Guduchi which goes by the scientific name Tinospora cordifolia is an extremely essential immunomodulator herb and a base ingredient of numerous Ayurvedic formulations. Deemed as ‘Queen Of Herbs’, Guduchi plays a significant role in the promotion and restoration of health and curing several diseases and infections. 

In Sanskrit, Guduchi means “a herb that protects the body from diseases” and points to a Hindu myth that praises Guduchi for offering the gift of life and eternal youth to celestial beings. It is mentioned in several ancient scriptures about being extensively used for the treatment and management of numerous health aberrations like fever, chronic fever, infections, low immunity, recurrent infections, recurrent common cold, chronic catarrh, cancer, asthma, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, liver anomalies, skin infections etc.

The holistic remedial science of Ayurveda prizes Guduchi as ‘Prana’, i.e., full of vigour as it is very well capable of sustaining and growing on its own even from a small plant part. The renowned Ayurvedic seer Charaka classifies this herb as Medhya Rasayana (a herb which replenishes intellectual capabilities and memory power) and Vayasthapana (herb which arrests ageing). 

Mythological History Of Guduchi

Guduchi is coined as ‘Amritavalli’ which literally translates into a creeper with heavenly nectar’. According to the Hindu mythological legend of Ramayana, during the famous battle of Lanka between Ravana and Lord Rama, the latter slaughtered the entire mighty army of monkeys that assisted Rama on the battlefield. But finally, when Ravana was killed at the hands of Lord Rama, he said a special prayer to Lord Indra, the God of Rain and Thunder to revive the entire fallen army.  It is believed that Indra granted them life by showering them with drops of amrita or heavenly nectar. Legend has it, that the nectarous drops that had fallen from heaven on the ground gave rise to the sacred Guduchi herb and bequeathed it with rejuvenating, detoxifying, immune-boosting, properties, making it a truly extraordinary plant.

Also Read: Giloy Ghana Vati: Incredible Ways This Ayurvedic Formulation Heals Body

How To Identify Guduchi Plant?

Guduchi is a large, herbaceous, succulent, deciduous, glabrous, climbing shrub that grows about 1.0 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide. The plant is usually found thriving in deciduous and dry forests and prefers sandy loam soil with adequate drainage. The young stem of this plant is green, cylindrical and has a smooth exterior. The matured stem has irregular warts on the outer surface, hanging aerial roots and peeling bark. Guduchi portrays a grey or creamy white, spirally and longitudinally cleft bark, with large rosette-like lenticels. The wood obtained from this plant is usually white, soft, with a porous texture, and quickly picks up a yellow tint when freshly cut. Leaves are primarily heart-shaped, simple, alternate, and juicy, while flowers are unisexual, fascicled, pedicellate and yellow in hue. Fertile flowers are mainly followed by ovoid, glabrous, and drupes, which are initially green turning to bright red when ripe and mimic a bunch of red cherries. Seeds embedded inside them are endospermic, flat, leaf-like and curved or half-moon shaped.

Geographical Distribution And Soil

Guduchi requires sandy, loamy soil rich in organic matter, and with proper drainage to grow properly. It cannot thrive in high rainfall or waterlogged conditions. The plant is native to India, extending from the Greater Himalayas down to the southern part of peninsular India. It is also found thriving in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Burma and Sri Lanka. The plant is also reported growing extensively in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc.

Chemical Composition of Guduchi

The therapeutic properties of Guduchi to treat a host of diseased conditions show that the herb is replete with essential nutrients. The abundance of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, lignans, and potent active constituents like tinosporin, ethanol, isocolumbin, tembetarine, palmetin, choline, berberine, mangoflorine, aporphine increases the curative efficacy of the herb and truly makes it a class apart. Owing to its high nutritional content, Guduchi is illustrated in several ayurvedic scripts as one of the most used ayurvedic herbs in formulating different types of ayurvedic, herbal and modern-day medications.

Common Names Of Guduchi

Guduchi is one such medicinal plant that has found its way into different cultures. Some of its common regional names include:

English:  Gulancha tinospora, Heart-leaved tinospora, Indian tinospora, Moonseed 

Hindi:  China, Chinnaruha, Gurch, Jivanti, Jivantika, Pittagni, Tiktaparvan, Vajra, Guduchi, Gudach, Gulancha, Gulbel

Bengali:  Gulancha

Sanskrit: Chinna, Guduchi, Guduchi, Jivanti, Jivantika, Jvara-arihi, Vajra, Vatsahani

Gujarati: Galo 

Kannada:  Agniballi,  Amrita Balli, Amrutaballi 

Tamil:  Acaci, Amirtai,  Ponra-valli, Soma-valli, Tantirakam, Vaccatani, Vacikaram, Valli-k-kantam, Vapamatu, Vayamatu, Vicali, Upavam, Cancavi, Pakanrai, Parivai, Paruni

Telegu:  Tippatiga, Tippatigo, Dussiramu, tippa-tige,  Tippaatigo 

Malayalam: Amritavalli,  Amritu,  Chitamrith 

Manipuri: Ningthou Khongli

Marathi:  Amrita, Gulvel, Amritavalli , Guduchi

Oriya:  Gulancha, Gulochi

Konkani: Amritvel

Medicinal Properties Of Guduchi

Guduchi is bestowed with the following healing properties.

