What Is Guduchi?

Guduchi, one of the most valued herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacy, is considered an effective treatment for a wide range of ailments—everything from the common cold to skin conditions. Discover how you can use it.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), also known as amrit, is one of the most valued herbs in the Ayurvedic pharmacy. According to myth, when the ancient gods churned the primordial ocean, an ambrosial nectar was created that would grant immortality to any who drank it. The nectar was named amrit, a Sanskrit word that means “imperishable

Although modern science hasn’t been able to confirm its immortalizing properties, a growing number of studies support guduchi’role as an adoptogen, a potent herb that increases the body’s resistance to stress, anxiety, and illness.

The shrub is native to India, and its root, stems, and leaves are used for healing.

The Potential Health Benefits of Guduchi

Guduchi has been used for thousands of years in India but is only just beginning to be available in the West. It is commonly used for:

• 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

Guduchi and the Dosh-as

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

How to Use Guduchi

Guduchi is usually available in powdered form, and the standard dosage for immune enhancement is 1 teaspoon, twice daily. It can be taken on an ongoing basis if you are facing a persistent health challenge such as cancer. At the onset of a cold or flu, taking guduchi for a week may help to fight off the infection.

Combined with other herbs: Guduchi can be combined with shatavari or ashwagandha as a general tonic, or with aloe vera juice for the purposes of detoxification.

As a paste: Guduchi can also be used in the form of a paste and applied directly to chronic skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.

One precaution to note: Although studies have shown no significant adverse side effects, guduchi can be slightly constipating if taken for long periods by those prone to sluggish bowels.

The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center’s Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

Guduchi, Moringa: These herbs can become your go-to home remedies to tackle chronic diseases

Indian women have relied on natural products like herbal pastes and powders for health and beauty needs for centuries. Many women still prefer home remedies and natural products to fancy brands and synthetic chemical-based products. Even today, herbs and formulations to tackle several chronic conditions are available and actually quite affordable in India given our rich flora and our treasure trove of Ayurvedic knowledge. We’ve listed a few healthy herbs to improve your well-being.

First up is Guduchi, a herb with distinct heart-shaped leaves that is used extensively in Ayurveda for the treatment of various infections, fevers, urinary tract disorders, digestive disorders as well as water borne diseases like jaundice. This makes it especially valuable for women who are vulnerable to infections or those who often end up using public toilets while travailing extensively for work. It is also a good idea to carry some Guduchi powder on vacations or leisure trips.

Guduchi is also commonly known as Giloy and its scientific name is Tinospora Cordifolia. It is found in abundance in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Guduchi is rich in antioxidants like ascorbic acid, lycopene and carotene–they have anti-ageing properties. The best way to consume is to use a powder made from the stem of the Guduchi herb. The powder can be mixed in water and honey. While, guduchi can help people with diabetes, it should only be taken under medical supervision.

SAFEGUARD HEALTH WITH HERBS: Build Your Immunity With Wheatgrass Powder: Wheatgrass is the big momma of all herbs. It is not only rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K, it also comes loaded with chlorophyll that is good for increasing production of haemoglobin in the body. Wheatgrass is also rich in proteins and contains 17 amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. You can either drink fresh wheatgrass juice or add wheatgrass powder to water and drink it right before your morning workout. However, wheat-grass may cause nausea, appetite loss and constipation in some people. Also, pregnant and lactating women are advised to consult their gynecological before consuming wheat grass.advertisement

Enhance your health with Moringa: Moringa or drumsticks is a nutrient dense herb and food. It is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic as well as cholesterol lowering properties. Moringa is a natural energy booster, so a cup of moringa infused tea in the afternoon can add to your productivity, whether in office or at home as you juggle domestic chores and run after your little ones. Consuming moringa leaves can help increase milk production in lactating mothers. Fresh moringa juice also helps women battle anaemia.

CONTROL BLEEDING WITH LODHRA: Another wonder herb worth exploring is Lodhra or Symplocos Raceme Roxb. It is a well known coagulant (coagulation is a process by which the blood forms clots to block and then heal a wound/cut to stop the bleeding). It is therefore used in the treatment of bleeding disorders such as bleeding wounds and gums.

Lodhra is especially helpful in inflammation of the uterus. It supports the female body during heavy menstrual discharge as well as white discharge (leucorrhoea). Lodhra is helpful in maintaining the health and strength of the uterus during pregnancy and may help prevent miscarriage too. It is also an important ingredient in face packs and anti-acne formulations due to its astringent properties.

Lodhra has properties for treatment of ulcers, diarrhoea and eye infections such as conjunctivitis, dry eyes syndrome and styes. It is found in abundance in the north eastern part of India. Try sprinkling some lodhra powder over a bowl of fresh sprouts or just add it to water and drink. However, don’t have more than 3 grams of lodhra powder a day. It is also advisable to ask your gynecologist before consuming lodhra if you are pregnant or lactating.

