GILOY: A POWERHOUSE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

 

 

                                                                      Giloy or 'Heart-leaved Moonseed'

Plants are actually very important for the planet and for all living things. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen from their leaves. Humans and other animals get oxygen to breathe from the plants. Plants help to clean water too. Moreover, when we think of plants, they bring in many emotions peace, joy, positivity. Those who love gardening and treat their plants like babies know these feelings, closely. Plants not only add purity to the air, but also they are the most wonderful source and symbol of wealth, health, and lots of love.

 

 

All of us know about Giloy. It is also known as 'Heart-leaved Moonseed'. Its scientific name is Tinospora Cordifolia and its family name is Menispermaceae. It gets its name Heart-leaved Moonseed from its heart-shaped leaves and its reddish fruit. It is also called by other names like Gaduchi and Amrita. - a herbaceous vine native to India. It grows very well in tropical regions. This plant is full of good energy and has great medicinal value.  You can grow it like any other indoor plant but it must be ensured good bright light. 

 

Giloy is easy to grow

Growing 'Giloy plant' is very easy. Generally, the plant is grown in soil but you can grow this plant in water the way money plant is grown. If you are a beginner then you must try to grow this medicinal plant in water. It will not only bring greenery in your home but also many health benefits.

                                                          It is easy to grow in water.

Grows in water

Spring to summer season is the best time for the growth of this plant. For this, you have to take a bottle or jar and fill water in it. Thereafter, you have to take Giloy stems and cut it into pieces, which must be bigger than the jar. You may take four-five stems and put all of them into a jar full of water. You can see this in the above picture. Remember  to change water of the bottle/jar every week. 

 

After five-six days you will notice buds coming out of stems. There is no need to use rooting hormone for its growth. After twenty days, leaves in big heart shape will begin to appear on stems. Vine of Giloy looks very green, attractive and beautiful.

 

How does Giloy grow in soil?

This creeper can be grown any time during its most favorable time -spring to summer. To begin with, you have to prepare mixture for potting, select suitable pot and read a little about the propagation method of soil. You can grow it by using a sapling or by buying from the nursery or using your own stems with roots grown well in water. Prepare the potting mixture with 50% normal garden soil + 30% any organic compost + 10% river sand or coco peat. Mix it well and pour this in the medium sized growing container with at least 3 to 4 seeping holes at the bottom. You should take a note that this vine spreads quickly, so be prepared to provide support with sticks and trellis.

After placing your plant with root portion in the soil, press gently around the base of the plant to fix it properly in the soil and pour water in the pot. Keep the pot in semi shaded area for a week. This will help in proper establishment of the plant in the new pot. Pour water into the pot as much as required and maintain it according to its need. Too much of watering is not a good idea. Give water only when the top layer of soil seems dry.

How to care

Once you succeed in growing the Giloy plant. Then you must take care of your plant to keep it healthy. Taking care of sunlight, water, fertilizer etc. helps to keep the plant in healthy condition. Ignoring these important points can lead to poor health of the plant.

Giloy can grow very easily in 3 to 4 hours of daily sunlight. If the temperature is very hot, then you cannot put your plant under sun for a long period. But, once your plants mature, they can survive in very high temperatures in tropical areas.

                                                                               My plant at home

Fertilizers

Do not add any type of inorganic fertilizer to this plant. Apply organic manure once a month like vermi compost, kitchen waste compost, green manure or FYM by spreading around the base of the plant. This plant is not affected by any harmful pests and diseases. This is why it is quite easy to develop and take care of.

 

 

Stem, leaves, fruit and roots: all have medicinal properties

Giloy is a large, deciduous, extensively-spreading, climbing shrub with several elongated twining branches. Leaves are simple, alternate, and estipulate with long petioles up to 15 cm (6 in) long which are roundish and pulvinate. Giloy fruits are greenish drupes that become red on maturity. Most of the medicinal benefit of Giloy is present in its stem, but the leaves, fruit, and roots are also used to a minor extent.

 

Indians rely on natural products like herbal for centuries. That is why, Giloy is extensively used in Aurvedic medicines and thus it is often called the "root of immortality". It is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and thus reduces your risk of deadly diseases like cancer.

Works as a stress booster: 

 

I am not promoting any brand but yes I use this Giloy juice. You may choose wisely from the available brands.

Giloy Juice

Giloy juice is very famous in India for its numerous health benefits. Giloy juice is known to give a boost to your immune system. It is considered effective in treating fever, helps in managing diabetes, makes your respiratory system stronger and is even known for its anti-ageing properties. It can even work as a stress buster with regular intake.

During this corona virus pandemic, people are using more and more of these ayurvedic herbs and there is no harm in making some of these beneficial home remedies a part of our diet. It enhances cognitive abilities, calms the mind, promotes clarity of thoughts and improves the memory. It also prevents age-related memory problems.

Medicinal Values

This plant has many medicinal benefits according to Ayurveda. It has been in use for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various disorders which are explained below: 

·         1. Helps to cure Diabetes

·        2.  Acts as a immunity booster

• It can improve digestion
• Purifies Blood
• Improve your vision
• It have anti-aging properties
• Treat chronic Fever
• Gives relief in Joint pains

 

Does wonders for your overall health

Drinking Giloy juice daily can help you to stay fit and healthy. The herb when taken regularly can do wonders for your overall health. In fact, giloy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used as a remedial medication. Giloy's root and stem both can be consumed for medicinal benefits.

Giloy herb doesn't have any side-effects. However, when taken Giloy with other diabetic medications it may lead to low blood sugar levels. While, guduchi can help people with diabetes, it should only be taken under medical supervision.

Giloy may cause the immune system to become more active. You can also prepare giloy juice and have it daily in the morning. The powder can be mixed in water and honey. So, the next time if you have fever, you can prepare a cup of giloy juice at home and avoid visiting doctor for allopathic medicine.

Keeps you healthy and close to nature

Keeping herbs within reach is very good. So, keep Giloy instead of other decorative plants in your home. It makes even more sense to maintain a balcony or kitchen garden in the home. I would say gardening not only increases greenery but it also helps a lot to keep you calm and stable. I feel very pleasure and calm sitting in my balcony garden. Trust me, it has a very soothing effect on me.

If you want to bring yourself closer to nature, do gardening on your terrace and plant two or three plants. It is true, only nature can promise a cure without side effects.

 

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