Ministry Of Ayush Tweeted The Medicinal Properties Of Giloy: Encouraging Everyone To Consume It
By Nmami Agarwal 30-Jan 2022 Reading Time: 4 Mins
Lucky us that we were born and raised in India, a country diversified by herbs and spices. You may have overheard your grandparents talking about the tremendous benefits of Ayurveda, or you’ve been told so. Either way, the advice might be true and interesting. One of the Ayurveda medicines is Giloy which is thought to be “knight in shining armour” Ayurveda.
Ancient people have used Giloy to treat several diseases, conditions, and the list goes on. It’s no surprise that Government wants us to stay fit and healthy, that is why the Ministry of Ayush is encouraging people to take giloy because of its exceptional health benefits. With hashtags like #giloyissafe and #medicinal properties, the Ministry of Ayush recently tweeted the medicinal properties of giloy.
Let’s take a deeper look at why giloy is a magical potion for various health complications.
WHY GILOY?
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a plant native to India but also found in China. Giloy is known for its ample benefits. Although all the parts of the plant are used in Ayurveda medicine, the stem is thought to have the most benefits. There are several bioactive compounds (terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids) present in Giloy which make its nutritional profile known for therapeutic uses.
Giloy is used to treat many conditions. Some of them are given hereunder;
- Fever
- Asthma
- Diarrhoea
- Skin infections
- Gout
- Jaundice
- Diabetes
- Urinary problems
- Dysentery
- Eye conditions
Steroids in giloy are good for skin health, wound healing, and cardiovascular health. Lignans in plants are known to prevent viruses, fungi, and other microbes. Terpenoids have antidiabetic properties. Alkaloids are known to have therapeutic properties. When taken in large amounts, alkaloids can harm as well. Interestingly, ancient people have used alkaloids as remedies and as poisons. Some of the therapeutic uses of alkaloids are;
- Pain relief
- Cancer
- Malaria
- Blood pressure
- Blood spasms
EVIDENCE
Studies have proven that giloy reduces blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity. It also has antioxidant properties which can prevent certain cancers. Giloy improves immunity by preventing certain infections and works best for those who have a fragile immune system. However, some of the studies need more conclusive evidence as a few studies were performed on rats and lab cells therefore it’s vague that benefits would apply to all.
DOWNSIDES
There are not any downsides to consuming giloy. However, individuals should not exceed the dosage recommended on the label and should ask health professionals before considering it as it could not be good for certain people who are pregnant, lactating and have autoimmune diseases.
OVER TO YOU
It’s safe to take giloy for almost everyone but it’s always best to take some advice from a qualified health professional before adding anything to your diet and to reduce the health risk of any health glitches.