Simple preparations for optimizing immunity and controlling infections - Giloy, the nectar!

Giloy is a minefield of anti-oxidants, antipyretic and antiviral properties that makes it sound like a miracle herb that it rightly is.

Giloy is called Amrutaballi (Amruta – Nectar, Balli – creeper) with reason. Its botanical name is Tinospora Cordifolia. It is widely used during the monsoon when viral fevers and infections are rampant. It has healing and rejuvenating properties that helps in many diseases apart from the fevers. Persistent allergies, urinary tract infection, boosting immunity, diabetes are a few to name.

Due to its inherent bitter taste that converts to astringent taste after preparation and its ultimate sweet taste after digestion, helps to balance the Tridoshas in the body (Vaata, Kapha and Pitta), Apart from Triphala, which is a combination of three fruits, Giloy is the most effective single herb that can be used in balancing Tridoshas in the body.

Some persistent indications in which we can find relief by use of Giloy are: Diabetes, Cancer, HIV, Arthritis, Inflammations due to allergy or arthritis, Jaundice, respiratory infections and allergies.

Many homes boast of indoor decorative plants that create a natural ambience. As opposed to these plants which are merely decorative, Amrutaballi or Giloy, when grown indoors or in the garden, not just creates an atmosphere of lush green but also adds a host of benefits to the well being and good health of the entire family.

When:

• A child is suffering from cold, cough or fever

• A family member has been diagnosed with low immunity

• An elder is suffering from diabetes

• A teenager is plagued with skin rashes or other skin problems

Nothing can be more satisfying and a matter of pride to be able to pick a few stems from the creeper or crush a few leaves to make a fresh decoction of Giloy to be helping your loved one out of their misery. When used as home remedies, preparations of Giloy would help with various indications listed above and more. Not everybody may have the time or convenience to grow this nectar of good health within their homes. But there is an alternate source for all the fresh preparation of Giloy. Whichever the source of Giloy that is being used, the dosage of Giloy has to be strictly adhered to as suggested in each recipe here.

For boosting immunity:

Ideal consumption: would be swarasa (fresh decoction) of Giloy. Pluck about 4-5 gentle stems of the creeper of 10-12 inches in length, clean them in running water and add them to 2 cups of boiling water. Allow it to boil down to one cup of decoction. Get the preparation off the heat and allow it to cool to drinkable hot temperature before consuming.

Alternate method: Take one spoon of Amrutaballi churna and add it to two cups of boiling water. Allow the decoction to boil down to one cup. Allow it to cool down to drinkable hot before consuming.

Filtering before administration is a must. The decoction has to be fully consumed within 8 hours of preparation or discarded there after.

For better taste and ease of consumption you may add either honey or saindava lavana (purest form of salt) to the preparation, but ensure you do not overcome the bitter taste completely, for the bitter taste is medicinal in itself. People with high BP are advised to avoid saindava lavana and people suffering from diabetes are advised to consume the bitter decoction as is.

Another alternate source of this decoction is to use the Giloi T that comes in tea bags and the right dosage. All you need to do is to dip one tea bag in one cup of really hot water and consume it when it is drinkable hot.

For Eosinophilia

Consume Giloy along with neem powder, haridra khanda and tulsi churna. For every 1 tsp of AB Churna or Giloy, mix 1 tsp of Haridra Khanda, 1 tbsp of Tulsi powder and 2 tspns of Neem powder. Mix the powders very well till the mixture forms a uniform colour. Store it in an airtight container.

Repeat the process of decoction mentioned above, this time with 1 tsp of powder mix mentioned above. Use a dry spoon each time and keep the container closed tight. Do not store this mix in the kitchen anywhere near the cooking heat. Preferred storage is a cool and dry place.

Consume this decoction at least three times daily for about fifteen days and then reduce it two times a day for 2 months.

For Viral infection and fever

Repeat the mix mentioned above, excluding Haridra Khanda. Administer this decoction thrice a day. At least two times out of this three times, follow up the decoction consumption with Dashamoolarishta. This will help to regain vitality which gets depleted during viral infection.

In case you are unable to make the decoction and fever needs to be brought down as is in the case of viral fever, you may consume Amritarishta along with Dashamoolarishta. Administer 2tspn of Amritarishta + 2 tspn of dashamoolarishta + 4 tspns of boiled and cooled water. People prone to acidity may have acidity aggravated due to consumption of arishtas. To overcome this you may intake natural antacids too along with the arishtas.

For rejuvenating the brain cells and maintaining mental health

Ideal would be to take the Giloi T preparation as mentioned above.

Giloy is known to be helpful in reducing diabetes and obesity. The above listed preparations would be the simplest preparations of Giloy possible by one and all, irrespective of their life style and busy schedules. A daily regimen that includes Giloy is no less than a health insurance against infections. Repeated infections can pull down the immunity of the system and can cause depletion of vitality and good spirits.

For any queries relating to immunity and general health, kindly leave your comments below and our medical practitioner will be in touch with you!