Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Guduchi

Scientifically known as Tinospora Cordifolia, Guduchi has become one of the most commonly used ingredients in Ayurvedic medicines.

Giloy is a herb with a bitter taste that can treat many Vata and Kapha dosha diseases. It is commonly known as Guduchi in India and is hence a huge part of Ayurvedic medicine.

Health benefiting properties of Guduchi:

Guduchi is an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (that reduce fever) herb and is useful in building up the immune system and the body's defense against infections.

It has immunomodulatory, Hepatoprotective, Cardioprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Analgesic effect, and hence, confirms the ayurvedic view of Guduchi as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and an immunity booster.

Health Benefits & Uses of Guduchi:

• Treats Chronic Fever

Free radicals and oxidative stress have become common causes of many health issues.

Chronic fever is often seen in adults and teens when these toxins fail to get out of your body. Sometimes, some alien particles enter your body and cause chronic fever too.

Guduchi has certain anti-inflammatory properties that can boost your immunity and the production of good bacteria in the gut that can fight various diseases.

Drinking Guduchi juice daily or having it in the form of a capsule can reduce fever and give you some relief from pain and aches caused by chronic fever.

• Protects you from Covid-19

Coronavirus infection is spreading very quickly. It has become double the size of a pandemic than it was before.

The only things that can prevent the spread of Covid-19 are strengthening immunity, social distancing, wearing double masks and washing hands frequently.

While many people are exposed to the infection, a few get affected and a few don't have a terrible impact.

The only difference between these people is immunity, of course, other things would matter too such as age, obesity, diseases.

However, if you have a good immune system, the impact of coronavirus is less severe or is nullified. Drinking Guduchi juice can hence save you from this deadly virus.

• Maintains Blood Sugar Levels

Lack of insulin production allows your body to absorb more sugar and hence, many people have diabetes these days.

Guduchi is also known as Madhunashini in Ayurveda which literally translates 'destroyer of sugar'.

Drinking Guduchi juice daily can reverse insulin resistance and improve your body's production of insulin.

This helps reduce the absorption of sugar or glucose in your blood. Furthermore, it also helps utilize the excess sugar as energy.

• Boosts Digestion

Since Guduchi has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can repair your gut health and help to balance the gut flora.

It also aids in the digestion and breakdown of food ingredients.

Many people have several digestive disorders and they remain problematic throughout their lives.

They may even depend on antacids and several anti-inflammatory pills but nothing works. Guduchi has unique characteristics and properties that improve digestive processes and treat diarrhoea, hyperacidity, acid reflux etc.

• Prevents Ageing

Guduchi is an anti-ageing herb that prevents cellular damage and initiates the growth of new cells and tissues.

It also boosts the production of collagen for your skin, hair and bones.

Guduchi nourishes the skin and prevents the skin from looking very dull and pale. Guduchi has thus become a part of many cosmetic products and is recommended by many Ayurvedic practitioners.

Women who seek anti-ageing and youthful skin solutions should definitely consume Guduchi every day.

• Protects Heart Health

“Guduchi modulates lipid metabolism via inhibiting glucuronide and cholesterol and also protects hearts against infarction with its antioxidant properties.”

Many heart patients are recommended to consume Guduchi every day to improve their overall health.

It not only increases your body’s immunity but also takes care of your heartbeat rhythm and diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Reduces Arthritis Pain

Studies have shown how cytokines can promote inflammation. These cytokines are majorly responsible for arthritis pain and discomfort.

Since Guduchi has anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and also reduce the inflammatory effect.

Guduchi is said to promote cytoblasts that help in promoting bone health and growth.

This is said to prevent damage caused to bone cartilage and joint health, overall. You should hence take Guduchi tablets or its juice if you have arthritis.

• Works as An Immunomodulator

There are so many products that contain Guduchi that are said to boost immunity naturally. And, they truly do. Here’s how:

It boosts the phagocytic activity of macrophages that act as the first line of defense for your body.

In absence of these phagocytic activities, your body becomes very weak and fails to fight alien bacteria and viruses.

It improves antigen-specific recall response. Just a tablespoon of this juice is enough to keep the diseases away. 

• Reduces Fear and Anxiety

Since Guduchi has many antioxidant properties, it said to remove brain toxins and improve overall brain health.

It is said to improve cognitive abilities such as memory and concentration that can help you focus better on your tasks and perform well.

It regulates serotonin and other happy hormones that can calm your fears and anxiety by producing a happy mood and great energy levels.

Doctors usually recommend it for one to three months to fight anxiety.

• Improves Libido

Both men and women have low libido at some point in their lives. It is not a new problem, if you or your partner has a low libido due to various health issues, Guduchi juice or tablets can help.

It is said to be a natural aphrodisiac that can reduce stress and anxiety about performance.

Its powder or juice should be consumed regularly to boost energy and stamina in men. It also works as an antidepressant for men and women that boosts mood and energy levels.

Side-Effects of Guduchi:

Guduchi is one of the safest Ayurvedic herbs you will ever find, even for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

However, like every other herb, moderation is the key to maintain the safety of Giloy or Guduchi. Here are some rare and minimal side effects of consuming this herb:

• It is not recommended to be consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers without consulting their healthcare expert.

• It is a great medicinal herb to maintain and reduce blood sugar levels, but when taken in excess, it can cause the sugar levels to drop too much.

• If you have an autoimmune disease, kindly talk to your doctor before taking it or avoid consuming it.

Conclusion:

The herb is indeed loved by many Ayurveda experts and recommended first hand for every other health problem. 

Hope you liked the amazing health benefits, uses and side effects of Guduchi.🙏