Giloy Is Good But May Not Be For All. Ask Your Doctor Before Consuming

While Giloy is considered to be generally safe, one should be careful and consult a healthcare provider before consuming it.

Used in many herbal and ayurvedic medicines, Giloy is known to treat many health issues. Its stem has high nutritional content and inlcudes steroids, flavonoids, lignans, and carbohydrates. Following the Covid-19 outbreak, the consumption of Giloy has increased by 77 per cent, as per the data of the National Library of Medicine. However, COVID-19 hasn't been the only reason for this spike in demand. The demand for Giloy has been increasing since 2017 only.

What Is Giloy?

Giloy is a climbing shrub. The scientific name for Giloy is Tinospora Cordifolia. It can easily be found in forests, farms, and on the rocks of the mountains. After the onset of COVID-19, farming for Giloy has also begun. People have been growing this around their houses. There is an ample amount of protein, calcium and phosphorus in the leaves of Giloy. This is why the leaves of Giloy are believed to be very beneficial according to Ayurveda. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, it is used as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress and anti-anxiety medicine.

Which Chemicals Can Be Found In Giloy?

National Library of Medicine states that all the following chemicals, which are beneficial for the body, can be found in Giloy.

- Alkaloids

- Glycoside

- Lactic and Peptide

- Steroids

- Diterpenoid lactones

How To Consume Giloy?

The three easiest ways to consume Giloy are:

- The leaves and stem of Giloy can be grinded to make juice

- The stem and roots can be boiled to make Kadha

- An expert opinion from an Ayurvedic doctor is a must before deciding how much of Giloy can be used to make Kadha

AYUSH Ministry has released a notification in which an advisory regarding excessive usage of Giloy was given. In the advisory, it was stated that various reports have proved that Giloy indeed is very beneficial. The advisory further read that Giloy is safe to consume and is beneficial for our bodies as well. The consumption of Giloy should only be done after consulting a certified, registered, and educated AYUSH physician. 

Who Shouldn't Consume Giloy?

Excess of anything is bad and Giloy is no different. One shouldn't consume Giloy excessively, otherwise it will be harmful for him/her. 

- Giloy lowers the blood sugar level. Thus, people who have diabetes shouldn't consume it.

- Excessive consumption of giloy can lead to inflammation in the stomach and acidity. 

- Giloy is a magical shrub, however, you will only get its benefits when you take it in limited quantity as per the instructions of an AYUSH-certified and registered physician.

According to research published in Hepatology Communications, the journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, consuming 'giloy' without a prescription or medical supervision can harm organs, including the liver.