Photo: NANDHUPUNIYAM / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Guduchi गुडूची
Tinospora cordifolia · Menispermaceae
Also known as: Giloy, Amrita, Guduchi (Giloy), Giloya
Part used: Stem
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a climbing shrub whose stem is Ayurveda's foremost immune and fever drug. Called Amrita — nectar — for its restorative power, it is used for recurrent fever, immunity, liver complaints, gout and diabetes, and is one of the few Rasayanas that is bitter rather than sweet.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Tinospora cordifolia
- Part used: Stem
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Stem powder: 3–6 g daily; Guduchi Satva (starch extract) and decoction (kwath) are also used.
Guduchi in other languages
Introduction
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), also known as Giloy or Amrita — "the nectar of immortality" — is a climbing shrub prized as a broad Rasayana and immune-supporting herb. The stem is the primary part used, and its reputation for supporting the body through fever and infection is ancient.
Classification
Of the Menispermaceae family, Guduchi heads the Bhavaprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi Varga. Tridoshic and rejuvenating, its bitter-astringent taste with Ushna virya and Madhura vipaka makes it both cleansing and nourishing — an unusual and prized combination.
Uses & benefits
Traditionally used to strengthen immunity, support the body during and after fever (Jwara), aid the liver, purify the blood, and act as a general Rasayana. It is valued in recurrent infections, and in inflammatory and metabolic conditions.
Guduchi for recurrent fever
The classical Jwaraghna drug, used particularly for fevers that keep returning and for the weakness that follows them.
Guduchi for immunity
Its best-known modern use. As a Rasayana it is taken over weeks to reduce the frequency of infections rather than to treat one.
Guduchi for the liver
Used in Kamala and sluggish liver function, its bitterness supporting bile flow and detoxification.
Guduchi for gout
A principal Vatarakta drug, used where joint pain comes with heat and redness.
Guduchi for diabetes
Named among the Pramehahara drugs and widely used in Madhumeha alongside prescribed treatment.
Guduchi for skin disease
Used in chronic Kushta, taken internally over long courses.
Guduchi for rheumatoid arthritis
Used in Amavata, its combination of bitter and Rasayana action suiting inflammatory joint disease.
Guduchi for allergies
Traditionally used in allergic rhinitis and skin allergy, taken as a preventive course before the season.
Guduchi as Guduchi Satva
The starch extracted from the stem, cooling and gentle, used particularly in Pitta conditions and for children.
Guduchi in Amrita and classical formulations
Present in Amritarishta, Guduchyadi Kwath and most of the fever and immunity compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Stem powder: 3–6 g daily; Guduchi Satva (starch extract) and decoction (kwath) are also used. Well tolerated; use under guidance in autoimmune conditions or with immunosuppressant medication.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Guduchi?
The citations held for Guduchi in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Jwara & Rasayana context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Guduchi?
Cited for fever and rejuvenation. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Jwara & Rasayana context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Guduchi?
Listed first, as a tridoshic Rasayana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Guduchi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Traditionally used to strengthen immunity, support the body during and after fever (Jwara), aid the liver, purify the blood, and act as a general Rasayana. It is valued in recurrent infections, and in inflammatory and metabolic conditions.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Guduchi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Guduchi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Guduchi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Guduchi is used medicinally?
The part used is Stem.
How much Guduchi is taken, and how?
Stem powder: 3–6 g daily; Guduchi Satva (starch extract) and decoction (kwath) are also used. Well tolerated; use under guidance in autoimmune conditions or with immunosuppressant medication. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Guduchi be avoided?
Generally very safe. Use under guidance in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant or diabetes medication. Consult a physician for therapeutic use.
Where does Guduchi grow?
Guduchi is a large, glabrous climbing shrub native to India, growing wild throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions, often twining over neem and mango trees across the plains and lower hills.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Listed first, as a tridoshic Rasayana. - Charaka Samhita — Jwara & Rasayana context
Cited for fever and rejuvenation.
Modern research
-
Medicinal and Beneficial Health Applications of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi): A Miraculous Herb Countering Various Diseases and its Immunomodulatory Effects
(see source). Recent Patents on Anti-Infective Drug Discovery (2017)
A comprehensive review of Guduchi's immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and its traditional and modern applications.
View study doi:10.2174/1872214811666170301105101 -
Immunomodulatory role of Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant in surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomized controlled study
(see source). Indian Journal of Pharmacology (2008)
A prospective RCT reporting improved wound healing and phagocytic activity when Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) was used as an adjuvant in diabetic foot-ulcer treatment.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally very safe. Use under guidance in autoimmune conditions or alongside immunosuppressant or diabetes medication. Consult a physician for therapeutic use.
Where it grows
Guduchi is a large, glabrous climbing shrub native to India, growing wild throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions, often twining over neem and mango trees across the plains and lower hills.
Frequently asked questions
What is Guduchi used for?
Guduchi is used for recurrent fever, immunity, liver complaints, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, chronic skin disease and allergies. It is classified as a Rasayana, meaning it is taken over weeks to improve resistance rather than to treat an acute episode.
What is the dose of Guduchi?
Stem powder 3–6 g per day, decoction 40–80 ml twice daily, or fresh stem juice 10–20 ml. Guduchi Satva, the extracted starch, is dosed lower at 500 mg – 1 g. Courses of four to eight weeks are typical.
Is Giloy the same as Guduchi?
Yes. Giloy is the Hindi name and Guduchi the Sanskrit, both for Tinospora cordifolia. It is also called Amrita, meaning nectar, and in English heart-leaved moonseed.
Does Guduchi cause liver damage?
A cluster of hepatitis cases was reported in India around 2021 in people taking Giloy, and most were traced to misidentified plant material — Tinospora crispa, a related but hepatotoxic species. Use only correctly identified T. cordifolia from a licensed source, and stop if you develop jaundice or dark urine.
Can Guduchi be taken daily?
It is used in courses of several weeks rather than indefinitely. Take breaks between courses, and if you are taking it long term have liver function checked periodically given the reports above.
Who should avoid Guduchi?
Avoid in pregnancy. Take medical advice if you have an autoimmune condition, since it stimulates immune activity, or if you take diabetes or immunosuppressant medication. Stop before surgery because of its blood-sugar effect.
What is Guduchi Satva?
The starch settled out from the crushed fresh stem steeped in water. It is cooler and gentler than the whole stem, and is preferred in Pitta conditions, burning complaints and for children.
