There is a common proverb, ‘your body is a temple, which means that one should treat their body like a place of worship. They should regard it with utmost care and attention and maintain it as they would any place of worship. This fact has been stressed more often post the Covid-19 pandemic. Health experts have constantly stressed the importance of boosting our immunity to prevent ourselves from contracting the Covid-19 and/or experiencing its worse symptoms, including death. Since almost everyone was at home during the lockdown, the internet was a common tool to connect to family, friends, and doctors. Amongst the top Google searches during the pandemic was the search to boost one’s immunity. The giloy juice was one of the recommended immunity boosters by many Ayurvedic experts. 

What is Giloy?

Giloy is the local name for the climbing shrub Tinospora cordifolia, which grows on other trees, most often the banyan trees, and has been notable for its use in Ayurvedic medicine since medieval times. 

Giloy is also known as Amrita or Guchupudi in other local languages. Giloy is a Hindu mythological name which actually translates as a heavenly elixir. While the word Amrita means ‘the root of immortality, Guduchi translates to ‘that which protects the body from diseases’. Its names signify that using Giloy for immunity potency helps prevent and fight diseases and even slow down ageing.

While the Giloy plant is native to India, it is also found in other countries such as Africa, Australia and China. Every part of the shrub- the stem, the root and its leaves- is medicinally beneficial in different ways. However, the Giloy’s stem is considered to be the most beneficial part of the plant and is used extensively in creating Ayurvedic medicine. Besides Ayurvedic medicine, the Giloy nutrition juice is also used in modern medicine since the plant has been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its benefits and uses. 

Description of Giloy

Giloy is a climbing shrub growing on other trees with elongated and intertwining branches. It bears heart-shaped leaves and reddish fruits. The giloy nutrition leaves are similar in shape and pattern to the betel leaf and are lengthy, with roundish stalks. The giloy nutrition fruits are found in bunches of two or three and are ovoid in shape. 

Chemical Composition of Giloy

So what makes the Giloy juice so beneficial? Let us study its chemical composition briefly to find out why Giloy juice is so amazing for our immunity. 

The Giloy is composed of the following:

• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids
• Lignans
• Steroids
• Glycosides
• Phenolics
• Sesquiterpenoid
• Aliphatic components
• Essential oils
• Fatty acids
• Polysaccharides

These active components play a huge role in supporting our body and helping it fight and ward off infections, cancers, neurological disorders, liver problems and diabetes. Most specifically, the terpenoids in the Giloy juice have anti-viral, anti-cancerous, anti-microbial and anti-diabetic properties in them and are the key ingredient which makes the Giloy nutritious and medicinally significant.

Additionally, alkaloids are extremely powerful chemical compounds and have been known to treat various illnesses since ancient times. Lignans are found in fibrous plants such as the Giloy and are known to prevent the growth of microorganisms like fungi and viruses. The steroids that are present in the Giloy juice helps in promoting cardiovascular health, healing of wounds and dermatological health. 

Nutritionally, the Giloy juice is constituted of over 16% of fibre, 17% of moisture, 4% of protein and 3% of fat. Therefore, it is safe to consume by most people, including diabetics and patients with high cholesterol levels. 

How is Giloy consumed?

Typically, the Giloy for immunity is consumed in three ways- powdered, juice or kaadha and giloy nutrition supplements. For skin problems, Giloy is applied topically in the form of a paste. While the Giloy powder and Giloy nutrition supplements are prepared in a commercial setup, you can easily prepare Giloy for immunity right at your home.

How to Prepare Giloy juice at Home?

Using the branches of the Giloy nutritious plant, you can prepare Giloy juice at home. Follow the simple steps shared below:

1. Cut the branches of the Giloy plant and wash them thoroughly.
2. Scrape or peel the outer skin of the branch using a knife. Scrape until you get the inner fresh green part.
3. Chop this into small pieces and blend it in a blender.
4. Add a cup of water to the blender till the liquid turns green.
5. Next, strain this green mixture into a glass.
6. The giloy juice is ready for consumption.

