Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) capsules (500 mg, Extract 10:1)

• ‘Guduchi’ in Sanskrit means ‘that which protects from diseases’
• It is rejuvenating (rasayana) and nootropic (medhya)
• Guduchi is known for its detoxifying, rejuvenating, mental strengthening, and ama cleansing properties
• Ama is the toxin produced in the body when digestion does not happen perfectly (it almost never does)
• Guduchi is full of life force, called prana in Ayurveda
• The Ayurvedic scripture Bhava Prakasha mentions that it is able to grow on its own even if cut
• It is full of life energy and is capable of growing for a while without any means of sustenance
• Guduchi is characterized by its heart shaped leaves.
• Therefore, Guduchi helps with prolonging life
• Sage Charaka classified it as a vayasthapana (age restoring) herb, and as part of of a group of four herbs called medhya rasayana (herbs which strengthen intelligence and memory).
• Ayurvedic texts also describe it as chaksushya (good for the eyes), dhatu krita (building the seven bodily tissues) and medhya (mind-strengthening)
• It is very recommended for wound healing.
• It is also called Amrita’, from the name of the elixir of immortality in Hindu mythology

Ayurvedic benefits of Guduchi, according to classical Sanskrit texts:

• Rejuvenating herb (Rasayana)
• Restoring youthfulness and giving longevity (Vyavasthapana)
• Mind strengthening herb (Medhya)
• Body strengthening (Balya)
• Kindles digestive fire (Deepana) which processes both undigested toxins and environmental toxins
• Strengthens and purifies the liver (natural hepatoprotective), and as a result purifies the blood (Rakta shodhak)
• Binder of stools (Sangrahi)
• Guduchi is also one of the most effective herbal remedies for fever.

A cleanser of undigested toxins (ama)

• Guduchi is able to bind and safely remove both ama (undigested toxins) and garvisha (environmental toxins that enter the body from the outside, such as toxins from air or water pollution and from chemicals in foods, grease from fried foods, etc)
• Over time, accumulated ama clogs the shrotas and blocks the flow of nutrients
• If ama is not cleansed regularly, it keeps on accumulating, which is one of the main causes of aging
• Guduchi has a rakta shodhak (blood purifier) effect.
• Adaptogenic Herb – Guduchi improves physical performance, as shown in tests measuring maximum distance and speed, oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and hand grip strength.
• Anti-radiation Herb – Guduchi has shown potent radio protective effects. In studies, radiation-induced injuries were significantly ameliorated in the group who consumed Guduchi, leading to significant increase in the body and tissue weight.
• Anti-Diabetic
• Joint Health
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Guduchi powder along with ghee is useful in vata imbalance.
• Guduchi pacifies all three dosha and is considered a tridosha rasayana (overall rejuvenating herb)
• It detoxifies the deepest tissues and rejuvenates and nourishes them

Indian Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) vs Balinese Guduchi (Tinospora crispa)

• Both herbs are called Guduchi in Sanskrit, and have overall similar effects
• Tinospora crispa is widespread in Southeast Asia, where this vine is considered a universal medicine
• Tinospora crispa is very efficient to treat malaria, jaundice and for use against intestinal worms
• A decoction of the stems, leaves and roots is used to treat fever, cholera, diabetes, rheumatism and snake-bites
• Guduchi and Kalamegha (Andrographis paniculata) are used together to relieve fevers and infections. High doses of this combination has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
• It is also vermifuge.
• The crushed leaves or the powder are applied on wounds and made into poultice for itch.
• In the Philippines, it is used as a cordial, or an ingredient in cocktails
• In powder form, it is prescribed in fevers.
• A decoction of the powder mixed with pepper and goat’s milk is given for rheumatism, every morning.
• A decoction of Guduchi sweetened with sugar and taken twice-a-day is given as a cure of gonorrhoea.
• Indonesians use an infusion of the stems to treat fevers and malaria
• They can also be used to treat stomachache and jaundice.
• The infusion is also useful in fevers caused by smallpox and cholera.
• The efficacy of Tinospora crispa extract for the treatment of diabetes has been verified in studies.
• In cosmetics Tinospora crispa can be used externally for its strong anti-oxidant and antiradical properties
• Traditionally, if Guduchi climbs up a Neem tree, it is considered to be more potent and to take the properties of the Neem tree as well.

Preparation and dosage

• Dosage – Guduchi is usually used in powder form, and the standard dosage for immune enhancement is one teaspoon, twice daily.
• Boil 25 g of Guduchi powder, in 3 glasses of water for 20 minutes. Strain. Take ½ glass of the decoction twice a day before meals.

Guduchi Kashayam (decoction)

Get the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 tbsp of Guduchi powder
• 1 1/2 cups of Water
• 1/2 tbsp of Long pepper (Piper retrofractum)
• 1-2 teaspoons of Honey

• Boil Guduchi powder and Long Pepper in the water over a medium heat.
• Keep the pot uncovered and stir continuously until the water reduces to 1/2 cup.
• Take 4-6 teaspoons of this decoction with one teaspoon of honey, once or twice a day before food for 3-4 weeks.

Side effects – There are no side effects reported using Guduchi following the recommended dosage. Excess dosage of Guduchi powder may cause a feeling of excess heat. Guduchi is safe to use for kids above 5 years of age. It is safe to use during lactation. Avoid during pregnancy. As usual, consult with your doctor to avoid any drug interactions.

References

• S. V. Ayurveda: From Sutra to Science, Vaidya Mishra, Guduchi–Learn About The Most Divine Herb In Ayurveda
• Frawley, D., Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine