Guduchi / Amrita (Heart-Leaved Moonseed)
Giloy (Heart-Leaved Moonseed)
Tinospora cordifolia
The 'nectar creeper' — the classical immunity and fever herb of Ayurveda.
Giloy creeper · Climber · Parts: Stem, Leaf, Root
- Taste (rasa)
- Bitter, Astringent
- Energy (virya)
- Heating
- Balances
- Vata, Pitta, Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Traditional rasayana for recurring infections and slow recovery
- Used in lingering low fever and post-viral fatigue
- Bitter tonic that supports liver function and clears ama
How it has been used
Traditional uses & benefits
Called amrita, the nectar of immortality: a bitter rasayana that reduces all three doshas and is the classical answer to fever that will not resolve.
Traditional uses
- Recurring fevers, colds and slow convalescence
- Building resistance in people who fall ill easily
- Bitter cleansing for skin eruptions, gout and a sluggish liver
Practical guidance
- 1The fresh stem decoction is the traditional form and is stronger than dried powder.
- 2Take it in courses of 4–6 weeks around vulnerable seasons rather than all year.
- 3Skip it entirely if you live with an autoimmune condition — it pushes immune activity up.
How much
Dosage
Stem powder 1-3 g twice daily, or 20-30 ml of fresh stem decoction.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Kadha (decoction)
Boil a crushed finger-length stem in 2 cups water until halved; strain.
Morning, empty stomach
Satva / powder
Mix 1 g starch extract or powder in warm water or honey.
Twice daily after food
Read this first
Precautions
- Avoid with autoimmune disease — it stimulates immune activity
- Rare reports of liver injury with prolonged, unsupervised use
- Stop before surgery and check with a doctor if on diabetes medication
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Giloy used for?
The 'nectar creeper' — the classical immunity and fever herb of Ayurveda. In traditional use the main applications are: Traditional rasayana for recurring infections and slow recovery; Used in lingering low fever and post-viral fatigue; Bitter tonic that supports liver function and clears ama.
What is the typical dosage of Giloy?
Stem powder 1-3 g twice daily, or 20-30 ml of fresh stem decoction. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Giloy be taken?
Kadha (decoction): Boil a crushed finger-length stem in 2 cups water until halved; strain. Timing — Morning, empty stomach
Are there any precautions with Giloy?
Avoid with autoimmune disease — it stimulates immune activity Rare reports of liver injury with prolonged, unsupervised use Stop before surgery and check with a doctor if on diabetes medication Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Giloy replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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