• Immunomodulator
• Rejuvenative
• Adaptogen
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mild Analgesic
• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Anti-stress 
• Antacid
• Febrifuge
• Anti-gout
• Anti-mutagenic
• Antipruritic
• Hematogenic 
• Detoxifier 
• Hypo-glycemic
• Diuretic
• Demulcent
• Carminative
• Anti-constipation
• Digestive Stimulant

Ayurvedic Indications Of Guduchi

Since ancient times, the use of Guduchi has been widely mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures and textbooks by the sages Charaka, Susruta, Raj Nighantu etc. Some of its ayurvedic indications as mentioned in the ancient textbooks of Charaka Samhita include:

• Agnideepani (improves digestion)
• Amahara (treats indigestion)
• Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
• Pachana (helps in digestion)
• Amahara (treats indigestion)
• Vaman (prevents nausea and vomiting) 
• Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms) 
• Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
• Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders) 
• Kashahara (Relieves cough) 
• Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
• Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
• Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea)
• Balya (improves muscle strength)
• Pandu (treats anaemia) 
• Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
• Arsha (treats piles)
• Krichra (treats painful micturition) 
• Kustha (treats skin disorders)
• Kamala (prevents jaundice) 
• Vatasruk (treats gout)
• Jvara (useful for fever) 
• Vrushya (acts as an aphrodisiac) 
• Vayasthapana (prevents ageing) 
• Hridaya (treats heart problems)
• Chakushya (treats vision problems) 
• Prameha (manages diabetes)

Health Benefits Of Guduchi

Promotes Digestion

Imbued with excellent digestive and carminative traits, Guduchi is a boon for digestive anomalies. The anti-flatulent property of this herb diminishes the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus curtailing flatulence, bloating and abdominal distension. Blessed with a bountiful supply of nutrients, the herb acts as a potent appetizer, which promotes appetite, reduces indigestion and facilitates better absorption of nutrients in the body. The laxative nature of this herb also softens stools, makes them unctuous and allows free passage through the anus, thus remedying piles and constipation.

Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health

Consume 2 tbsp of Guduchi powder with either amla extract or buttermilk to boost digestion and get relief from acidity, heartburn and other digestive issues.

Regulates Diabetes

The hypoglycaemic property of Guduchi plays a significant role in assuaging the blood sugar levels of the body. The synthesis of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes highly active on the consumption of Guduchi. It assists in reducing the breakdown of the starch molecule into glucose which in turn manages diabetes by regulating the blood sugar levels in the body. 

Appeases Fever

The antipyretic nature of the humble Guduchi helps in reducing body temperature and associated body pain during chronic feverish conditions and reduces the risk of other infectious diseases. Several research studies strongly back the use of this herb in successfully treating infections like the common cold, flu, and other fever symptoms. It even assists the body in increasing the blood platelet count and managing life-threatening conditions like dengue and malaria. The purified leaves and root extracts of Guduchi reduce the body temperature and retards the growth of the microbial right at the ring stage and hence prevent aggravation of the microbial infection within the body. 

Bolsters Immunity

Deemed an extraordinary rejuvenating herb, Guduchi helps in boosting the overall immunity of the body. The antioxidant and anti-microbial traits of Guduchi flush out the AMA toxins from the body and safeguard the body from various microbial diseases. It also enhances the functions of the stomach, liver and kidneys.

Also Read: Top 8 Ayurvedic Formulations That Can Bolster Your Immunity

Treats Inflammatory Conditions

Guduchi portrays strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities which makes it a significant remedy for relieving pain and inflammation ensuing during arthritis and gout. Thanks to its powerful analgesic useful in diminishing joint and muscle pain, thereby curtailing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Remedies Respiratory Troubles

The wealth of anti-bacterial and expectorant qualities of the sacred Guduchi makes it a one-stop remedy for quite a few respiratory anomalies. It helps in clearing mucus and catarrh deposits from the nasal cavities and provides gradual relief from chronic chest congestion. The soothing nature of Guduchi plays a key role in treating dry, irritated throat and serves as an incredible remedy for sore throat, sinus, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis and headache.

