Giloy: The only Ayurvedic herb you need to boost your immunity

As the nation continues to put a united front against the battle with the novel coronavirus, people are going back the herbal way to boost their immune system and take better care of their health. What if we told you that the secret to battling seasonal ailments and a host of other medical conditions can be found in heart-shaped leaves? Yes, since time immemorial, giloy has been hailed for its medicinal properties and a host of health benefits. The scientific name of this age-old miraculous herb is Tinospora Cordifolia and it is also known as ‘Amrita’ in Sanskrit, which literally translates to 'the root of immortality'.

Packed with healing and medicinal properties, this wonder herb has been advocated in Indian medicines and its extracts are actually used as a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines. Recent reports have suggested that giloy may also help in alleviating the symptoms of autoimmune conditions like SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and chronic arthritis. Consuming the extracts of this herb can also be immensely beneficial for those suffering from chronic fever, high sugar levels and even a disturbed digestive system.

If you are looking for a natural remedy to kickstart your immune system during this pandemic scare, look no further. This remedial plant is not only an abundant source of antioxidants, but it also helps in removing toxins from your body, alleviating the symptoms of cold, cough and fever and fighting liver disease and urinary tract infections.

If you are suffering from diabetes, giloy may also help in balancing the blood sugar levels in your body as it acts as a hypoglycaemic agent. We are listing down three ways you can consume the roots and stems of this medicinal plant to rev up your immune system.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways of including giloy in your diet plan is to make the giloy kadha at home. To make this kadha, you will need:

2 finger-long giloy sticks (stems)

4-5 tulsi leaves (holy basil)

2-inch ginger

2-inch raw turmeric

Jaggery or honey (as per taste)

Add two glasses of water in a pan over medium heat. Add all the ingredients and let the kadha boil till it becomes half of its original quantity. Strain carefully in a cup. You may add jaggery or honey as per your taste. The addition of holy basil leaves, ginger and turmeric enhance the immunity-boosting properties of giloy. During the changing weather, drinking this giloy kadha in the morning can help in battling seasonal flu, asthma attacks and bouts of cold and cough.

If you are not a fan of concoctions and kadhas, you can simply whip out a glass of fresh giloy and aloe vera juice from the comfort of your home. You will need:

1.A leaf of aloe vera

2. 2 fresh stems of giloy

3.4-5 basil leaves

Wash all the ingredients in running water properly. Next, peel the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf to reveal the pulp. Wash this pulp in plain, drinking water and then put all the ingredients in the blender, along with half a glass of water. Strain the juice in a glass and add honey as per your taste.

If you cannot get your hands on fresh giloy leaves and stem, fret not. There are plenty of giloy tablets and powders available in the market which will help you include this high in oxidants herb in your diet. Always speak your medical provider or family doctor for the ideal dosage of giloy in your daily routine.

DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.