Giloy Ghan Vati

Giloy Ghan Vati is beneficial in all types of fevers. It increases immunity, which helps to prevent infections and several other diseases. In Charaka Samhita, Giloy is considered as Medhya Rasayana. It means that it increases intelligence, improves memory and enhances cognitive functions. Due to its rejuvenating properties, it helps to get a longer life expectancy.

Its use is more beneficial and efficacious in chronic fever and chronic diseases. It helps in treating chronic fever, malaise, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Its main indications include all types of fevers (especially chronic fever), low immunity, excessive thirst, post fever debility, hyperuricemia (i.e. high uric acid) and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, it is also used in the treatment of jaundice, anemia, skin diseases, piles, dyspnea, diabetes, dysuria and heart diseases.

Ingredients (Composition)

As the name suggests that Giloy is the main ingredient of this medicine. Giloy Ghan Vati contains extract of Giloy (botanically known as Tinospora Cordifolia). It is a potent immuno-modulator herb. It is beneficial for improving immunity and preventing common infections. It provides support during anti-infection therapy. It is non-chemical antipyretic. But its antipyretic action is mild, so it provides palliative treatment in fever.

Giloy is a popular herb among Ayurvedic practitioners. It is also a part of several Ayurvedic medicines. In Sanskrit, Giloy is called ‘Amrita’, which is called due to its medicinal properties. Giloy is eternally immortal and has many health benefits. Giloy that climbs on neem tree is believed to be more beneficial. Because it also gets properties of the neem tree. The medicine made of Neem Giloy is very useful in fever.

Patanjali Giloy Ghan Vati is commonly and easily available in the market, which is manufactured by Divya pharmacy. Each tablet of Patanjali giloy ghanvati contains 500 mg giloy extract.

Preparation Method

First, we talk about how Giloy Ghanvati is made. It is made from Giloy’s extract. In ayurveda, the extract is known as ‘Ghan’. Before making Giloy Ghan Vati, the giloy extract is made from giloy stems.

Giloy stems are cut into smaller parts and crushed. Then these are soaked in water for a few hours. After a few hours, the decoction is prepared from it. The giloy decoction is filtered and again heated to get the giloy extract. When it becomes thick, it is removed from the stove and dried in the sun. For making tablets, acacia gum or other tablet binding substances can be added (if required).

Medicinal Properties

Giloy Ghan Vati has following healing properties.

1. Immunomodulator
2. Antioxidant
3. Antipruritic
4. Mild Analgesic
5. Febrifuge
6. Rejuvenating
7. Adaptogen
8. Anti-gout
9. Anti-inflammatory
10. Anti-mutagenic
11. Detoxifier (AMA-NASHAK)
12. Adaptogen

According to Ayurveda, the Giloy Ghan Vati reduces Kapha Dosha, pacifies Vata Dosha and detoxifies Pitta Dosha. It provides strength to the body. It enhances immunity and it is usually used to prevent diseases like common cold, recurrent infections and all types of fever.

It also has antipyretic, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

According to Acharya Bhavprakash, it is the most effective digestive, detoxifier and blood purifier medicine. The toxins produced from undigested food particles in the digestive system is called AMA in ayurveda. This medicine reduces its formation and digests the AMA that already made in the gut. These toxins are the main cause of indigestion, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, according to ayurvedic principles. Giloy ghan vati helps to digest, eliminate and prevent them. Therefore, it reduces the tendency of these diseases and helps in the management of these diseases.

In addition to this, it is used for the treatment of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, skin diseases, jaundice and cancer in Ayurveda. Giloy has become very popular due to the ability to treat swine flu.

Indications

Giloy Ghan Vati is helpful in following health conditions.

• All types of fever and chronic fever
• Post fever debility
• Periodic fever syndrome
• Gout
• Excessive thirst
• Low immunity
• General weakness
• Recurrent infections
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Appetite loss
• Liver disorders, hepatitis and jaundice
• Mucus in the stool
• Common cold – (not effective alone in the acute phase, but helps to prevent recurrent colds or flu)
• High cholesterol (should be used any of these remedies – Pushkarmool, Trikatu, Arogyavardhini Vati, Medohar guggul, shuddha guggul or Terminalia Arjuna Bark Powder
• Cardiac weakness

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Giloy Ghan Vati increases immunity and makes the body to fight off infections better. It reduces AAM Dosha (a toxin produced due to undigested food particles). According to ayurveda, Aam Dosha is a main disease-causing factor. Such a decrease in toxins accumulation in the body reduces your chances of getting sick. It is a natural and safe herbal remedy used in many types of health problems and chronic diseases. It improves the functions of the liver and kidney.

