The scientific name of Giloy is "Tinospora Cordifolia". It is known as -
1. Heartleaf Moonseed in English.
2. Giloya or Guduchi in Hindi
3. Gulancha or Palo in Bengali
4. Tippaatigo in Telugu
5. Shindilakodi in Tamil
6. Gulavel in Marathi
7. Amrita Balli or Amrutha Balli in Kannada
8. Gado or Galo in Gujarati
9. Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amrita, Chinnaruha,Vatsadaani, Tantrika, Kundalini or Chakralakshanika in Sanskrit
10. Boraphet in Thai
Giloy is one of the most popular and useful Ayurvedic herb. It has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicines to treat health related problems and diseases. The most important part of these plant which is used for therapeutic purpose is its fresh stem. It is commercially available in the market in its dried state.
Benefits of Giloy :
Giloy is beneficial in treating fever, gout and jaundice, skin diseases, secondary syphilis, rheumatism, constipation, tuberculosis and leprosy. It is a powerful blood purifier. It is an antihelminthic, anti-periodic, anti-arthritic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory. It acts as a tonic and aphrodisiac. This is a herb which was recommended by Swami Ramdev of Patanjali Yog for treatment of Swine Flu. It is also recommended in the case of bird flu and chikengunia.
Giloy roots have powerful antioxidant. It is used in cancer prevention and treatment. It helps to lower the high cholesterol level, maintain sugar level and protects liver as well. It is used as strong anti-aging factor. It has been used to treat severe illnesses, arthritis, food allergies and anemia. Giloy helps the body to adopt to stress. It is also reported to provide relief in piles and dysentery. The stem is used in conditions like generalized weakness , dyspepsia, pyrexias of unknown origin (fevers) and many urinary tract infections. Some of the health experts and Ayurvedic doctors also prescribe Tinospora or Giloy for some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. The herb is useful in treating various skin diseases and in some cases, hyperacidity too. It is considered the best herb for clearing microcirculatory system. Its juice is very effective in removing both exogenous toxins. It clears out the brain toxin that inhibits mental function. The root and bark is used for the treatment of respiratory problems such as asthma.
The Parts of Giloy that is used for curing diseases are :