Cardiospermum halicacabum,
Sapindaceae
Introduction to Indravalli
Indravalli is a highly respected medicinal plant in Ayurveda. It is more popularly known as Guduchi or Giloy and is famous for boosting immunity, purifying blood, and increasing strength.
In classical Ayurvedic texts such as Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Indravalli is described as “Amrita” (nectar of immortality) because of its powerful rejuvenating and disease-fighting properties.
Due to its wide health benefits, Indravalli is called the “Divine Climber” in traditional medicine.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name: Tinospora cordifolia
- Family: Menispermaceae
- Common Names:
- Sanskrit: Indravalli, Guduchi, Amrita
- Hindi: Giloy, Gurch
- English: Heart-leaved Moonseed
Plant Description
Indravalli is a climbing shrub that grows on trees and walls. It has:
- Green, heart-shaped leaves
- Long, flexible stems
- Small yellow flowers
It is commonly found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and tropical regions.
Ayurvedic Properties of Indravalli
According to Ayurveda, Indravalli has powerful healing qualities.
Rasa (Taste)
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Quality)
- Laghu (Light)
- Snigdha (Unctuous)
Virya (Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
- Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Effect
Indravalli balances:
✔️ Vata
✔️ Pitta
✔️ Kapha
It is a Tridosha Shamak herb.
Active Chemical Components
Indravalli contains many useful compounds such as:
- Tinosporin
- Berberine
- Alkaloids
- Glycosides
- Steroids
- Polysaccharides
- Antioxidants
These compounds give it strong medicinal power.
Health Benefits of Indravalli
1. Boosts Immunity
Indravalli is best known for improving immunity.
Benefits:
- Increases disease resistance
- Protects from infections
- Reduces weakness
- Improves recovery
It is widely used during seasonal illnesses.
2. Controls Fever (Jwaraghna)
Indravalli is very effective in fever.
- Useful in viral fever
- Helps in dengue and malaria (supportive)
- Reduces body heat
- Improves strength after illness
It works as a natural antipyretic.
3. Purifies Blood
Indravalli cleanses blood naturally.
- Removes toxins
- Improves skin health
- Prevents infections
- Reduces pimples and boils
That is why it is used in skin disorders.
4. Helps in Diabetes Control
Indravalli supports blood sugar management.
- Improves insulin activity
- Reduces glucose level
- Prevents complications
(Should be taken under medical guidance)
5. Improves Digestive System
Indravalli strengthens digestion.
- Reduces acidity
- Improves appetite
- Treats constipation
- Reduces gas
It improves Agni (digestive fire).
6. Supports Liver Health
Indravalli protects the liver.
- Detoxifies liver
- Improves bile secretion
- Prevents fatty liver
- Supports metabolism
It is useful in jaundice and liver weakness.
7. Enhances Skin Glow
Indravalli improves skin naturally.
- Reduces acne
- Improves complexion
- Delays aging
- Heals wounds
Its antioxidant property protects skin cells.
8. Strengthens Bones and Joints
Indravalli is helpful in joint problems.
- Reduces arthritis pain
- Improves flexibility
- Strengthens bones
- Reduces inflammation
It is useful in Vata disorders.
Uses of Indravalli in Ayurveda
Indravalli is used in many famous Ayurvedic medicines such as:
- Guduchi Satva
- Amritarishta
- Sanshamani Vati
- Chyawanprash
It is also used alone in home remedies.
Forms of Indravalli Available
1. Giloy Juice
Most popular form.
2. Giloy Powder (Churna)
Easy to store and use.
3. Tablets / Capsules
Convenient for daily use.
4. Decoction (Kadha)
Prepared by boiling stem pieces.
Dosage of Indravalli
Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before long-term use.
General Dosage
| Form | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Juice | 15–30 ml daily |
| Powder | 3–6 g |
| Tablet | 1–2 tablets |
| Decoction | 20–40 ml |
Best Time to Take Indravalli
- For immunity → Morning empty stomach
- For fever → As prescribed
- For digestion → After meals
- For diabetes → Morning/Evening (doctor’s advice)
Home Remedies Using Indravalli
For Immunity Booster
Mix:
- Giloy juice + Honey
Take every morning.
For Fever
Boil:
- Giloy stem in water
Drink as kadha.
For Skin Problems
Mix:
- Giloy powder + Rose water
Apply as face pack.
For Joint Pain
Take:
- Giloy powder with warm milk.
Side Effects of Indravalli
When used in excess, it may cause:
⚠️ Low blood sugar
⚠️ Constipation
⚠️ Dry mouth
⚠️ Weakness
Avoid overdose.
Precautions
✔️ Avoid during pregnancy
✔️ Consult doctor if diabetic
✔️ Do not use in autoimmune diseases
✔️ Use pure herbal product
✔️ Maintain proper dosage
Indravalli in Modern Research
Modern studies show that Indravalli has:
- Immunomodulatory effects
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant activity
- Anti-diabetic potential
- Liver-protective effects
This proves its scientific value.
Importance of Indravalli in Daily Life
Regular use of Indravalli helps in:
- Strong immunity
- Clean blood
- Healthy digestion
- Glowing skin
- Active lifestyle
That is why it is called “Amrita” in Ayurveda.
Conclusion
Indravalli (Guduchi / Giloy) is one of the greatest medicinal plants in Ayurveda. It balances all three doshas, strengthens immunity, purifies blood, and supports overall wellness. When used correctly, it helps in preventing diseases and maintaining long-term health.
From ancient times to modern research, Indravalli continues to prove its importance in natural healing.
Vernacular names
Bengali : Jyotishmati
English : Ballon Vine, Heart’s Pea
Gujrati : Bodha, Kapaalphodi, Shivajaala,
Nayaphataki
Hindi : Kaanphuti, Lataaphataki
Kannada : Kanakayya
Malayalam : Ulinna
Marathi : Fatphati
Tamil : Modikkottan,
Mudakkarutana(Siddha),
Mudukkottan
Telugu : Vekkudutiga
Medicinal Uses
- Arthritis: The tila oil cooked
with the leaves of indravalli acts
as a very effective on external
application for arthritis . - Ear ache: 2 to 3 drops of juice
of the indravalli leaves can be
used as a ear drops for ear ache,
purulent discharge from ears. - Piles: The decoction prepared
from the roots or Whole plant
of indravalli (20gms of paste is
boiled in 200ml of water and till it
reduced to 50ml) twice daily can
be given for piles. - Postpartum care: Indravalli
leaves paste applied and tied
over the lower abdomen of
the delivered woman for one
week after delivery. This helps in
expulsion of waste products out
of the uterus. - Dandruff: The leaves are soaked
in hot water for 3-4 hours and
then crushed well. This water is
used in cleaning the hairs. The
oil prepared from the paste of
the leaves and gingerly oil can be
used as a hair tonic and cure for
dandruff. - Cold & Cough: Soup prepared
with fistful of indravalli (ballon
vine) leaves, pepper, cumin
seeds, salt (as per taste) cooked
in 100ml of water for 5-10 min.
This soup is perfect for cold and
cough in children.
