

Tinospora cordifolia is distributed throughout tropical regions of India that are located 1200meters above from sea level of kumaon to Assam. It is native to India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Giloy is very common vine found in deciduous and dry forests. In India it is easily available in Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka.

Ayurvedic Properties of Giloy

गुडूची कटुका तिक्ता स्वादुपाका रसायनी।।

Meaning: The Ras (taste) of Giloy is Bitter, Pungent, and Astringent, but its Vipaak (Final Action after Digestion) is Sweet.

संग्राहिणी कषायोष्णा लघ्वी बालया अग्निदीपिनी।

Meaning: Giloy is a Light, Astringent and Absorbent herb. It is hot in Potency.

Giloy Effects on Doshas

Giloy balances vata, pitta and kapha dosha.

Benefits of Giloy

दोषत्रयामतृड्दाहमेहकासांश्च पाण्डुताम्।।
कामलाकुष्ठवातास्त्रज्वरक्रिमिवमीन्हरेत्।
प्रमेहश्वासकासार्शः कृच्छ्रहृद्रोगवातनुत्।।

Meaning: Being possessed with the above mentioned properties, it Enhances Energy and improves Digestion, effectively Balances Tri-Dosha, Eliminates Toxins and Treats Excessive Thirst, Burning Sensations, Diabetes, Cough, Anemia, Jaundice, Leprosy, Gout, Pyrexia (Fever), Intestinal Worms, Vomiting, Obstinate Urinary Disorders, Bronchial Asthma, Piles, Urine Retention, Cardiac Diseases and Vata Disorders.

Therapeutic Properties of Giloy Ghan / Satva (Extract of Giloy)

• Immune-Modulator
• Anti-Viral
• Anti-Ageing
• Analgesic
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Anti-Diabetic
• Anti-pyretic
• Antiperiodic
• Spasmolytic
• Antirheumatic
• Hepatoprotective

  Actions of Giloy Ghan / Satva (Extract of Giloy)

• Balances Tri-Doshas
• Boosts Immunity Levels
• Treats Hyperpyrexia (High Fever)
• Controls Diabetes
• Combats Respiratory Problems
• Treats Pyrexia occurred due to Unknown Cause
• Helps in Liver Diseases
• Aids in Auto-Immune Disorders
• Helpful in Skin Ailments
• Effective in Bleeding Disorders
• Slows Down Ageing
• Helps in Kidney Problems
• Improves Blood Circulation
• Increases Platelet Count
• Aids in Joint Disorders
• Manages Uric Acid, & Creatinine Level in the Body
• Supports Healthy Heart
• Maintains Metabolic Health

  Guduchi Part used

  • Bark
  • Stem
  • Roots
  • Leaves

    Dosage

    • Stem powder – 3-6gms
    • Giloy satva – 500mg-1gm

      Why is Giloy called as Amrita?

      As per the ancient literatures and stories, it is said that Giloy was grown initially during the war of Lord Rama and Ravana. At that time, when a large number of the soldiers in Vaanar Sena (Army) of Lord Rama died then all the Divine Souls (Gods & Goddesses) appeared and showered the Amrit (nectar) as Rain. The drops that fell in the mouths of the army made them alive and the other drops that fell on Earth grown as plant, which is called as Amrita / Giloy.