Make these Special Giloy Juices to use Giloy For Immunity:

Besides using the Giloy for immunity, people use a combination of other Ayurvedic herbs with Giloy, such as Tulsi, Amla, and Neem, to enhance the Giloy juice’s properties and benefits. While these Giloy drinks are commercially produced and available in the market, some of these Giloy drinks can be created from the comfort of your kitchen. These special recipes for Giloy juice, which are aimed at boosting immunity, are shared below:

1. Giloy Tulsi Juice

Tulsi or holy basil is a common herb used in Indian homes to relieve symptoms of cold and cough. The Giloy and Tulsi juice is a powerful drink which has several benefits mentioned below:

• Immunity booster
• Blood purification
• Reduces inflammation in the body
• Fights respiratory issues 
• Improves the body’s metabolism and digestion 
• Controls blood sugar levels

Ingredients for Giloy Tulsi Juice:

• 5-6 Giloy sticks (you can use the Giloy branches or the Giloy stems)
• A handful of Tulsi leaves
• 1 inch of ginger
• 2 glasses of water

Steps for preparation of Giloy Tulsi Juice:

1. In a blender, add Giloy sticks, Tulsi leaves, ginger and a glass of water.
2. Blend nicely for 2 minutes.
3. Add another glass of water and blend for 2 more minutes.
4. Now strain the juice and pour it into a glass.
5. Drink the Giloy Tulsi juice while fresh.

The Giloy and Tulsi juice (30 ml Giloy drink) can be consumed twice a day, preferably before meals. Use every day to boost your immunity, control blood sugar levels, and rapidly experience its incredible results. 

1. Neem Giloy Juice 

Neem is another common medicinal herb extracted from the Neem plant. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat insect wounds, malaria, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and skin diseases. It carries anti-fungal and anti-ulcer properties and is also used as a therapeutic application in the treatment of cancer. 

Ingredients for Neem Giloy Juice:

• 10-15 boiled Neem leaves
• 1 tablespoon of Giloy powder/ Giloy sticks if the powder is not available
• 1/2 inch of ginger
• 10 mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of black pepper
• 2 glasses of water
• Ice cubes

Steps for preparation: 

Combine the Neem leaves, Giloy powder, mint leaves, ginger, salt and black pepper in a blender. Pour a glass of water and blend the ingredients until a smooth mixture is formed. Add another glass of water and blend for 2 more minutes. Now strain the mixture and pour the juice into a glass. Use ice cubes to serve chilled. 

1. Giloy Tulsi Juice with Neem:

Another variant of the Giloy and Tulsi juice is created by the addition of Neem to get the Giloy Neem Tulsi Juice. 

Ingredients Required for Giloy and Tulsi Juice with Neem:

• 200 ml water
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ inch ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoon honey (preferably organic)
• 3-4 green or black cardamom 
• 1 teaspoon tulsi powder or a handful of tulsi leaves
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon dried Giloy powder or 4-5 Giloy sticks

Steps of Preparation:

1. Boil water in a saucepan. Add turmeric, tulsi powder or tulsi leaves and black pepper powder. 
2. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients and simmer for another 2 minutes. 
4. Strain the mixture to remove the cinnamon stick and Giloy sticks. 
5. Pour the Giloy Tulsi Juice with neem in a glass. 
6. Let it cool down. 
7. Serve chilled. 

To use Giloy for immunity, Giloy leaves can also prove to be very valuable. To improve general health, Giloy leaves can be consumed and chewed upon. They are anti-inflammatory and help flush out toxins from our bodies. In addition to chewing, Giloy leaves can be used to boil and make a decoction or kadha to utilise Giloy for immunity. This Giloy kadha helps in treating our gut and restoring our digestive processes.

To use Giloy for immunity against skin diseases or wounds, a paste of Giloy leaves can be used topically to relieve symptoms such as burning, itching, and even redness of the eyes.  

Giloy Juice For Purchasing

The nutraceuticals market is flooded with Giloy products such as Giloy juice, Giloy Neem Juice, Giloy Tulsi Juice, Giloy Kadha, Giloy dried powder and Giloy Supplements. There are a variety of brands which offer these products at prices ranging from as low as Rs. 200 to as high as Rs. 500. The pricing of the Giloy juice and other Giloy products is based solely upon the brand, its quality and other ingredients used. 

Conclusion

While the Giloy juice is undoubtedly a boon for us, and several researches have proved the benefits of Giloy for immunity, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it daily. This is because Giloy juice may cause side effects in people with diabetes and/or autoimmune disorders. But if you are a perfectly normal individual with no history of medical diseases, then start your journey to boosting your immunity by drinking any of the mentioned Giloy juices. Start today for a healthier tomorrow!Also try Auric body defence juice 

Authored By: Divya Shankar

About Author: Divya Shankar is a multifaceted content writer with 7+ years of experience. She has exclusive writing expertise in ayurveda.