Giloy tree: Facts, types, care and toxicity

Giloy is a herbaceous vine belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family, is native to India, and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known as Guduchi or Tinospora cordifolia and is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country. It is also known as “Amrita,” which means “the root of immortality” in Sanskrit because of its numerous health benefits.

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The plant has long, slender stems that can grow up to 20 feet long and heart-shaped leaves. The plant produces small, green flowers that grow in clusters.

The medicinal marvel: Giloy tree’s health benefits

The roots, stems, and leaves of the Giloy plant are used in traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, Giloy is considered a “Rasayana,” or a herb that promotes rejuvenation and helps to strengthen the body’s immune system. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties, which may help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis.

Giloy is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including fever, liver disorders, respiratory disorders, and skin conditions. It also boosts immunity, improves digestion, and reduces stress. However, more research is needed to understand the potential health benefits of Giloy.

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Giloy tree: Key facts

Name	Tinospora cordifolia
Common names	Gurjo, heart-leaved moonseed, guduchi or giloy
Family	Menispermaceae
Origin	India
Soil	Loamy and sandy soil rich in organic matter
Temperature	25-35°C
Sunlight	4-6 hrs of full sunlight per day
Flowers	Yellow
Leaves	Heart-shaped

Giloy tree: Varieties and physical description

Giloy is a perennial climbing shrub that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of India. Several varieties of the Giloy plant, also known as Tinospora cordifolia, are commonly found in different parts of India and other tropical countries. These varieties may vary in size, leaf shape, and other physical characteristics. Some common varieties of Giloy include:

Tinospora cordifolia

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Also known as “heart-leaved moonseed” or “Indian Guduchi”, it is a climbing shrub native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its immune-boosting and antioxidant properties.

Tinospora sinensis

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It is a variety of Giloy native to China and Japan. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, including as a tonic and to support immune function.

Tinospora crispa

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It is a variety of Giloy native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It is used in traditional medicine in these regions for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

It is important to note that different varieties of Giloy may have different medicinal properties and may be used for different purposes in traditional medicine.

Giloy tree: How to grow?

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a medicinal herb that is native to India and is a climbing shrub that can grow up to 30 feet in height, with long, thin, green stems and small, green leaves.

To grow a Giloy tree, you will need to start with a cutting from an existing plant. Here are the steps for growing a Giloy tree from a cutting:

Choose a healthy, mature Giloy plant to take your cutting from. Look for a stem at least six inches long with several healthy leaves.
Cut the stem just below a leaf node (the point on the stem where the leaves grow) using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top leaves. It will help reduce moisture loss and promote root growth.
Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, such as potting soil and perlite or sand. Water the soil well and place the cutting in a location that gets indirect sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and mist the cutting leaves regularly to increase humidity.
After about six to eight weeks, the cutting should have formed a good root system and can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoor garden bed.

It is crucial to provide the Giloy plant with the proper growing conditions to thrive. It includes providing plenty of sunlight (but not direct, hot sunlight), well-draining soil, and regular watering.

Giloy tree: Care tips

Giloy plants are relatively easy to grow and care for if they receive enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Your Giloy plant should thrive with proper care and provide beautiful foliage and medicinal benefits for years.

Here are some care tips for Giloy plants:

Choose a sunny location for your Giloy plant. Giloy plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Water your Giloy plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so check the soil moisture levels before watering.
Fertilise your Giloy plant with a balanced fertiliser every two-three weeks during the growing season.
Prune your Giloy plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases and take suitable measures to control them if necessary. Common pests include aphids and mealybugs, while common diseases include leaf spots and powdery mildew.
Remember that Giloy is a climbing plant and will need something to climb on, such as a trellis or fence.

Exploring Giloy tree’s healing properties

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a perennial climbing plant native to India and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered a “Rasayana,” or rejuvenating herb, and is believed to have various health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of Giloy include:

Boosting the immune system: Giloy is thought to have immune-boosting properties and may help the body fight off infections and diseases. Giloy includes antioxidants that helps increase the platelets and increase hemoglobin that helps fight infection.
Reducing inflammation: Giloy has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Lowering fever: Giloy has been traditionally used to reduce fever and is believed to have antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties.
Improving digestion: Giloy is thought to improve digestion and may help reduce symptoms of indigestion and constipation.
Reducing stress: Giloy has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Improving skin health: Giloy may have antioxidant and anti-ageing properties and may be beneficial for improving the health and appearance of the skin.

See also about: Planting seeds: How to plant a seed outdoors and indoors?

Giloy tree: Toxicity

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. While Giloy is generally considered safe to consume, it is possible that it could cause some side effects or interact with certain medications. For example, it may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea in some people and interfere with blood sugar control. If you experience these symptoms while taking Giloy, you should stop using the herb and speak to a healthcare professional.

It is also important to note that Giloy should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it is not known how the herb might affect foetal development or milk production.

FAQs

What are the medicinal uses of Giloy?

Giloy is a popular Ayurvedic herb known for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. It treats various ailments, including fever, diarrhoea, asthma, and skin disorders. It is also believed to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.

How do you use Giloy?

Giloy can be consumed in various forms, including as a powder, juice, or extract. It can be mixed with water or added to other beverages, such as milk or smoothies. It can also be taken as a supplement in capsule or tablet form. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Can you grow Giloy at home?

Yes, it is possible to grow Giloy at home. Giloy is a hardy plant that can be grown in various soil types and climates. It is a fast-growing plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. To grow Giloy at home, you can start with a stem cutting or a rooted plant and plant it in a pot or garden. Ensure to water the plant regularly and provide sufficient sunlight to encourage growth.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]

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