Tinospora cordifolia also referred to as Guduchi is known as the immunity plant or ‘Amrita’ in Ayurveda. It is a herb that possesses a great medicinal value in the science of life. It is also known as Giloy. Guduchi in Ayurveda has since ages renowned for its various health benefits.
It has constituents such as terpenes, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids.
Ayurveda mentions several Guduchi benefits. The herb is used for its pharmacological aspects. It has anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Why Guduchi is so Popular in Ayurveda?
The benefits of Guduchi are enormous and in ancient times the herb was used for those benefits. Till today people use it as an immunity booster. It acts as a shield to protect your body from viruses and diseases.
Guduchi in Ayurveda is mentioned as a plant with diverse roles and versatile resources for all life forms on earth.
Mythological History Of Guduchi [5]
According to mythology, during a historic battle between Rama and Ravana, many of Rama’s monkey warriors were slain. In celebration of Ravana’s defeat, Lord Indra sprinkled an elixir over the fallen monkeys, granting them rebirth. Wherever the elixir touched the earth, Guduchi plants sprang up.
How To Identify Guduchi Plant? [6]
To identify the Guduchi plant (Tinospora cordifolia), look for its heart-shaped leaves, typically 2-5 inches long, with a shiny surface and prominent central vein. The plant has a thick, woody, greenish-brown stem that climbs or creeps along supports. Its bark is rough and scaly, and it produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that form clusters. The plant also bears small, round berries that turn red or orange when ripe. Guduchi is a climbing vine, often growing up to 15-30 feet long, and may have a slightly bitter odor.
Chemical Composition of Guduchi [2]
The chemical constituents identified in this shrub include a variety of classes such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolics, aliphatic compounds, and polysaccharides.
Common Names Of Guduchi [3]
Language | Name |
Assamese | Siddhilata, Amarlata |
Bengali | Gulancha |
Gujarati | Galac, Garo |
Hindi | Giloy, Gurcha |
Kannada | Amrutaballi |
Kashmiri | Amrita, Gilo |
Malayalam | Chittamrutu |
Marathi | Gulvel |
Oriya | Guluchi |
Punjabi | Gilo |
Tamil | Seendal, Seendil kodi |
Telugu | Thippateega |
Urdu | Gilo |
Medicinal Properties Of Guduchi [7]
The following are the medicinal properties of Guduchi:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-hyperglycemic
- Anti-hyperlipidemic
- Hepatoprotective
- Cardiovascular protective
- Neuroprotective
- Osteoprotective
- Radioprotective
- Anti-anxiety
- Adaptogenic
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-pyretic
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-ulcer
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-cancer
Health Benefits Of Guduchi [1]
- Promotes Digestion
Guduchi, known for its remarkable digestive and carminative qualities, is highly beneficial for digestive issues. Its anti-flatulent properties help reduce gas formation in the digestive tract, alleviating flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension. Rich in essential nutrients, Guduchi also serves as a powerful appetizer, enhancing appetite, easing indigestion, and improving nutrient absorption in the body.
- Regulates Diabetes
Guduchi’s hypoglycemic properties are crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. It helps to minimize the conversion of starch into glucose, thereby aiding in the management of diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
- Appeases Fever
Guduchi’s antipyretic properties help lower body temperature and alleviate pain associated with chronic fevers, while also decreasing the risk of other infectious diseases.
- Bolster Immunity
Regarded as an exceptional rejuvenating herb, Guduchi enhances overall immune function. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help eliminate toxins from the body and protect against a range of microbial infections.
- Inflammation Benefits
Guduchi exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it an effective remedy for alleviating pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout.
- Respiratory Problems
Guduchi’s antibacterial and expectorant properties make it an effective remedy for various respiratory issues. It aids in clearing mucus from the nasal passages and offers gradual relief from chronic chest congestion.
- Relieves Anxiety
As a natural stress-reliever, Guduchi is frequently combined with other herbal ingredients to effectively address various psychological issues. It helps balance the irregular Vata and Pitta doshas in the body, which in turn regulates serotonin levels and alleviates anxiety-related symptoms such as restlessness, unease, sweating, tremors, and cold extremities.
- Augments Skin
As a rejuvenating herb, Guduchi excels at detoxifying the body. Its anti-inflammatory and powerful analgesic properties are particularly valuable for treating various skin conditions and addressing signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, spots, freckles, and pigmentation.
- Improves Liver Function
Guduchi’s powerful hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulant properties make it an effective liver tonic, aiding in the treatment of various liver disorders, particularly jaundice, which significantly impairs liver function.
- Enhanced Cognitive Functions
The potent antioxidants and flavonoids in Guduchi help regulate the brain’s antioxidant enzyme system and protect dopaminergic neurons, thereby improving memory, concentration, focus, calmness, and overall alertness.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Guduchi & Effects on Dosha [5]
- Taste: Kashaya (astringent), Katu (pungent), and Tikta (bitter)
- Quality: Guru (heavy) and Snigdha (unctuous)
- Potency: Ushna (heating energy)
- Resultant Effect: Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect)
- Therapeutic Effects: Rejuvenative, Immunomodulatory, and Adaptogenic
- Effects on Organs: Stomach, Intestines, Liver, Heart, Blood, and Skin
Guduchi’s Tridoshic Rasayana properties make it an effective herb for balancing all three doshas; Vata (air), Pitta (fire and air), and Kapha (earth and water).
Dosage Of Guduchi
The appropriate dosage of Guduchi can vary based on individual factors such as age, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall health. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations.
Side Effects Of Guduchi [7]
Due to its numerous benefits, Guduchi typically has no reported side effects or contraindications when taken in the recommended dosage. However, excessive or prolonged use of Guduchi supplements may lead to a warming sensation in the body and gastrointestinal issues.
Contraindications Of Guduchi [2]
Guduchi extracts and supplements can aid in managing diabetes, but if you are already using allopathic medications for an autoimmune disease, it is crucial to consult a doctor. Without proper medical supervision, combining these anti-diabetic formulations could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.
Precautions [3]
While some reports suggest that Guduchi is safe for pregnant and lactating women, it is strongly recommended to seek approval from a healthcare provider or lactation specialist before using Guduchi in any form to prevent potential side effects.
Conclusion:
The future of humankind with the help of Ayurvedic medicine is vivid, prolonged and vast. Herbs such as Guduchi promote healthy living by preventing ageing, provide immunity, healing the body, detoxifying and excreting Ama from the body. Ayurveda leaves no stone unturned to help humanity.
Disclaimer
This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