Key Benefits

1. It boosts immunity. Giloy ghanvati reduces the frequency of recurrent infection. Therefore, it helps to prevent frequent cold and flu.
2. It provides strength to the body and muscles. It is beneficial in relieving muscular pain.
3. Due to anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic action, it reduces muscle and joint pain. It is also beneficial in inflammatory diseases. It also reduces inflammation occurring in arthritic disorders.
4. Due to adaptogenic effects, it helps body coping with stress.
5. Giloy ghanvati is beneficial in general body ache and general fatigue.
6. Mild antipyretic properties of Giloy Ghan Vati reduce fever and assist other remedies used in fever. It is the best medicine for chronic fever.
7. Being a blood purifier, it is beneficial in skin diseases. It also has antipruritic action, which helps in relieving itching.
8. Its intake enhances urinary excretion of toxins.
9. If you are experiencing physical weakness, then you can get strength from its consumption.
10. It improves digestion of fats. It can also help if mucus is present in the stool.
11. In the context of the heart, it gives strength to the heart.
12. It is highly beneficial for treating post fever debility.
13. In chronic fever, it reduces the symptoms of fever and breaks the fever cycle.

Now let us talk about how it works and how we can use it in different health conditions.

Recurrent Infections

Recurrent infections are a signal of something wrong in the immune system. If you have a disease repeatedly, it is an indicator of decreased immunity. When your body lacks disease resistant capacity then your body starts to suffer from many diseases. You get common cold, fever and other infections frequently.

The most common cause of recurrent infections is low immunity. The first line of defense system includes the skin, lining of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the digestive system. Microbes or external particles first attack these organs in the body.

Giloy Ghan Vati contains Giloy, which helps to increase the defense mechanism due to its immunostimulatory properties. Its influence is seen on membranes of alimentary canal and linings of the respiratory tract. It helps make body resistance against infections. Its regular use strengthens your body’s immune system. It prevents infection in the body.

Prevents Chronic Diseases

According to ayurveda, undigested food particles are the major cause of the formation of toxins in the body. These toxins are called Aam Dosha in Ayurveda. Aam dosha is present in the abdomen until it converts into AMAVISHA. If it is converted into AMAVISHA, it gets absorbed in the body and causes several diseases including gout, rheumatoid arthritis and skin diseases. Giloy Ghan Vati reduces the formation of Aam Dosha and prevents its conversion into AMAVISHA. Moreover, it also digests the already formed Aam toxins and increases their elimination. Therefore, it is also beneficial for the prevention of arthritic disorders, skin diseases and several other diseases in addition to infections. So, if you take giloy in any form, it reduces the likelihood of having diseases. Hence, you do not get sick easily.

Apart from this, if you get any infection or disease haplessly, it also helps to reduce the severity of the disease. Furthermore, it also assists the other medicines to provide quick relief. Because it improves the strength and resistance of your body to fight off the disease.

Fever Treatment with Giloy Ghan Vati

Although Giloy Ghan Vati has mild antipyretic action. Still using it decreases the intensity of fever. Its use is more beneficial in chronic fever. It is more effective for preventing a rise in temperature rather than lowering it. It also breaks a fever cycle and supports other medicines.

If it is used alone to treat fever, it will have a slight effect on lowering temperature. Therefore, we have to use it in combination with Praval Pishti and Godanti Bhasma or Santap Shamak Mishran.

For reducing fever, its 2 tablets should be taken along with 500 mg Praval Pishti and 500 mg Godanti Bhasma or 1000 mg of Santap Shamak Mishran. This mixture reduces fever within 1-2 hours. In case of fever, an adult can take these medicines 3-4 times a day.

This combination has potent antipyretic (temperature lowering) action. According to the underlying cause of the fever, it is also necessary to take other medicines too.

For management of mild infections, one can use Tulsi Juice. In severe infections, one may need an appropriate treatment according to the underlying cause of the infection. If the reason for fever is a viral infection or the common cold, it is beneficial to use basil juice (Tulsi Ras) along with it.

During the first two days of cold or flu, Praval Pishti should be taken in reduced dosage. Alternatively, 2 tablets of giloy ghan vati should be taken along with 10 ml basil leaf juice and 500 mg Godanti bhasma. 125 mg Black pepper should also be taken with it.

Chronic Fever

Giloy Ghan Vati works well in chronic fever. As we discussed, it is more efficacious to prevent a rise in body temperature and helps in breaking the fever cycle. In chronic fever, we need this type of medicine that breaks the fever cycle and strengthens the body.

In the chronic fever, it is also used along with long pepper powder (Pippali Churna) or Swarna Vasant Malti Ras Gold. If the patient has a good appetite, then Laghu Malini Vasant Ras or Jasad Bhasma can be used in place of Swarna Vasant Malti Ras.

Apart from this, the patient may need other medicines according to a health condition and other underlying causes. Therefore, it is necessary to consult an ayurvedic doctor for better recommendations. Usually, most patients get relief from this combination.