Boost hormonal health with Shatavari:  Women in the reproductive age can benefit from Shatavari or Asparagus Racemosus. Shatavari, literally means ‘woman with 100 husbands’ sealing its place in Ayurveda as a powerful ingredient in formulations designed to strengthen and energize the female reproductive system. It not only assists in hormonal balance, but also helps women transition peacefully into menopause. Shatavari is also an immunity booster and is good for maintaining high energy levels. You can mix half or one teaspoon of Shatavari in warm milk and add some honey to taste. However, women with estrogen sensitive tum ours should avoid Shatavari as should those who are taking diuretic drugs as Shatavari itself is a powerful diuretic.advertisement

Now that you are all set to give herbal remedies a shot, make sure you don’t go overboard. It is always advisable to consult your physician or a certified Ayurveda practitioner as all these herbal powders have medicinal value and should be taken only in quantities prescribed by a certified professional. After all, our ancient knowledge must be respected.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from

18 Proven Health Benefits Of Guduchi

Guduchi is an important herb that has been used in Ayurvedic Medicine for thousands of years. Also called Tinospora cordifolia, Giloy and the Nectar of Life, this plant is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It boasts of heart-shaped leaves, and its stem contains most of the healthy ingredients. They are inexpensive and sell for about $12 per pound.

One of the most popular uses of this herb is making it into tea. Take 1 teaspoon of the dried cut stem, a couple of peppercorns, 3 to 4 cumin seeds and boil them in water. Steep for 15 minutes, and drink 3 to 4 times a day. Guduchi is known for its detoxifying properties and help in respiratory diseases. It helps boost immunity and heals liver problems too. Here are more benefits to adding this herb to your daily diet.

Benefits

1. Guduchi is a powerful detoxifying agent which gets rid of toxic chemicals in the liver and blood. Our liver is a vital organ in the body that takes care of a number of enzymatic process in the body. It also produces energy so we can have vitality, so taking care of the liver by consuming Guduchi is a good idea. It helps prevent hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. Another good detoxifying mix is Guduchi combined with ashwagandha and aloe vera.
2. This herb increases metabolism, which in effect gives you more energy and helps you lose weight.
3. Guduchi helps improves a person’s memory and maintain a person’s cognitive abilities even into old age.
4. Guduchi contains alkaloids, berberine, columbine, tinosporol, chasmanthin, palmarin, tinosporic acid, and tinosporon; all of which are powerful antioxidants.
5. Those who have skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can benefit from Guduchi. You can make a paste from the powder and apply it directly on your skin. It provides additional moisture, making your skin supple and look younger.
6. Because Guduchi contains lots of powerful antioxidants, it can help to fend off colds and flu during the winter months.
7. Research shows that Guduchi has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that work even better than aspirin. It helps with arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, gout, redness, pain and swelling in every part of the body.
8. When you have symptoms of an allergy, like sneezing, congestion and a terrible runny nose, eating Guduchi does wonders in alleviating them.
9. This wonderful herb, like many other adaptogens, helps increase circulation in the whole body and in the coronary arteries.
10. Guduchi works wonders for asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions because of its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
11. Guduchi is an adaptogen like Ashwagandha. Taken at the rate of 50 mg per pound, this wonderful herb helps with anxiety and stress that we encounter in this day and age. Stress, in effect, creates inflammation which leads to disease.
12. There are studies showing that the immune system becomes invigorated with Guduchi, thus aiding in killing cancer cells. It also promotes white blood cell production, which in turn gets rid of bacteria and viruses.
13. Guduchi also helps ease the grueling side effects of chemotherapy, so you can rest and recuperate better after every session.
14. Powdered Guduchi works well for lowering fevers of all kinds, especially those caused by malaria and dengue.
15. Guduchi helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-induced nerve pain.
16. Guduchi has long been known to help with sexual vitality, impotence, ejaculation problems and spermatorrhea.
17. Its antioxidants help prevent and heal DNA damage, helping prevent disease and slow the aging process.
18. This wonderful herb is also a powerful diuretic that helps with edema and getting rid of excess water accumulatizn

The health promoting powers of guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) were so respected by the authors of the ancient Ayurvedic texts that they called it “Amrita” or “Divine Nectar.” A powerful nutritive tonic, guduchi is one of the best herbs for balancing vata and pitta. It has the unusual characteristic of being heating while simultaneously removing excess pitta from the body. This heat burns accumulated natural toxins purifying the liver, kidneys, joints, and blood. It also helps soothe the skin and promotes a clear, healthy complexion. As a rejuvenation, guduchi strengthens the tissues, bolsters immunity, and promotes vitality while calming the mind and supporting proper function of the nervous system. It is also traditionally used to promote longevity and to support healthy reproduction.*