The popular saying goes, "One's body is a sacred temple," emphasizing the need for meticulous care and preservation, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals have continually emphasized the imperative of enhancing our immune systems to shield ourselves from the virus and its severe consequences, including mortality. As most individuals remained home during the lockdown, the internet emerged as a vital tool for connecting with loved ones and healthcare providers. Among the most frequently searched topics on Google during the pandemic was information on fortifying immunity.

Giloy juice garnered substantial endorsement as an immunity enhancer from numerous Ayurvedic authorities.

What is Giloy?

Giloy, or Tinospora cordifolia, is a climbing shrub known in local parlance. Its historical use in Ayurvedic medicine is well-established, particularly in India, where it often grows on banyan trees.

Giloy, also referred to as Amrita or Guchupudi in regional dialects, carries significant cultural and medicinal significance. Amrita conveys the concept of immortality, while Guduchi emphasizes its disease-fighting properties. These names underscore Giloy's role in enhancing immunity and combating ailments.

Although native to India, Giloy can also be found in countries like Africa, Australia, and China. Every part of the shrub, from the stem to the leaves, holds medicinal value. Notably, the stem is highly regarded and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Additionally, Giloy's nutritional juice is gaining traction in modern medicine, having received FDA approval for its therapeutic applications.

Description of Giloy

Chemical Composition of Giloy

So, what attributes contribute to the efficacy of Giloy juice? Let's analyze its chemical composition briefly to understand its remarkable immune-boosting properties.

Giloy consists of:

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

These active components play a vital role in bolstering our body's defense against infections, cancers, neurological disorders, liver ailments, and diabetes. Specifically, Giloy juice's terpenoids possess antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties, making them its pivotal and medicinal constituents.

Moreover, alkaloids represent potent chemical compounds with a historical record of treating various ailments. Lignans, found in fibrous plants like Giloy, inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms such as fungi and viruses. The steroids in Giloy juice contribute to cardiovascular health, wound healing, and dermatological well-being.

Nutritionally, Giloy juice comprises 16% fiber, 17% moisture, 4% protein, and 3% fat. Thus, it is a safe choice for consumption, even for individuals with diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

How is Giloy consumed?

How to Prepare Giloy Juice at Home?

You can create homemade Giloy juice by utilizing the branches of the Giloy plant. The procedure is as follows:

• Trim and thoroughly cleanse the Giloy plant branches..
• Employ a knife to delicately remove the outer layer until the inner, fresh green part is exposed.
• Cut the inner part into small fragments and blend it using a blender.
• Pour a cup of water into the blender until the mixture becomes green.
• Subsequently, filter this green liquid into a glass.
• Your Giloy juice is now prepared for consumption.

Giloy Juice Recipes For Enhanced Immunity

In addition to employing Giloy to bolster immunity, individuals incorporate various Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Amla, and Neem to augment Giloy juice's efficacy. Although commercially manufactured Giloy beverages exist, homemade variants can be crafted effortlessly. Discover these exclusive Giloy juice recipes designed for immune enhancement below:

1. Giloy Tulsi Juice

Tulsi, a commonly used herb in Indian households, aids in alleviating cold and cough symptoms. The Giloy and Tulsi elixir offers numerous benefits:

• 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.

Consume the Giloy and Tulsi juice, 30 ml each, twice daily, ideally before meals. Incorporate it daily for enhanced immunity, blood sugar management, and swift, remarkable outcomes. (Original: 185 characters, Paraphrase: 139 characters)

2. Neem Giloy Juice 

Neem, derived from the Neem plant, serves as a prevalent medicinal herb. It finds frequent usage in traditional medicine for insect bites, malaria, diabetes, heart ailments, and skin disorders. Notably, it possesses antifungal and antiulcer attributes and is employed therapeutically in cancer care.

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: 

Incorporate Neem leaves, Giloy powder, mint leaves, ginger, salt, and black pepper into a blender. Add a glass of water and blend until achieving a smooth mixture. Integrate an additional glass of water and blend for an additional 2 minutes. Subsequently, strain the mixture and transfer the resulting juice to a glass. Serve chilled with ice cubes.

3. Giloy Tulsi Juice with Neem

A different form of Giloy and Tulsi juice involves the incorporation of Neem, resulting in 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 sticks and Giloy sticks. 
5. Pour the Giloy Tulsi Juice with neem in a glass. 
6. Let it cool down. 
7. Serve chilled. 

To enhance immunity with Giloy, Giloy leaves are a valuable resource. They can be ingested and chewed for overall health improvement. Their anti-inflammatory properties aid in toxin elimination from the body. Giloy leaves can also be boiled to create a decoction for immune support, promoting gut health and digestive restoration.

For skin ailments or wounds, Giloy leaf paste can be topically applied to alleviate symptoms like burning, itching, and redness. This aids in boosting immunity against skin-related issues.

Giloy Juice For Purchasing

The nutraceuticals market is teeming with Giloy offerings, including juices, supplements, and dried powder, alongside blends like Giloy Neem and Giloy Tulsi. Multiple brands compete in this space, with prices spanning Rs. 200 to Rs. 500. Pricing hinges on brand reputation, product quality, and ingredient composition.

Conclusion

While Giloy juice offers undeniable advantages and numerous studies support its immune-boosting properties, it is prudent to seek medical counsel before daily consumption. This precaution arises from the potential side effects of Giloy juice in individuals with diabetes or autoimmune conditions. However, if you enjoy good health and lack a medical history, commence your path to enhanced immunity through one of the recommended Giloy juices promptly. Embark on this journey today for a healthier future!

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.