Debility after Fever

Many patients experience post fever debility and weakness after a chronic illness. In such debility or weakness, Giloy Ghan Vati offers several benefits. It provides strength to the body. It reduces fatigue, body aches and general weakness.

Side effects of antibiotics and other medicines

Allopathic treatment affects the overall health because of their strong potency. All medicines used in fever management in allopathy often have side effects on liver and kidneys.

Giloy Ghan Vati is an excellent tonic for the liver as well as for the kidneys. It reduces the side effects of other medicines and protects the liver and kidneys from the damage.

Gout or Increased Uric Acid Levels

In ayurvedic medicine, Giloy Ghan Vati used with Punarnavarishta or Punarnava Churna and Chandraprabha Vati to reduce uric acid levels. The course of treatment should be at least 3 months.

If the patient has a burning sensation in the feet along with pain, Gandhak Rasayana in a dosage of 500 mg is also given along with this medicine. The medicine is given to the patient twice a day for 3 months to get the best results.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Is giloy ghan vati useful in chronic pancreatitis? How does it work?

Tinospora Cordifolia acts as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also relieves pains due to mild analgesic properties. In pancreatitis, it helps by reducing inflammation. It also reduces AMA (toxins) due to its digestive and stomachic actions. It also inhibits pancreatic amylase activities and reduces pancreatic irritation and inflammation. Thus, it helps in the management of chronic pancreatitis. (Read More: Giloy – Tinospora Cordifolia)

Giloy Ghan Vati Dosage

Let’s now talk about how to take it and how much it should be used. The dosage of Giloy Ghan Vati may vary according to the health condition. Here is the general dosage of Giloy ghanvati is given:

How to Take

In case of a child, 1 tablet 2 to 4 times a day is the best dosage in fever. In other diseases, 1 tablet twice a day should be taken.

For adults, if it is being used for fever, 2 tablets can be taken 2 to 4 times a day. In other diseases, 2 tablets should be taken twice a day.

Adjuvant: It should be taken with lukewarm water. In some cases, your doctor can also advise to take it along with honey and milk or along with other remedies.

Duration of Treatment:

1. According to the patient’s health, the treatment period with it can range from one week to six months or even more.
2. It should be used for 3 to 6 months to increase immunity and in case of hyperuricemia (high uric acid).
3. In case of chronic fever, it should be used at least 45 days. It should be continued even if the patient gets relief from fever. Continuing taking it will help to strengthen the body and prevents recurrence.

When should I take Giloy Ghan Vati?

Best Time to Take: 30 minutes before food or 1-2 hours after a meal. It can be repeated every 4 to 6 hours regardless of the food intake.

Safety Profile

Giloy ghan vati is likely safe and well-tolerated in most people when taken in prescribed dosage and according to instructions.

Giloy Ghan Vati Side Effects

There are no serious side effects observed with giloy and giloy containing products including Giloy Ghan Vati. However, in some rare cases, the following side effects may appear.

Constipation

According to Bhavprakash, Giloy has Grahi action. Grahi refers to astringent action. Grahi substances absorbs the moisture from the stool. Due to which these substances are beneficial in diarrhea.

However, the Grahi action of Giloy is not so potent to cause constipation. Still, it may cause constipation in some patients who are already prone to constipation. If you are taking a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables and salad, then this side effect will never occur.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Can I take Giloy Ghan Vati during pregnancy?

Giloy ghan vati use is not suggestible during pregnancy unless it is urgently required.

However, giloy ghan vati is likely safe during pregnancy for a short period (less than 4 weeks). When it is indicated for the management of any disease, then it can be used for a long-term as well under the supervision of a physician.

Is it safe during pregnancy to use in a fever?

Giloy Ghan Vati only contains Water Extract of Giloy, which is likely to be safe to use during pregnancy for the management of the fever along with Praval Pishti and other remedies.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it must be taken under medical supervision.

Myths About Giloy Ghan Vati

Giloy Increases symptoms of Autoimmune Disease:

Many people believe that giloy is immunostimulant. Due to this, the immune system will get over-stimulation. Therefore, we should not use it in autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

First, its immunity booster action is different from other immunostimulant. In fact, we would like to use word “Immunomodulator” for, which means it modulates and corrects the immune response, not over-stimulate it.

Second, according to Bhavprakash, it has digestive action on AMA (substances produce due to metabolism of undigested food in the gut). AMA formation causes several diseases. Due to giloy’s action on it, it reduces tendency of several diseases. So, it acts in two ways to prevent and treat diseases.

Third, it is commonly used in ayurveda for treating AMAVATA, which is corelated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is used in combination of dried ginger root powder. When we use this combination, many patients get awesome benefits. However, this combination is not suitable for patients with burning sensation and other symptoms of Pitta Dosha aggravation. Treatment according to dosha is more important in ayurveda than the disease itself.