Relieves Anxiety

Being a natural immuno-modulator and stress-booster, Guduchi is often combined with other herbal ingredients to make an excellent neurine tincture and effectively treat different types of psychotic problems. It normalises the irregular Vata and Pitta doshas in the body which in turn regulates the serotonin hormone and helps to reduce the various manifestations associated with anxiety such as restlessness, uneasiness, sweating, body tremor, cold hands, feet, etc. The potent antidepressant nature of the herb also helps in providing mental and physical solace by reducing all sorts of active physical and mental stressors, lessening irritability and improving overall energy and stamina.

Also Read: Anxiety Attacks? Here’s How You Deal With It

Augments Skin

Being a true rejuvenating herb, the heavenly Guduchi is extremely effective in removing the AMA toxins from the body. The anti-inflammatory and potent analgesic traits of this herb hold high significance in treating various skin conditions and arresting the signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, spots, freckles, pigmentations etc. Being abundant in essential nutrients, Guduchi helps in scavenging free oxidative radicals from the body and its antipruritic nature alleviates itching sensation caused due to allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn etc. 

Improves Liver Functions

Sanctified with potent hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulative essence, Guduchi makes for a spectacular liver tonic that helps in treating several liver anomalies, especially jaundice, which impacts the normal functioning of the liver to a huge extent. The herb not only provides support to the liver by secreting bile but also helps the liver enzymes (ALT and AST) to come down to normal levels. It readily increases the glutathione (GSH) levels in the blood which helps the liver to cleanse and remove toxic waste from the body.

Also Read: Top 8 Foods for healthy liver

Enhances Cognitive Abilities

Be it any form, Guduchi offers a conventional remedy to increase neural functioning. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in the herb modulate the antioxidant enzyme system of the brain tissue and preserve the dopaminergic neurons which thereby enhances the memory capacity, concentration, focus, calmness, and alertness of an individual. Being a potent brain tonic and stimulator, people taking a prescribed amount of Guduchi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, intellectual and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective element in the plant also extensively prevents loss of memory and relieves tension from the brain.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Guduchi

Rasa (Taste) – Kashaya (astringent), Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) 

Guna (Quality) – Guru (heavy) and Snigdha (unctuous)

Ushna (Potency) – Ushna (heating energy)

Vipaka (Resultant Effect) – Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect) 

Prabhab (Therapeutic Effect) – Rejuvenative, Immunomodulator and Adaptogen 

Effects on Organs - Stomach, Intestines, Liver, Heart, Blood, Skin 

Guduchi’s Effect On Doshas

The Tridoshic Rasayana properties of Guduchi make it a powerful herb that effectively balances all three doshas or humors which are Vata (air) doshas, Pitta (fire and air) doshas and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas 

Dosage Of Guduchi  

The specific remedial dosage for Guduchi in the various forms may differ from person to person depending upon the age, the severity of the disease and the physical condition of the patient. Consultation with an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner is mandatory, as he or she will thoroughly examine the physical indications and prescribe the operative dosage for the specific period required.

Ways To Take Different Forms Of Guduchi

Guduchi Churna: ½ tsp of the herb powder, with honey or lukewarm water preferably after meals twice a day

Guduchi Juice: 2-3 tsp of the juice with water before meals once or twice a day

Guduchi Stem Juice: 1-2 tbsp of the juice extracted from the stem infused with honey twice a day after meals

Guduchi Kwath: 2-3 tbsp of the decoction obtained from the herb, twice a day before or after lunch and dinner

Guduchi Vati: 1-2 tablets /capsules formulated using the herb, twice a day with water after meals.

Side Effects Of Guduchi  

Thanks to the plethora of benefits Guduchi showers us with, there aren’t any recorded side effects or contraindications when taken in the prescribed dosage. However, excess consumption of Guduchi supplements for a long time may cause a heating sensation in the body and stomach troubles. 

Contraindications Of Guduchi

Guduchi extracts and supplement help in managing diabetes, but if the patient is already taking any other allopathy medication for the autoimmune disease, it is strictly advised to consult a doctor as without medical supervision, excess of anti-diabetic formulations might cause a sudden drop in the sugar levels which might be harmful.

Precautions

Although certain reports claim the use of Guduchi is safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers, still it is strongly suggested to take prior approval from the treating doctor or lactation specialist before consuming Guduchi in any form to avoid unnecessary side effects.

Conclusion

Prized as Amrita or heavenly nectar, Guduchi bequeaths us with innumerable health benefits. While deemed as a potent immunomodulator, this traditional herb holds high significance in the treatment and management of fever, gout, mouth ulcer, gastritis, diabetes, liver problems, heart issues, diminished immunity etc.  As this herb does not have any reported antagonistic effects on the body, hence with a prior doctor’s consultation, you can easily enjoy the benefits of the rejuvenative herb Guduchi.