Guduchi (Tenospora Cordifolia), Giloy Uses, benefits, Dravyaguna notes.

 Guduchi– The Divine Herb of Ayurveda (A Complete Guide)

Giloy, also known as Guduchi, is one of the most respected medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. Popularly known for promoting immunity, balancing Doshas, and rejuvenating the body. Giloy has been used for centuries in classical formulations and home remedies alike. In recent years, it has also gained global recognition due to its powerful health-promoting properties.

Table of content

1. Names of Guduchi in Different Languages
2. Where is Guduchi Found?
3. Ayurvedic Properties of Guduchi
4. Karma
5. Systemic Action of Guduchi (Sansthangata Prabhava)
6. Classical References of Guduchi
7. Modern Research on Guduchi
8. How to Use Guduchi
9. Dosage (General)
10. Conclusion
11. Disclaimer

Names of Guduchi in Different Languages

Guduchi is known by various names across India and in different languages:

Language	Name
Sanskrit	Guduchi, Amrita, Chakralaksha
Hindi	Giloy, Gurch
English	Indian Tinospora, Heart-leaved Moonseed
Marathi	Gulvel
Gujarati	Galo
Tamil	Seendhil Kodi
Kannada	Amrutha Balli
Telugu	Tippa-teega
Malayalam	Chittamruthu
Bengali	Gulancha
Punjabi	Batindu

 

These regional names often reflect the reverence people hold for the herb in local healing traditions

Botanical Description

Latin/Botanical Name: Tinospora cordifolia

Family: Menispermaceae

Common English Name: Indian Tinospora or Heart-leaved Moonseed

Guduchi is a climbing shrub that twines around large trees. It bears heart-shaped leaves and long aerial roots. The stem is succulent with a papery bark, and the plant flowers during summer and fruits during winter.

Where is Guduchi Found?

Guduchi is native to the tropical regions of India and is commonly found growing wild in forests, garden, and even roadside areas.

Regions where it is commonly found:

Sub-Himalayan regions

Central and Southern India

Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Note- It prefers warm, humid climates and grows best in areas with well-drained, loamy soil.

Ayurvedic Properties of Guduchi

Guduchi is classified in Ayurveda as a Rasayana, meaning a rejuvenating herb that nourishes the tissues and enhances vitality.

Property	Description
Rasa (Taste)	Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Quality)	Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya (Potency)	Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive taste)	Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha effect	Tridoshahara – Balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

 

Guduchi is known for -Pacifying Pitta due to its bitterness.

Kapha due to its drying and detoxifying properties.

Vata through its nourishing effect.

Karma-

·         Kushthagna (Combats skin disease)

·         Vedana-sthapana (helps to relief pain)

·         Trishna-nigraha (relieves thirst)

·         Chardi-nigraha (Anti-Emetic)

·         Deepan-paachan (Increases digestive fire and aids digestion)

·         Pitta-saarak (enhance bile flow)

·         Anulomana (Vata anulomak)

·         Krumighna (Anti-helmentic)

·         Hridya (Good for heart)

·         Rakta-shodhak (Blood purifier)

·         Kaphagna (Pacifies Kapha)

·         Pramehahar (Anti-diabetic)

·         Jwaraghna –Dahaprashaman (Anti-pyretic)

·         Rasayan (Rejuvinator)

Systemic Action of Guduchi (Sansthangata Prabhava)

Guduchi’s healing effects are evident across various systems of the body. Below is a breakdown of how it works within the major systems:

1. Immune System

Guduchi acts as an immunomodulator. It strengthens immunity by enhancing the functioning of macrophages and promoting the body’s innate defense mechanisms.

2. Digestive System

Improves digestion (Deepana)

Detoxifies the gut (Ama-pachana)

Beneficial in hyperacidity, indigestion, and loss of appetite

3. Hepatic System (Liver)

Guduchi is known as a hepatoprotective herb.

Supports liver function

Used in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, and fatty liver

Enhances bile secretion

4. Respiratory System

Reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract

Beneficial in asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough

5. Nervous System

Guduchi is medhya – a brain tonic. It improves:

Memory and concentration

Reduces anxiety and stress

Helps in neuroinflammatory conditions

6. Urinary System

Acts as a diuretic

Helpful in urinary tract infections (UTI) and renal dysfunction

7. Skin and Blood

Purifies blood (Rakta-shodhak)

Helps in skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and acne

Promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation

8. Metabolism & Endocrine System

Guduchi helps in:

Regulating blood sugar levels (anti-diabetic property)

Managing autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

Classical References of Guduchi

Guduchi has been mentioned in all major classical Ayurvedic texts:

1. Charaka Samhita

Classified under Rasayana and Jwarahara (fever-reducing) herbs.

 "Amrita jwaraghni tikta tridoshaghni rasayani."

(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 4/12)

2. Sushruta Samhita

Described as a vital herb in fever, skin diseases, and blood purification.

3. Ashtanga Hridaya

Used in formulations to balance agni (digestive fire) and eliminate ama (toxins).

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Elaborates on its medhya, vayahsthapan, and doshahara properties.

Modern Research on Guduchi

Guduchi has attracted attention in modern pharmacology and clinical research:

·         Antipyretic activity: Helps in reducing fever.

·         Antioxidant effects: fights free radicals.

·         Anti-cancer properties: Studies indicate cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

·         Adaptogenic action: Enhances resistance to stress.

Many published studies confirm the efficacy of Guduchi in treating COVID-related fever, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune disorders.

How to Use Guduchi

Guduchi is available in various forms in market:

o   Powder (Churna)

o   Tablets (Giloy Ghanvati)

o   Decoction (Kadha)

o   Juice (Giloy Swarasa)

o   Satva (Starch extract)

Dosage (General):

o   Guduchi Powder: 3–6 grams daily or as directed by the physician.

o   Giloy Juice: 15–30 ml with water or as directed by the physician.

o   Satva: 500 mg – 1 gram twice daily or as directed by the physician.

Note: Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before starting any herb.

Conclusion

Guduchi is truly a miraculous herb that embodies the principles of Ayurveda — holistic, healing, and harmonizing. It rejuvenates the body, boosts immunity, balances doshas, and fights chronic diseases naturally. As modern science continues to explore its potential, Guduchi stands tall as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary wellness.

Whether you’re an Ayurvedic practitioner, a health enthusiast, or someone simply looking to strengthen immunity, Guduchi is herb worth including in your wellness journey.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

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