- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Tropical India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Tinospora cordifolia
- Sanskrit
- Guduchi
- Other names
- Giloy
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine, Western herbal medicine
Asia · Herb · № 144
Tinospora cordifolia
Herb · Asia
Guduchi (giloy)
Tinospora cordifolia
In Ayurveda a rejuvenating remedy (rasayana) for fevers and the immune system. Studies are small; it has no proven effect against infections.
Safety notes
After widespread use in India, cases of guduchi-induced liver injury (autoimmune hepatitis) have been reported. Avoid with autoimmune disease, liver disease or pregnancy; it may lower blood sugar.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
The stem as decoction, juice or powder. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The Sanskrit name amrita refers to the nectar of immortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic guduchi (giloy) was used on a massive scale in India. Ody describes it as a classic Ayurvedic fever herb.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Bitter digestive tonic for liver congestion and jaundice, cooling in fever and headache, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic; for malaria, urinary complaints, recovery after illness.
Preparation and amount
Powder 1–2 g twice a day, with ghee as a bitter tonic; root for diarrhoea and dysentery; stem as tea for urinary diseases and fever; as a compress on bone fractures.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cleansing, diuretic, aphrodisiac, tonic, fever-reducing ('Indian quinine'); for diarrhoea and dysentery, fever, rheumatism, urinary diseases, indigestion, general weakness, syphilis, skin diseases, bronchitis, impotence, gonorrhoea, cough, chronic fever; snake bites.
Preparation and amount
Decoction 56–112 ml; powder 1–3 g; extract 1–2 g; fresh juice 56–112 ml with long pepper and honey; starch from the root and stem.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.