In conclusion, we can declare it as myth. It is not a proven fact. It may be a hypothesis based on research studies in which people found it as immunomodulatory.

Brands & Manufacturers

1. Patanjali Giloy Ghan Vati
2. Baidyanath Giloy Ghan Vati or Guduchi Ghan Vati

FAQs about Giloy Ghan Vati

Here are some frequently asked questions about Giloy Ghan Vati.

Could I take Giloy Ghan Vati with Chirayata water?

Giloy with Chirayata is commonly used for the management of the fever and infections. This combination reduces fever, body ache, toothache and improves immunity. Therefore, one can take Giloy Ghan Vati with Chirayata Water without any side effects.

Can giloy ghan vati help reducing fat and losing weight?

Yes, giloy ghan vati will help to reduce excess body fat and weight. However, the effects of giloy ghan vati on body weight are likely to be mild because it works indirectly by improving metabolism and liver functions. Therefore, it may not alone help much to lose weight, but can be used as supportive therapy for losing weight along with Triphala Churna and Kutki Churna or other medicines described here – Ayurvedic medicines for weight loss.

Does giloy ghan vati improve immunity?

Yes, it improves non-specific immunity and overall functions of the immune system. Giloy is an immune booster and it improves the body response to infections and toxins, which helps to reduce the frequency of infections and enhances the excretion of toxins.

Does giloy ghan vati help to overcome weakness or debility occurring after chronic disease, fever, and infections?

Yes, giloy ghan vati is helpful for overcoming the weakness following the chronic disease and infections or after antibiotic use. It helps to regain optimum appetite and restore the lost body strength. Generally, it should be used along with Sitopaladi Churna for this purpose. It is also beneficial for joint pain developed after viral infections or flu.

Can we use giloy ghan vati after surgery in place of antibiotic?

No, giloy ghan vati is not so potent that it can replace the need for antibiotic medicines. However, it can be used as an adjuvant to antibiotics to improve immunity and reduce the severity of infections. It also applies to its use after surgery.

Can we give Giloy (Tinospora) juice to 2 months baby?

Yes, Giloy (Tinospora) juice can be given to infants (0 to 12 months age) if required or indicated for any disease under the supervision of a physician.

Does Giloy Ghan vati help to reduce high WBC?

Tinospora Cordifolia (Giloy) fights off infection by two kinds of mechanisms – immunomodulatory effect and antimicrobial effect. These effects significantly reduce the microbial load in the body and Giloy boosts up the recovery from the infection. Thus, it also normalizes white blood cell (WBC) count. The similar benefits should be observed with Giloy Ghan vati because it contains Giloy.

Can I take giloy ghan vati in typhoid fever?

Yes, Giloy Ghan Vati can be taken in typhoid fever to reduce its recurrence, lowering fever, reducing after effects like weakness and loss of appetite, and for improving immune response against typhoid Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria.

Can we use giloy ghan vati along with Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)?

Giloy tablets alone may not have very potent antipyretic action (temperature lowering effect) like paracetamol. In ayurveda, it is generally used along with Parval Pishti, Godanti Bhasma, Maha Sudarshan Churna, Brahmi Vati (gold), Sutshekhar Ras (gold), etc. for the management of fever along with some other remedies according to underlying cause (types of infection).

If it is used alone, then it may not replace the need for Paracetamol (Acetaminophen). One can use it keeping minimum one hour gap from paracetamol as an adjuvant therapy.

Can I use Giloy Ghan Vati for rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes, Giloy Ghan Vati (2 tablets) can be used along with Sonth (dried ginger) powder (1 gram) twice daily for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Can Giloy Ghan Vati be used in UTI E. Coli Infection?

Giloy improves the intracellular bactericidal and phagocytic capacities of neutrophils, which also helps to reduce the growth of Escherichia Coli bacteria and helps to eliminate infection along with other medicines such as Chandraprabha vati, Chandanasava and Chandanadi Vati. However, Giloy Ghan Vati alone may not be helpful, so a combination therapy is always advisable.

Can giloy ghan vati be useful in increasing platelet count?

Giloy Ghan Vati contains extract of Tinospora Cordifolia, which is useful for improving the functions of bone marrow cells and exhibits immunomodulatory activity. Generally, it should be used in low platelet count along with Carica Papaya leaf extract for the best results. The combination is available in ayurvedic products like UPLAT Capsules (by Sanat Products Ltd.), PLATRICH (by TPPL) and JUMPLAT (by Biorex Healthcare). Alternatively, along with Giloy Ghan Vati, one can take any Carica Papaya leaf extract supplement available in the market.

Should it be taken on an empty stomach?

It is not necessary, but if you take it on empty stomach, it will be more beneficial. For more details, read the dosage section above in this article.

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