Tinospora Cordifolia

Description

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of medicine, rooted in the ancient Indian scriptures known as The Vedas. According to the Vedas, the entire universe is a manifestation of five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. The human being, a non-separate manifestation born of the universe, is also comprised of these very elements. Thus, living in harmony with the external universe and balancing the flow of the five elements in the human physiology maintains health and well-being. What we take into our body affects this cosmic dynamism more than anything else, and this is where the significance of plant medicines comes to light.

The World Health Organization reported that 80% of the world population relies chiefly on traditional medicines involving the use of plant extracts or their active constituents. India with its mega-biodiversity and knowledge of rich ancient traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Amchi and local health traditions) provide a strong base for the utilization of a large number of plants in general healthcare and alleviation of common ailments of the people . Tinospora cordifolia or Giloy is one of the noncontroversial and extensively used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine.

The sacred origin of guduchi is described in the Indian epic, The Ramayana and the sacred text of the Durga Saptshati. Vaidya Ramakant Mishra recounts the myth of guduchi from The Ramayana saying that guduchi began growing on Earth from the hands of Lord Indra. Lord Rama made a special prayer to Lord Indra asking Indra to resurrect all the monkeys and bears from his army that had died during the war with the rakshasa (demon), Ravana. Upon hearing the wish from Rama, Lord Indra granted Rama the boon and sprinkled nectar from the heavens to resurrect the animals. As the nectarous drops fell upon the bodies of the dead monkeys and bears, they suddenly came back to life. The nectarous drops that fell on the Earth formed the sacred guduchi or Giloy plant.

Active Ingredients of Guduchi, Giloy

The chemical constituents reported from Tinospora cordifol belong to different classes such as

• Alkaloids
• Diterpenoid Lactones
• Glycosides
• Steroids
• Sesquiterpenoid
• Phenolics
• Aliphatic compounds
• Polysaccharides

The notable medicinal properties reported are anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti- stress, anti-leprotic, anti-malarial, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activities.

Benefits of Guduchi, Giloy

• Allergies and symptoms of hay fever
• Arthritis and inflammation
• Chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema
• Gout and rheumatic disorders
• Hepatitis and jaundice (helps protect the liver from exposure to toxins)
• Immune system enhancement
• Preventing colds and flu
• Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy drugs

Classification of Guduchi, Giloy

• Kingdom : Plantae
• Subkingdom : Tracheobionta
• Division : Magnoliophyta
• Class : Magnoliopsida
• Subclass : Ranunculidae
• Order : Ranunculales
• Family : Menispermaceae
• Genus : Tinospora
• Species : cordifolia

Habitat of Guduchi, Giloy

They prefer deciduous and dry forests. It thrives easily in tropical regions, often growing to great heights, and growing over hedges and small trees.

The wood is white, soft, and porous, and when freshly cut, quickly assumes a yellow tin

Uses & Effectiveness

• Boosts Immunity
• Treats Chronic Fever
• Treats Diabetes
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• Fights Respiratory Problems
• Treats Arthritis
• Reduces Asthmatic Symptoms
• Improves Vision
• Reduces Signs Of Aging
• Jaundice
• Obesity
• Psoriasis : Apply the dust mixing with coconut oil.
• In common Gastric problems like anorexia and Indigestion.
• In cardiac tremor : To be taken with Black pepper.
• In Spleen Problem.

Dosage

One capsule twice daily

Effect on Doshas

Amrit contains the bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes. Although it’s traditionally used to remove accumulated Pitta, guduchi can balance all the doshas.

Bio Energetics of Guduchi, Giloy

Side Effects of Guduchi, Giloy

Stop using Guduchi and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Burning sensation of the abdomen
• Avoid use of Guduchi during pregnancy
• Diabetic patients on an anti-diabetic treatment plan should use Guduchi with utmost care and consult a healthcare practitioner before use
• It is imperative to monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis
• Immunosuppressant group of drugs and hypoglycemic drugs can interact with Guduchi