9 Benefits of Giloy and its 4 Side Effect

Giloy or Tinospora Cordifolia is an Ayurveda herb and has been in use by the Indian system of medicine for ages.

It is known to bear amazing medicinal properties and its benefits are also approved by the FDA.⁽¹⁾

Giloy can be consumed in the form of powder, capsules or juice.

Its benefits are:

Giloy is an herb used to give a boost to the immune system. It contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and, purifies the blood, and helps the body to get rid of diseases.

It is also used to combat liver disease and urinary tract infections.

The antipyretic nature of Giloy makes it successful in helping get rid of stubborn fevers. It can reduce the signs and symptoms of several life-threatening conditions like dengue, swine flu, and malaria.

Giloy extract can be combined with honey to treat malaria.

Giloy plays a role in improving digestive function and treating bowel related issues.

It can be taken with amla or jaggery to get rid of constipation. It can be taken with buttermilk to treat piles.

Giloy has hypoglycemic properties that help treat type 2 diabetes. It helps reduce the blood sugar levels and works wonders for diabetics.⁽²⁾

Giloy juice can be consumed by a diabetic to bring their sugar levels in the normal range.

Giloy is an adaptogenic herb; it helps get rid of toxins in the body, boost memory and gives a calming effect.

It helps reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. It also protects the brain from the damage caused by free radicals.

It is an excellent health tonic.

Giloy with its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties help get rid of the several symptoms of arthritis.⁽³⁾

For arthritis, powder of Giloy stem can be boiled in milk and consumed.

It is used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Asthma is a disease that is characterized by chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc.⁽⁴⁾

Chewing giloy roots or drinking its juice gives symptomatic relief to the patients suffering from asthma.

Giloy also possesses anti-aging properties that help in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

It keeps the skin bring, young and glowing.

Giloy powder is used by many in several parts of India to boost vision.

Boil giloy powder in water and let it cool down. Apply it over the eyelids.

The extremely beneficial giloy does not have any serious side-effects. It is used to treat numerous health conditions from the simplest to life-threatening ones.

Some of its side effects are:

Although giloy is extremely beneficial in treating a digestive health problem, it can irritate the stomach and cause constipation as well.

No matter what form it is consumed in, juice, powder or syrup, constipation is one of the serious side effects of giloy.

If you are a diabetic and taking giloy as an alternative treatment along with the prescribed diabetes drugs, you need to monitor the blood sugar levels frequently.

There would be a need to adjust or change the medicines prescribed for diabetes.

Giloy can stimulate the immune system and make it more active.

Those suffering from an autoimmune condition such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, might observe an increase in the symptoms.

It is best to avoid giloy in such cases.

Giloy leads to side effects on the blood sugar level. Therefore it can affect the blood sugar levels before and after surgery also. This increases the risk of complications from surgery.

It is therefore advised to avoid giloy for few weeks before and after surgery.

Giloy should also be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding females, as you need to be safe during this time and avoid any unnecessary effects on the fetus and infant. Also, it is important to be aware of all the benefits and side effects before consuming it for any health benefit.